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Ammonium Laureth Sulfate

Safe

Ammonium laureth sulfate is a cosmetic surfactant, not a food ingredient. As an ethoxylated (PEG-class) surfactant, it may contain residual 1,4-dioxane (an IARC Group 2B carcinogen) as a trace manufacturing impurity.

Found in

7 products

What it is

Ammonium laureth sulfate (ALES) is an anionic surfactant derived from ethoxylated lauryl alcohol used in cleansing cosmetics.

Not used in food. Cosmetic surfactant.

Why it's flagged

non-food cosmetic chemical
potential 1,4-dioxane impurity (IARC Group 2B)

What regulators actually say

"1,4-Dioxane is a contaminant present in extremely small amounts in some cosmetics... that contain ingredients such as ethoxylated surfactants like sodium laureth sulfate or ammonium laureth sulfate."

FDA 1,4-Dioxane in Cosmetics — fda.gov

Regulatory status

United States — FDA

Not approved as a food additive.

European Union — EFSA

Not authorized as a food additive.

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