Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
Harsh sulfate Not CG-friendly
A strong foaming sulfate cleanser, the ammonium salt of lauryl sulfate. It cleans much like SLS and can be drying on curly and coily hair.
Curly Girl note: A sulfate cleanser with similar strength to SLS.
How our checker rates it
| Mode | Rating | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Curly Girl | Avoid | Harsh sulfate — strips natural oils. Not allowed in the Curly Girl Method. |
| Relaxed hair | Caution | Strong cleanser — good for clarifying or as a neutralizing shampoo after a relaxer, too stripping for every wash. |
| Low porosity | OK | No concerns for this mode. |
| Protein-sensitive | OK | No concerns for this mode. |
Ratings assume it is listed near the top of the label. After the first preservative or fragrance (likely 1% or less) most cautions soften.
What harsh sulfate ingredients do
Strong detergents that lift oil and product build-up very effectively — and also strip the natural oils that dry, coily hair needs.
Also listed as
- als
- ammonium lauryl sulphate
Similar ingredients
Sources
Last data update:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR). Ingredient safety assessments. Safety assessments for cosmetic ingredients cited on ingredient pages.
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