Ammonium Laureth Sulfate.

What it does

Being an ethoxylated sulfate (the laureth version), it tends to be milder than its non-ethoxylated counterpart, ammonium lauryl sulfate, while still lifting away oil and dirt and producing a good lather. It is a cleansing agent, not a leave-on skin active.

Benefits

• Effective foaming cleanser that removes oil and grime
• Ethoxylated structure makes it milder than the plain lauryl (non-laureth) version
• Produces a pleasant, generous lather in cleansing products
• Versatile across shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, and makeup removers

Side effects

• Like other sulfate surfactants, it can be drying or irritating for some, especially at higher levels or on the face
• Very sensitive or dry skin may still prefer gentler, sulfate-free cleansers
• Best suited to rinse-off rather than leave-on use

Who it's for

Normal to oily skin and general cleansing where good foam and a thorough clean are wanted

Who should be careful

Dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin may prefer milder or sulfate-free facial cleansers; avoid contact with eyes

• Ammonium Laureth Sulfate (Explained) - INCIDecodercosmetic database
• Sodium laureth sulfate (ethoxylated sulfate chemistry and mildness) - Wikipediaencyclopedia

Researched & reviewed · July 2, 2026