What Is Ammonium Persulfate?
Ammonium persulfate, also called diammonium peroxodisulphate, is an inorganic salt made of ammonium ions and a strong oxidizing peroxodisulfate group. It appears as a white crystalline powder that dissolves in water and releases oxygen, which is the key to its cosmetic action. The ingredient is synthesized by electrolyzing a cold, concentrated solution of ammonium sulfate and sulfuric acid, a process that produces the highly reactive persulfate ions needed for its performance.
The compound first gained industrial use in the early 1900s for textile bleaching and soon found a place in hair lightening products for salons. Its ability to break down color molecules without the harshness of chlorine-based bleaches made it attractive to cosmetic formulators. Today it is produced on a large scale in chemical plants under strict quality standards to ensure purity suitable for personal care.
You will most often see ammonium persulfate in powdered hair bleach, highlighting kits, color-remover packets and some professional hair dye developers. It can also appear in teeth whitening strips, nail whitening pastes and certain peel-off facial masks that rely on gentle oxidative action. It is not used in leave-on skin creams or daily moisturizers because its strong oxidizing nature is meant for short-contact treatments.
Ammonium Persulfate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In cosmetic formulas ammonium persulfate delivers two main functions that work hand in hand to create visible aesthetic changes.
- Bleaching: The ingredient breaks apart the chemical bonds of natural or artificial pigments, making them colorless. In hair products this results in lighter shades that can be toned or dyed. In tooth and nail care it helps lift surface stains for a brighter appearance.
- Oxidising: As a potent oxidizer it speeds up color-removal reactions, allowing lower temperatures and shorter processing times. This controlled oxidation minimizes damage compared with harsher alternatives and helps achieve uniform results across the treated surface.
Who Can Use Ammonium Persulfate
Because ammonium persulfate is a strong oxidizer intended for brief, rinse-off treatments it can technically be used on all skin and scalp types, yet people with very sensitive or compromised skin may find it too harsh due to its potential to cause irritation. Normal, oily and combination skin generally tolerate it better provided contact time is short and instructions are followed precisely.
The compound is made by purely chemical processes without any animal-derived inputs, making it suitable for both vegans and vegetarians. Always check the full ingredient list of the finished product though, as other components in the formula might not share the same status.
Data on use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding is limited. The ingredient is not absorbed deeply when applied correctly to hair or nails, nonetheless this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should consult a healthcare professional before using products that contain ammonium persulfate.
The ingredient itself does not increase photosensitivity so there is no special sun-exposure concern beyond standard UV protection recommendations.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical ammonium persulfate vary from person to person. The following is a list of potential side effects that could occur, though most users will not experience them when the product is formulated and applied as directed.
- Skin irritation redness, stinging or burning during or after use
- Allergic contact dermatitis itchy rash or hives in sensitised individuals
- Respiratory irritation coughing or wheezing if the dry powder is inhaled while mixing
- Scalp burns or blistering with excessive concentration or prolonged contact
- Hair dryness or brittleness due to the oxidative action stripping natural lipids
- Eye irritation watering or pain if particles or solution splash into the eyes
If any of these reactions occur stop using the product immediately rinse thoroughly with water and seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0/5
Ammonium persulfate is water-soluble and leaves no oily or waxy residue that could block pores. Its role is limited to short-contact bleaching and oxidative treatments that are rinsed off completely, meaning it does not linger on the skin long enough to form comedones. For these reasons it earns a zero on the comedogenic scale.
This makes the ingredient generally suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts, provided they tolerate its oxidative strength without irritation.
Because it is a strong oxidizer it may still trigger redness or dryness in sensitive, blemish-prone skin so balanced aftercare is important.
Summary
Ammonium persulfate is valued in cosmetics for two main jobs: bleaching and oxidizing. By releasing reactive oxygen it breaks down pigment molecules in hair, nails and teeth, allowing lighter shades or stain removal with less harshness than chlorine-based bleaches. Its quick, powerful action reduces processing time and helps achieve even results.
The ingredient is a staple in professional hair lightening powders and niche products like nail or tooth brighteners but you will not find it in everyday skincare, making its popularity strong within salons yet limited in the wider beauty aisle.
When used as directed in rinse-off formulas it is considered safe for most people though irritation, allergy or respiratory issues can occur if mishandled. As with any potent cosmetic active it is wise to patch test a new product and follow all safety instructions to enjoy the benefits while minimizing risk.