Product: Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate

Name: Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate - Rchem
SKU: C12H29NO4S

Rchem Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS) is a high-purity, anionic surfactant supplied as a clear to slightly hazy, colorless to pale yellow, viscous liquid. This highly effective detergent and foaming agent is produced by the sulfation of lauryl alcohol followed by neutralization with ammonium hydroxide. Renowned for its excellent foam stability in acidic pH conditions and its ability to produce rich, copious lather, it is a cornerstone ingredient in the personal care and household cleaning industries, particularly for applications where sodium-based surfactants are less desirable or where acidic pH is required.

Category: powder

Description

Rchem is a leading supplier of premium-quality Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate in Pakistan, providing a reliable and high-performance surfactant for specialized formulations. Our product is valued for its exceptional ability to generate heavy, dense, and stable foam even in acidic environments, making it the preferred choice for clarifying shampoos, anti-dandruff shampoos (which are typically formulated at lower pH), and various household and industrial cleaners. It exhibits lower viscosity than its sodium counterpart, allowing for easier handling in some applications. Trusted by manufacturers across Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, our ALS ensures your shampoos, bubble baths, and cleaning products deliver superior lather and effective cleansing. Rchem is your trusted partner for specialized anionic surfactant solutions.

Key Features & Benefits:

● Excellent natural thickening agent with high viscosity at low concentrations
● Effective stabilizer for emulsions and suspensions in various formulations
● Clean-label ingredient suitable for organic and natural product formulations
● Improves texture and shelf life in food products
● Enhances viscosity and stability in cosmetic formulations
● Cost-effective alternative to synthetic thickeners and stabilizers

Technical Specifications Table:

Property

Detail

Apperance

Clear to slightly hazy, viscous liquid; colorless to pale yellow

Scent

Faint, characteristic mild odor (may have slight ammonia note)

Solubility

Soluble in water

Uses

Primary surfactant, foaming agent, detergent, cleansing agent, wetting agent

pH

5.5 – 7.0 (typically slightly acidic to neutral)

Charge

Anionic

Used In

Shampoos (clarifying, anti-dandruff), bubble baths, body washes, household cleaners, industrial detergents

Usage Rate

Product Origin

Synthetic (from lauryl alcohol derived from coconut or palm kernel oil)

PALM DERIVATIVES STATUS

Typically Palm or Palm Kernel-based (Palm-Free alternatives available upon request)

VEGAN SUITABLE

Yes (Derived from plant oils)

Chemical Formulae

CH₃(CH₂)₁₀CH₂OSO₃NH₄

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the primary difference between Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS) and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)?

The primary differences are the counter-ion (ammonium vs. sodium) and resulting properties: (1) Foaming at acidic pH – ALS maintains excellent foam stability in acidic conditions (pH 3-5), while SLS foam collapses; (2) Viscosity – ALS has lower natural viscosity than SLS; (3) Residue – ALS rinses more completely with less residue; (4) Ammonia odor – ALS may have a slight ammonia note; (5) Skin feel – ALS is often perceived as slightly milder. ALS is preferred for acidic formulations (like anti-dandruff shampoos), while SLS is more common in alkaline or neutral products.

On the mildness spectrum, ALS is generally comparable to or slightly milder than SLS, but both are considered more irritating than SLES. The mildness order (from mildest to harshest) is typically: SLES > ALS > SLS. However, ALS is often perceived as having a slightly better skin feel and rinses more completely. For sensitive skin formulations, SLES combined with amphoteric co-surfactants (like Cocamidopropyl Betaine) is still preferred. ALS is best suited for specialized applications where acidic pH is required.

Is Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate milder or harsher than Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)?

Anti-dandruff shampoos often contain active ingredients such as Zinc Pyrithione, Ketoconazole, or Selenium Sulfide, which require an acidic pH environment (typically 4.0-5.5) to remain stable and effective. Most other surfactants (including SLS) lose foaming ability at acidic pH. ALS maintains excellent foam volume, creaminess, and stability even at low pH, making it the surfactant of choice for these therapeutic formulations.

Why is ALS preferred in anti-dandruff shampoos?

ALS is produced by neutralizing lauryl sulfate with ammonium hydroxide. The finished product may contain trace residual ammonia or have a faint ammoniacal odor. At typical usage levels (5-15% active matter in finished products), the ammonia content is negligible and poses no safety concern for topical application. The slight odor does not persist after rinsing. ALS has been approved for use in cosmetics and personal care products by regulatory bodies worldwide at appropriate concentrations.

What is the "ammonia" concern with ALS, and is it safe?

Handling: Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves, safety goggles, and protective clothing. Avoid inhalation of mists or aerosols. ALS is a liquid with moderate viscosity; it can be pumped and handled with standard equipment. May have a slight ammonia odor; ensure adequate ventilation. Formulation: ALS is typically added to the water phase. It is compatible with other anionic, amphoteric, and non-ionic surfactants. For acidic formulations, adjust pH after adding all components; ALS foam remains stable down to pH 3.0. Viscosity can be increased with salt (sodium chloride) or by adding alkanolamides. For mild formulations, combine with Cocamidopropyl Betaine or other amphoteric surfactants. Always refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for comprehensive handling, safety, and first-aid information.

Product: Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate