Ammonium Laureth Sulfate

Ammonium laureth sulfate is a synthetic surfactant—a cleaning agent made by chemically modifying lauryl alcohol. It belongs to the sulfate family of surfactants, which are particularly effective at breaking down oils and removing dirt from skin. In skincare, it appears in a small fraction of products, primarily in cleansers.

The ingredient works by reducing the surface tension between water and oils, allowing them to mix and rinse away easily. This makes it a practical choice for formulations designed to cleanse oily skin or remove makeup and sebum.

Ammonium laureth sulfate is a surfactant, meaning its molecular structure has both water-loving and oil-loving ends. When applied to skin, these molecules surround oily substances and suspend them in water, allowing them to be rinsed away. Research on similar surfactants suggests two primary mechanisms: emulsification (breaking oils into smaller droplets that mix with water) and roll-up (where the surfactant lifts oils away from the skin surface).

The effectiveness of this process depends on how strongly the surfactant binds to skin lipids and how readily it can suspend oils without leaving residue.

Ammonium laureth sulfate is typically used as a cleanser: apply to damp skin, massage gently, and rinse thoroughly with water. Because it is an effective degreaser, it works well for oily or combination skin, but those with dry or sensitive skin may find it too stripping if used twice daily. Consider alternating with a gentler cleanser, or limit use to once daily in the evening.