Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate is an anionic surfactant used as a foaming and cleansing agent in shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers. It lowers surface tension to lift away oil and dirt but can be moderately stripping to skin and hair.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Skin dryness and stripping of natural oils | Common | Repeated use can compromise the skin barrier, especially in leave-on or high-concentration formulas. |
Mild skin or scalp irritation | Common | Concentration-dependent; more likely with prolonged contact or sensitive skin. |
Eye irritation | Common | Can cause stinging or redness on direct ocular contact. |
Contact dermatitis | Uncommon | May occur in individuals with sensitive or compromised skin. |
Allergic sensitization | Rare | True allergic reactions to ammonium lauryl sulfate are infrequent; irritation is more common than allergy. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.