Ammonium lauryl sulfate is a surfactant that is commonly used in hygiene products like cleansers, shampoos, and soaps due to its relatively cheap cost and wide variety of uses. Here are some key details, positive and negative aspects, and ingredients or materials related to ammonium lauryl sulfate:
Details:
- Ammonium lauryl sulfate is an ammonium salt of lauryl sulfate.
- It is a fat-based molecule made from coconut or palm kernel oil.
- It is a detergent cleansing agent and a key ingredient found in shampoos and personal care products.
- It is an anionic surfactant that lowers the surface tension of water, making the water spread more easily.
- It is added to products as a foaming agent and as a detergent.
- It is typically used at 20-35% in low-pH shampoos, bath products, and cleansers requiring dense, rich foam, low color, and low odor.
Positive aspects:
- It is considered to be gentle and effective.
Negative aspects:
- It can cause skin irritation, especially in people with certain skin conditions like eczema.
- It may damage the skins immune system by causing skin layers to separate, inflame, and age.
- It may be contaminated with potentially toxic manufacturing impurities such as 1,4-dioxane.
Ingredients or materials:
- Ammonium lauryl sulfate is an ammonium salt of lauryl sulfate.
- It is a fat-based molecule made from coconut or palm kernel oil.
- It contains PEG (polyethylene glycol) in its structure.
