People in the chemical industry didn’t always trust surfactants that could foam like crazy or clean every speck of grease in a kitchen. Years ago, household cleaning meant soap made from animal fat and lye. By the mid-1900s, scientists gained better knowledge about synthesizing surfactants, leading to groundbreaking materials like ALES. This compound, born from a drive for sustained lather and less skin irritation, came to play a role across generations. Chemical manufacturers responded to consumer complaints about hand dryness and environmental risks in early cleaning products. ALES emerged as an answer to that call, giving the detergent world a new star that provided both cleansing ability and milder touch compared to heavily alkaline formulas of the past. Consumer trust grew as formulations improved, giving ALES a secure spot in the manufacture of personal care and household cleaning items.
Ammonium Lauryl Ether Sulfate counts as an anionic surfactant found in almost every bathroom and laundry room across the globe. Its main job: providing rich foam and strong cleaning power in shampoos, hand washes, and laundry detergents. Companies value ALES for its ability to dissolve oils, dirt, and grease in water, allowing wash-off without harsh scrubbing. Usually sold as a clear or pale yellow viscous liquid, this chemical behaves reliably across temperatures found in most homes and factories. Its low cost and steady supply make it a mainstay, even as demand grows for biodegradable ingredients. In today’s market, brands often make clear on packaging if their formulas contain ALES, since many shoppers now research ingredient lists and their environmental impact.
ALES takes the form of a viscous liquid or paste with a faint odor, easily blending into water to form a stable, foamy solution. Appearance can range from clear to pale yellow. The typical pH range in solution hovers between 6.5 and 8.5, a factor that lets it work inside products designed for skin contact. This surface-active agent carries a negative charge in water, which makes it excellent at lifting oily and particulate dirt away from skin and fabric fibers. The long lauryl chains provide hydrophobic power, while the ether sulfate group drives the foaming action that users expect from body washes and cleaning agents. Chemical stability lets ALES keep its properties through varying temperatures and in the presence of other common formulation ingredients like salts, thickeners, and fragrance additives.
Labs follow tight specs to guarantee consistent quality of ALES. Chemical suppliers standardize active matter concentration—often between 27% and 30% by weight for liquid products—so formulators can build reliable recipes. Product labels must show both the concentration and main safety warnings, since ALES, like all surfactants, can cause eye irritation if it splashes during handling. Quality protocols also track residual impurities, such as unreacted starting materials, to keep them within regulatory limits. Lot numbers, production date, and expiry give buyers a record for tracing problems if needed. For shipping and storage, drums and IBC containers require clear hazardous warnings as ALES qualifies as an irritant in concentrate form.
Producers typically synthesize ALES by reacting fatty alcohols like lauryl alcohol with ethylene oxide—a process called ethoxylation—that adds ether units. This intermediate reacts with sulfating agents, often sulfur trioxide, to make the corresponding ether sulfate. The final step neutralizes the acid with aqueous ammonia, giving ammonium lauryl ether sulfate. Each of these steps requires careful temperature and pH control, with safety as a top concern. Any deviation produces off-spec product or potentially hazardous by-products. Factories invest in closed systems and automated controls to keep quality steady and workers protected from vapors and spills. Modern advances in process design cut down waste and improve overall yields, keeping production both affordable and safer for the environment.
Once made, ALES can undergo modification to adjust foaming, viscosity, or skin feel. Formulators often blend it with other surfactants—sometimes zwitterionic or nonionic types—to tweak mildness for particular skin types or adjust lather for hard water. Sometimes, chemical stabilizers enter the mix to help ALES last longer on the shelf. In rare cases, formulators attempt further ethoxylation to alter the number of ether groups, though this step risks shifting regulatory classification. Enzymes or advanced catalysts can sometimes improve efficiency or reduce environmental waste at the manufacturing stage, but the core reaction steps have stayed much the same for decades. Those who drive innovation often look for greener sulfonation methods or more sustainable starting materials, reflecting growing regulatory focus on “greener” chemistry.
Across technical papers, ingredient listings, and global supply catalogs, ALES might appear under many names. Common synonyms include Ammonium Laureth Sulfate, Ammonium Polyoxyethylene Lauryl Ether Sulfate, or the abbreviation, NH4 Laureth Sulfate. Cosmetic brands sometimes use trade names from big surfactant suppliers, which means a shampoo bottle label won’t always spell out “ALES” directly. For regulatory or import/export purposes, safety data sheets also reference its CAS Registry Number, making it easier for scientists and manufacturers to confirm its identity across markets. This variety of names can confuse everyday buyers, but industry chemists keep standardized glossaries to prevent costly mistakes in formulation or shipping.
Handling ALES safely starts with good working habits. In industrial settings, workers rely on eye protection, gloves, and well-ventilated spaces to reduce exposure to splashes and fumes. Companies invest in spill control equipment and emergency wash stations wherever ALES enters the production flow, staying mindful of its potential to irritate skin or eyes at high concentrations. Factory supervisors train new hires to respect safety data sheets and follow local environmental controls for wastewater. Regulatory agencies in the US, Europe, and Asia all set limits around concentration in personal care, with stricter controls around children’s products. Wastewater containing ALES receives treatment to break down surfactants and protect aquatic ecosystems. In storage, compatible containers prevent accidental mixing with strong acids, which could produce hazardous gases. Good documentation and hazard communication support both workplace safety and customer confidence in finished goods.
ALES makes its mark in a wide variety of everyday products. Most people interact with it unwittingly every day through shampoo, body wash, facial cleansers, liquid hand soap, and dishwashing liquids. Laundry detergents tap ALES for its ability to lift tough stains even in hard water. Industrial cleaning and textile washing solutions also depend on it, especially where washing needs to occur at low temperatures or without abrasive scrubbing. Smaller specialty markets—like automobile cleaning or pet shampoos—prize its balance of cleaning power with relative mildness even under repeated exposure. Producers in cosmetics make careful choices about ALES concentration, constantly pushing for the right blend of foam, feel, and cost that keeps consumer loyalty high. The food-processing sector keeps it around in strict, controlled uses for cleaning-in-place systems where traditional soaps just won’t cut it.
Academic labs and industry R&D teams constantly test ALES for safer production, better biodegradability, and performance tweaks. Analytical chemists track how it breaks down in wastewater and how by-products interact with the environment. Some projects zero in on plant-based lauryl alcohol sources, moving away from petroleum-derived feedstocks in line with sustainability goals. Consumer demand for “greener” labels pushes scientists to combine ALES with plant polymers or enzymes to create formulas that out-clean their ancestors while still rinsing away easily. Regulatory pressure has forced open more research into trace contaminants and low-toxicity blends. With more people searching ingredients online or using apps that scan product barcodes, pressure grows for companies to back up their “gentle” and “eco-friendly” claims with real test results that independent scientists and watchdog groups can verify.
Most research shows that ALES, at normal concentrations in finished products, rarely causes harm to healthy adults. Still, undiluted or high levels can irritate or inflame sensitive skin and eyes, especially among salon workers or those repeatedly exposed without gloves. Animal safety data suggests low acute oral toxicity, but repeated skin contact at higher concentrations occasionally brings up allergic reactions in test groups. Environmental scientists pay close attention to its breakdown products in rivers and municipal water systems, checking for any threat to aquatic life. Some degradation products have raised flags in high-volume studies, so factories face stricter limits on what gets into their waste streams. Toxicologists keep tracking human exposure through direct testing and by reviewing consumer complaints, pushing for clearer labeling and worker training if any unexpected risk comes to light.
The world of personal care and cleaning products keeps shifting toward safer, gentler, and more eco-sensitive chemistry. Plant-derived surfactants are carving out room in a market where ALES once had no competition. ALES itself remains in the running thanks to reliable performance and cost, but groups concerned with sensitive skin or pollution dig deeper into alternatives. Modern factories look to improved process efficiency, green chemistry, and safer work protocols to keep ALES relevant without letting environmental impact creep up. More transparent data about biodegradability, toxicity, and human health might either keep ALES on shelves or push formulators to pivot toward newer compounds. The pressure for clarity, safety, and real-world performance in consumer products will keep the spotlight on ALES and its place in the ever-changing landscape of detergents and cosmetics.
Anyone who has lathered up with shampoo or squeezed a blob of face wash into their palm has probably used ammonium lauryl ether sulfate (ALES), even if the name means nothing to them. ALES gets a lot of attention in ingredient lists for personal care products, especially those foamy or sudsy ones. I spent years poking through ingredient lists trying to figure out what makes my shampoo so frothy or turns a boring dish of water into mountains of bubbles, and ALES keeps showing up. It acts as a surfactant, which in plain terms means it breaks up oil and dirt so rinsing actually gets you clean.
ALES works in ways that make it almost a default choice for companies, partly because it plays nicely with water but also because it delivers a thick lather that signals "clean" to people using soaps or shampoos. I get the appeal — when I want the feeling of a product "working," that creamy foam makes a difference. Studies back this up, showing that ALES lowers the surface tension of water, helping ingredients mix and dirt lift away. This compound tends to be gentler than older, harsher surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate. Consumers with sensitive skin sometimes notice less irritation switching to products that use ALES, and dermatology journals have reported on its milder action compared to some alternatives.
Cleaning up doesn't stop at the bathroom sink. ALES also finds a home in liquid soaps for hands and bodies, laundry detergents, and even the kind of cleaning sprays that tackle kitchen messes. Its main draw: keep things simple, easy to rinse, and low-cost for mass production. I noticed that most "gentle" or "for sensitive skin" laundry detergents still clean well because this ingredient can handle both delicate cycles and sticky messes. Household cleaning products containing ALES help remove grease from counters after making fried food or washing out tough marks on clothing after a day out in the garden.
A lot of people wonder if ALES is totally safe. The good news: leading health authorities, including the Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel in the United States and scientific committees in the European Union, generally give ALES a green light for rinse-off products at typical doses. Reports say it's not considered a strong skin irritant when used this way, though everyone’s skin reacts differently. Research from the last decade continues to watch for any red flags around allergies or long-term health effects, but right now, evidence points to its reasonable safety for most folks when properly diluted and rinsed off.
Some shoppers feel anxious about the word “sulfate” in products, often due to concerns about harshness or possible links to environmental problems. Most experts argue that, compared to similar ingredients, ALES breaks down fairly easily in wastewater treatment systems. I try to remember, too, that effectiveness matters — cutting down on how much detergent or shampoo someone needs saves on packaging and waste. A promising path toward improvement? Find plant-based versions or new surfactants that keep up with ALES for performance and cost, while pushing for transparency from companies about ecology and sourcing.
People want products that work without feeling harsh on skin or carrying huge environmental footprints. For those who deal with irritation or just want to try something new, there are shampoos and soaps without ALES on the label. Staying informed about what goes into personal and cleaning products gives everyone more say in what they use at home. Scientists, regulators, and consumer feedback all shape what shows up in your shower or under your kitchen sink next.
Ask someone what’s inside their shampoo, and most people just shrug or point to the “herbal extracts” on the label. Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) and ammonium laureth sulfate (ALES) often lurk right at the top of those lists, especially in products that foam or claim to deep clean. ALES captures attention for its low price and high performance, but questions about its safety never seem to fade away.
ALES creates bubbles and lifts away dirt, oil, and sweat. That same “squeaky clean” feeling convinced a whole generation that lather equals effectiveness. Chemically, it’s a surfactant—the kind that makes oils dissolve in water—sourced from coconut or palm oil. Many consumers assume the “derived from coconut” label signals purity and safety. Real life doesn’t work in such black and white. The refining process changes natural ingredients, and ALES becomes a synthetic molecule by the time it lands in shampoo.
The biggest safety concern with any surfactant comes from its potential to irritate skin or scalp. Studies back up that ALES, thanks to its larger molecular size, tends to be milder than sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). Mildness matters most for people with eczema, psoriasis, or dry skin. I’ve seen this up close working with kids who react to regular bar soaps but do much better with products containing ALES or similar alternatives. My own sensitive skin flares up with traditional sulfates. Switching to formulas designed for children—almost all using ALES or similar—brought a quick improvement.
Despite allergy fears, peer-reviewed research from toxicology journals repeatedly finds ALES safe in rinse-off products used as directed. Cosmetic Ingredient Review and regulatory bodies in the EU and US both reviewed the data, setting concentration limits and requiring manufacturers to restrict residual manufacturing impurities, such as 1,4-dioxane, a byproduct sometimes formed during production. Manufacturing advances greatly reduced such contaminants over the past decade.
Not everyone wants to use synthetic surfactants, even if dermatologists and regulatory panels give them the green light. Some people feel more comfortable with soap nuts or bars made with saponified oils. That’s a personal choice supported by a growing market for sulfate-free options. ALES remains a critical option in mainstream shampoos and cleansers because it works well and suits the budgets of people who can’t pay ten bucks for a bottle.
I’ve written about green beauty trends, and I’ve learned that “natural” doesn’t always mean “safe.” Tea tree oil, for instance, causes rashes in sensitive individuals. Manufacturers have to balance cleaning power, user comfort, and environmental responsibility. They blend ALES with fatty acids, aloe, or other moisturizers to offset dryness. Good brands publish their ingredient lists and work with dermatologists to test for safety.
People want affordable, safe products. Ingredients such as ALES provide a middle ground. By knowing your skin, reading ingredient lists, and picking products meant for sensitive types, most shoppers can avoid problems. Anyone with ongoing irritation should check labels and talk to their doctor or a licensed dermatologist. Companies and consumers both benefit from ongoing science, honest marketing, and transparency.
Ultimately, ALES remains a strong bet for mild, effective cleansing in many body and hair products. With stricter production standards and available alternatives for those who want them, informed choices become easier each year.
Walk into any grocery store and scan the labels on your favorite shampoo or dish liquid. Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES) and Ammonium Laureth Sulfate (ALES) turn up again and again. Both clean well, they foam, and they end up in a host of personal care and cleaning products. If you’ve ever wondered what really makes them different, you’re not alone. I spent a few years formulating detergents in a small-scale lab, and those subtle differences pop up in everything from cost down to the feel of your hair after a shower.
SLES usually gets made by ethoxylating lauryl alcohol. The final product has sodium as the cation. ALES, on the other hand, uses ammonium instead of sodium. Start with nearly the same fatty alcohol and the same ethoxylation, but swap the cation, and you’ve got ALES. Subtle? Maybe. But swap that cation, and the result doesn’t behave quite the same in water, skin, or hair. For people prone to sensitive skin, the difference can matter—not just in comfort but in real allergic reactions. I’ve tested both on my own hands more than once (not always by choice), and the sensation is not identical.
Both ALES and SLES produce that thick, satisfying foam everyone loves in shampoo. If the job calls for heaps of bubbles, both deliver, but experience in the lab and in the shower tells me ALES produces a slightly softer, creamier foam than SLES. SLES foams a bit faster and larger but doesn’t always feel as “rich.” ALES stands out for anyone looking for a gentler touch: it leaves the skin with a less squeaky, stripped sensation. Dermatologists often suggest ALES in baby washes and bubble baths for a good reason. Multiple studies flag ALES as milder, especially for sensitive or easily irritated skin.
Both surfactants break down fairly well in wastewater treatment. Yet, nuances exist, and part of the difference comes down to local water chemistry. ALES sometimes breaks down more completely in hard water. Both ingredients already draw scrutiny from eco-conscious shoppers because they come from petrochemicals, though international regulations are tightening. Every time a new rule comes up for ingredient transparency or aquatic toxicity, both ingredients show up for debate.
Cost shapes ingredient decisions. SLES tends to cost less and have slightly easier sourcing from global manufacturers. Big shampoo makers weigh every penny; SLES wins on price and scale. ALES comes in higher on cost, and that price tag shows up in niche and specialty products or brands pushing gentle formulas. In my own test batches, ALES was always the splurge ingredient, reserved for products designed for kids or people with sensitivity concerns. In the end, both do the job, but the feel, price, and allergic reaction risk push brands one way or the other.
For everyday cleaning, both SLES and ALES cover the bases—lots of bubbles, plenty of clean. If someone has sensitive skin or eczema, ALES often proves a safer pick. The average family shopper won’t notice a world of difference unless allergies or skin irritations pop up. The bottom line: science points to small changes in chemistry making a big difference on skin, wallet, and the environment. That’s why the letters after “laur” on your shampoo bottle actually matter.
Most people pick up a bottle of shampoo or cleanser and skim past the ingredients. ALES, short for Ammonium Lauryl Ether Sulfate, turns up in a lot of body washes, shampoos, and even toothpaste. It does the job of getting you clean because it breaks up oils and dirt. In my own bathroom, nearly half the products carry “ammonium lauryl ether sulfate” toward the top of their labels. The ingredient foams up nicely and rinses off easily, so it’s everywhere. But lately, questions about side effects—especially irritation and allergy—get louder as people rethink what touches their skin.
ALES works as a surfactant. It grabs oil and holds onto it, allowing water to wash it away. That’s what keeps hair and skin free from buildup. But this action isn’t gentle on everyone. I’ve personally met people, including family members, with sensitive skin who break out in red, itchy patches after using mainstream shampoos or liquid cleansers. Their skin flares up after exposure, sometimes within hours. Others see flakiness or mild rashes with daily use. Medical studies back this up. Research from the American Academy of Dermatology points to sulfates like ALES increasing dryness and irritation, especially in people with eczema or delicate skin. Even for people without a diagnosed skin condition, using strong detergents several times a day dries out the skin barrier.
Not everyone will react the same way to ALES. For most folks, daily contact causes no obvious harm. But those with existing allergies or chronically dry skin seem to pay the price. Kids, older adults, and anyone recovering from a flare-up show more sensitivity. Dermatologists warn that, for these groups, regular use of sulfate-based products can mean an ongoing cycle of irritation and healing. Add in fragrance, preservatives, and other “extras,” and you’ve got a recipe for trouble. The invisible nature of some mild rashes just adds confusion—people struggle to pinpoint the real cause until they cut out certain products or switch to alternatives.
While ALES causes irritation, true allergies are less common. Irritation means a product damages the skin’s outer layer, letting in more irritants and sometimes bacteria. Allergy triggers a more dramatic immune response, causing hives or swelling. Reports of genuine allergic reactions to ALES remain rare in the medical literature. Still, irritation often acts as a warning sign that, over time, the skin barrier gets weaker, which could eventually let allergies develop. My own experience lines up with this: switching to gentler, sulfate-free cleansers made stubborn hand rashes vanish after months of guessing and patch-testing.
Packed store shelves offer sulfate-free or “sensitive skin” alternatives. I keep an eye out for gentle, fragrance-free formulas, and suggest friends do the same when their skin can't catch a break. Thicker creams and balms after washing fight irritation by restoring lost moisture. For those wanting to play it safe, limiting how often products touch the skin helps. Less is usually better, especially if rashes or itchiness already show up. Manufacturers also post full ingredient lists online now, so it’s easier than ever to check what’s inside before bringing anything home. In the end, ingredients like ALES get the cleaning job done, but not everyone’s skin wants to pay the price. Keeping tabs on how skin reacts—and not waiting for a reaction—means fewer headaches down the road.
Every bottle of shampoo and dish soap sits on store shelves because it creates lather. People link that foam with cleanliness, but few stop to consider what the main ingredient—ammonium lauryl ether sulfate (ALES)—does after it swirls down the drain and slips back into the water cycle. As someone who has spent years digging into ingredient lists and tracking their path from homes to rivers, I know the question keeps popping up: is ALES really as eco-friendly as we hope?
Manufacturers call ALES biodegradable, but the details matter. Surfactants based on coconut or palm sources have a head start; microorganisms recognize the carbon chains and break them apart. A study published by the European Commission showed that over 90% of ALES breaks down within 28 days in standard conditions. That’s a relief for anyone concerned about greenwashing. I once spoke with a wastewater treatment operator who described the process as “feeding the bugs.” These bacteria feast on the surfactant, reducing its concentration before water heads back into streams.
Even with quick breakdown, every cleaning cycle washes thousands of tons of surfactants into rivers every year. I’ve checked local water treatment reports; in cities with advanced facilities, traces rarely reach natural water. Rural systems struggle more, letting low but persistent levels escape. Some researchers worry about aquatic creatures. Surfactants still knock down the surface tension of water, making it harder for tiny insects and fish eggs to survive. A 2018 investigation found that high surfactant loads can cut oxygen for aquatic life. Numbers have dropped in most developed countries, but fast population growth elsewhere means more ALES in rivers, especially in places without modern filters.
So much ALES starts with palm or coconut oil. I remember walking through tropical plantations—rows of palms that once replaced old-growth rainforest. That’s one thing few bottles mention. Sustainable certification exists, but only some brands pay for it. Destruction of habitat for cheap oil can outweigh most short-term gains from “biodegradable” formulas. The label alone doesn’t capture the whole picture.
Consumers have more say than they think. I started switching to laundry soap with shorter ingredient lists after discovering one local brand that used sodium soap flakes and essential oils. Less foam, more nature left intact. Alternatives like soap nuts and saponins clean up well without the industrial chemistry. Big brands slowly add new options, often driven by customer feedback.
If more people ask questions in stores and check up on the supply chain, companies might trim down their ingredient lists and build products that are easier on streams and soil. In school classrooms, kids learn about the water cycle but rarely get the full picture. If we connect those lessons to what happens after a car wash or a shower, it makes every choice hit closer to home.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | Ammonium 2-(dodecyloxy)ethanesulfonate |
| Other names |
Ammonium Polyoxyethylene Lauryl Ether Sulfate Ammonium Laureth Sulfate Ammonium Lauryl Ether Sulphate Ammonium Dodecyl Polyoxyethylene Ether Sulfate Ammonium Laureth-2 Sulfate |
| Pronunciation | /əˈmoʊniəm ˈlɔːriːl ˈiːθər ˈsʌlfeɪt/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 32612-48-9 |
| Beilstein Reference | 3521085 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:60045 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL165194 |
| ChemSpider | 20392967 |
| DrugBank | DB11106 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 03-2119450006-54-XXXX |
| EC Number | 931-534-0 |
| Gmelin Reference | 82138 |
| KEGG | C14335 |
| MeSH | D000686 |
| PubChem CID | 23665754 |
| RTECS number | MC5950000 |
| UNII | 6SCK295KNF |
| UN number | UN3082 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C₁₂H₂₅(OCH₂CH₂)nOSO₃NH₄ |
| Molar mass | 420.6 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow transparent viscous liquid |
| Odor | Mild characteristic odor |
| Density | 1.05 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | Easily soluble in water |
| log P | 1.3 |
| Acidity (pKa) | ~2 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 7.7 |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.360~1.370 |
| Viscosity | 300 max (25°C, 5% a. i. mpa.s) |
| Dipole moment | 4.45 D |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | Causes skin and eye irritation. Harmful if swallowed. May cause respiratory irritation. |
| GHS labelling | GHS07, GHS05 |
| Pictograms | GHS05,GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | Hazard statements: Causes serious eye irritation. |
| Precautionary statements | Keep container tightly closed. Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapors/spray. Wash thoroughly after handling. Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. |
| Flash point | > 100 °C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | Oral Rat LD50: 2,000 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | 1940 mg/kg (rat, oral) |
| NIOSH | GB630 |
| PEL (Permissible) | 5 mg/m³ |
| REL (Recommended) | 10 mg/m³ |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES) Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS) Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) Sodium Pareth Sulfate Sodium Myreth Sulfate |
