Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate

What is Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate?

Ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS) is an organic compound that belongs to the family of alkyl sulfates. It is a clear, colorless or pale yellow liquid that is commonly used as a foaming agent and surfactant in many personal care and cleaning products.

ALS is derived from lauryl alcohol, which is obtained from coconut oil or palm kernel oil, and sulfuric acid. It is commonly used in shampoos, body washes, and other personal care products to create a lathering effect and to help remove dirt, oil, and other impurities from the skin and hair.

ALS is a strong surfactant, which means that it is able to penetrate and break down the surface tension of oils and other substances, allowing them to be more easily washed away. It is also a potent irritant, and can cause skin and eye irritation in some people when used in high concentrations or over prolonged periods of time.

Despite its potential for irritation, ALS is generally considered to be safe for use in personal care products when used according to recommended guidelines and in appropriate concentrations. It is also biodegradable and does not accumulate in the environment, making it a more sustainable choice for cleaning and personal care applications.

What is the chemical formula of Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate?

The chemical formula for Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS) is C12H29NO4S, which represents the molecular formula of the compound.

How is Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate used in hand soap or sanitizer?

Ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS) is commonly used in hand soaps as a foaming agent and surfactant. It helps to create a rich lather that effectively removes dirt, oil, and other impurities from the skin.

In hand sanitizers, ALS is not typically used as it can be an irritant to the skin. Instead, hand sanitizers typically contain alcohol or other antimicrobial agents that kill bacteria and viruses without the need for a foaming agent.

It’s worth noting that there are some concerns about the use of ALS in personal care products, as it can be an irritant to the skin and eyes in some people. However, when used in appropriate concentrations and according to recommended guidelines, it is generally considered to be safe for use in personal care products.

 

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Notice

This information was assembled from a wide variety of sources and no warranty, expressed or implied, relating to the accuracy of the information is made. The user assumes all liability for any damage or injury resulting from the use or misuse of this information.