Ammonium lauryl sulfate
Ammonium lauryl sulfate is an anionic surfactant made by sulfating lauryl alcohol (a C12-14 cut from coconut, palm kernel or petrochemical sources) and neutralizing with ammonia instead of sodium hydroxide. It foams strongly and is used mainly in shampoos and body washes, often with ammonium laureth sulfate. Brands buy it as a roughly 25 to 30% aqueous solution in drums or totes.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Aqueous, preserved solution; the standard commercial form.
Grades from natural fatty alcohol sources, with RSPO certification available for palm kernel supply.
Pre-mixed surfactant bases sold for shampoos, with a stated ratio of the two.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
Store closed at moderate temperature, away from freezing and away from alkaline materials, since raising the pH releases ammonia. Shelf life follows the supplier's specification, with a retest of active matter, pH and micro for older stock.
Record active matter, pH and salt for each lot. Keep finished formulas below the pH limit the supplier gives, and rotate liquid stock FIFO.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists ammonium lauryl sulfate (CAS 2235-54-3) with non-medicinal purposes of emulsifying agent and cleansing surfactant.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)The same database entry restricts it to topical use, up to 55% in rinse-off products and up to 1% in leave-on products, citing CIR.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
Manufacturer · Navi Mumbai, India
Indian producer of surfactants and specialty care ingredients, including sulfates, mild amino-acid and glucoside surfactants, emollient esters and UV filters for personal and home care.
Manufacturer · Englewood, CO
Sells it as Empicol AL 70
US specialty chemicals company whose personal care unit makes surfactants, emollient esters and silicones for shampoos, cleansers and skin care, alongside fuel and industrial chemistries.
Suppliers are in alphabetical order and none pays to appear. Each claim is checked against the supplier’s own website on the date shown. Ask for the specification sheet and a recent COA before you order, and confirm details with the supplier.
Common forms include liquid (about 25 to 30% active), coconut- or palm-derived and blends with ammonium laureth sulfate. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect active matter, unsulfated alcohol and ammonium sulfate, pH, ammonium chloride and microbiology and preservative, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
Store closed at moderate temperature, away from freezing and away from alkaline materials, since raising the pH releases ammonia. Shelf life follows the supplier's specification, with a retest of active matter, pH and micro for older stock.
Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists ammonium lauryl sulfate (CAS 2235-54-3) with non-medicinal purposes of emulsifying agent and cleansing surfactant. The same database entry restricts it to topical use, up to 55% in rinse-off products and up to 1% in leave-on products, citing CIR.
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