Ammonium Lauryl Ether Sulfate, known in laboratories and industry by its abbreviation ALES, shows up in so many household and personal care products that it’s easy to take its name for granted. With a molecular formula of C12H25(OCH2CH2)nOSO3NH4 and a CAS number of 32612-48-9, this synthetic surfactant forms when ethoxylated lauryl alcohol reacts with sulfur trioxide and ammonium. Unlike technical jargon, ALES feels real through its texture and versatility. As a raw material, it comes in various physical forms, from clear or milky liquids to flakes, crystalline solids, and pearlized pastes. Pure samples carry a density in the range of 1.02 to 1.05 g/cm3 at 25°C, depending on the concentration and water content, which affects how it blends with other substances.
Each day at home, in the shower, or handling a utility cleaner, one relies on ALES without much thought. It breaks up oils and dirt in shampoos, body washes, hand soaps, dish detergents, laundry solutions, and various other cleaning products. The material’s main property—an ability to generate thick, stable foam in both hard and soft water—explains why manufacturers keep choosing it. When poured into formulations, whether as a heavy liquid or a drying powder, ALES enables impressive cleansing and dispersion. As a liquid or in solution at 25-70% concentration, it moves easily through mixing systems. Flake and powder versions work best in dry blends or for compact storage. Pearl and crystal types show up in bath products where appearance matters as much as function. Personal care brands draw on the surfactant’s mildness to skin, especially at diluted concentrations, and that’s something customers feel with every lather.
Scientific interest in ALES focuses on its amphiphilic structure: one end loves water, the other grabs onto oils and grease. This structure leaves it suited for mixing opposites, bridging water with dirt on skin, fabric, or food prep surfaces. Its key group, ether sulfate, comes from connecting ethoxylated fatty alcohol (usually derived from renewable coconut or palm oil) with a sulfate group and ammonium ion. Depending on the degree of ethoxylation (typically “2EO”), manufacturers tune the softness or harshness of the finished ALES. Careful balance creates a product that cleans well but stings less than some rival chemicals.
Safe trade and handling depend on proper identification. The Harmonized System Code—or HS Code—for Ammonium Lauryl Ether Sulfate generally falls under 3402.11, which covers organic surface-active agents. In commercial shipments, technical data sheets specify the active matter (usually 27-70%), pH range (nearly neutral to slightly acidic, 5.5-7.5 for most applications), and minor components like free ammonium. These details help buyers judge which form of ALES—liquid, powder, crystal, or otherwise—fits their process best. Product appearance runs from clear to milky, with viscosity that depends on water dilution. Storage conditions matter, especially with powder or flakes, since clumping or chemical breakdown can follow humidity exposure.
Anyone pouring or mixing ALES notices its weight per liter and how it pours across surfaces. At room temperature, its density helps calculate how much fits in a drum or bulk tank. Liquid ALES flows easily enough to pump, yet thick enough to keep in solution with most additives. Handling the chemical in powder form raises dust control and inhalation care issues. Safety guidelines, grounded in globally harmonized safety data sheets, call for skin and eye protection since undiluted ALES can cause irritation. In solution, the risk drops fast, though anyone with allergies or sensitive skin feels the difference. Spills wash away with water but foam up rapidly. Waste handling needs thought because high concentrations running into water streams raise concerns for aquatic life. Manufacturers and end users count on spill kits, proper labeling, and accessible water rinses for quick response.
ALES, like all strong surfactants, asks users and formulators to weigh benefits against hazards. At industrial strength, the substance can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. In volume, it triggers foaming that strains wastewater systems, so treatment plants monitor and regulate disposal. Nevertheless, ALES shows better biodegradability than older sulfate surfactants, breaking down under aerobic conditions in modern municipal treatment plants. As consumers and companies seek safer cleaning ingredients, brands using ALES often highlight its comparative mildness and lower absorption in skin versus similar agents. Everyone from chemists to users plays a part in keeping exposures safe and systems in compliance with environmental guidance from agencies like the US EPA and the EU REACH regulation.
The pathway from raw coconut or palm kernel oil to finished ALES travels through several chemical conversion steps. Ethoxylation controls how soft or harsh the end product feels, while sulfation with ammonia finishes the structure. Major producers test each batch for percentage purity, free amines, and chloride content to ensure quality and consistent behavior in finished goods. Upstream sourcing drives conversation around sustainable oils, traceable supply chains, and commitments to responsible environmental practices. Downstream, manufacturing experience shapes which physical form—liquid, solid, flake, or powder—speaks best to local needs, climate, and technical capacity.
As new cleaning solutions reach the market each year, the familiar grip and texture of ALES continue to influence how soap, detergent, and cleanser factories set their standards. Its cost-effectiveness, paired with dependable quality, allows both small-scale makers and multinational brands to meet consumer expectations for foaming, cleaning strength, and rinseability. Beyond industrial practice, that experience ripples down to each user. Choosing ALES means weighing convenience and effectiveness against any possible risks from long-term use or environmental impact. Ongoing research and shifts in consumer awareness keep the discussion alive, shaping future directions in raw material sourcing, chemical innovation, and the use of alternatives when new demands appear.
