Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, known by its chemical formula C12H25SO4N, shows up as a versatile raw material with a wide reach, especially in cleaning and personal care. The structure of this compound pairs a lauryl alcohol component with a sulfate group, then balances the negative charge with ammonium. Its molecular weight stands around 283.4 g/mol, landing it squarely in the mid-range for surfactant compounds. Talking about its ingredients, it usually starts with lauryl alcohol, a fatty alcohol derived from coconut or palm kernel oil. The industrial route converts this alcohol into a sulfate ester, which then gets neutralized with ammonia, giving ALS its unique properties.
Form matters wherever raw materials get stored, measured, or added to production lines. Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate appears in a few physical states. Some suppliers offer ALS as a white or cream-colored powder shimmering with a pearly look. Powdered ALS brings in a loose, fine texture, making it easy to dispense and portion by weight. Flakes show off in larger, leaf-like pieces, which typically dissolve well in water but do need a bit more agitation to speed up mixing. Solid ALS can also get compressed into pearl shapes or granular beads, popular for predictable bulk handling. Each form lands with a slightly different density—powder may settle at 0.3–0.4 g/cm³, while flakes coat around 0.5 g/cm³. In liquid form, concentrated ALS solutions may come as a slightly viscous, nearly colorless to light yellow fluid, often hovering around 20% to 30% active ingredient by volume. Liquids weigh in at densities close to 1.04–1.08 g/mL, making them practical for both industrial and laboratory dilution.
One major reason for the popularity of ALS is its performance as an anionic surfactant. The molecule balances both a hydrophobic (water-repellent) tail and a hydrophilic (water-attracting) head. This dual nature lets ALS settle at the boundary between oil and water, breaking surface tension, producing stable foam, and removing dirt with minimal effort. As a raw material, ALS resists breaking down under a broad range of pH values, and it tolerates the presence of hard water to some extent, though it does get less effective in strong acid solutions. ALS has a melting point near 205°C in its pure state, and though this isn’t a temperature seen in most consumer use, it comes up during raw production and testing. The chemical solubility remains high in water, which means quick mixing and predictable dispersal into finished goods.
Everyday soaps, shampoos, body washes, toothpastes, and industrial cleaners all draw on the qualities of ALS to work properly. Manufacturers add it to deliver thick, stable lather and remove grease, skin oils, food residue, and nearly all types of particulate dirt. These same properties contribute to ALS being a mainstay in laboratories for protein extraction, cell lysis, and molecular biology protocols. The raw material status of ALS comes from its readiness to blend with other surfactants, fragrances, preservatives, and thickeners. Whether the end product lands in a toothpaste tube or an industrial degreaser drum, ALS smooths the way—for both processing machinery and end users looking for reliable cleaning action.
Regulations and shipping require precise labeling, so the Harmonized System (HS) Code for Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate typically lists as 3402.11. This falls under the class of organic surface-active agents, covering other detergents and surfactants alike. Standard specifications may note the minimum active content (20–95% depending on form), allowed levels of inorganic salts, and the maximum presence of unsulfated matter. Impurities must land well below safety thresholds set by food and drug authorities, especially for ALS meant for personal care. Some suppliers detail things like color standards, odor notes, and shelf life, providing purchasing departments and regulatory teams with enough data to justify their sourcing decision.
Safety sets the bar for any chemical ingredient. Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate earns a spot in many consumer goods because it cleans well and rinses easily, but its chemical nature does call for responsible handling. In concentrated or raw states, ALS can irritate eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for ALS lists recommended personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, goggles, and, in larger-scale settings, a dust mask or respirator. It’s not classified as a carcinogen, but skin exposure to the undiluted material brings a risk of dryness or redness, especially after repeated or extended contact. Laboratory workers and production staff often learn to recognize the distinctive alkali note of ALS powders and liquids, and respect the need for good ventilation and careful transfer.
ALS scores much better than many phosphates and heavy-duty petrochemical detergents in terms of environmental breakdown. Surfactants like ALS generally break down into biodegradable fragments under the right microbial conditions. Wastewater treatment plants routinely process ALS-containing residues without long-term buildup in river or soil systems. That said, improper disposal—like pouring large volumes down storm drains—can bubble up into problems for aquatic life, since surfactants reduce oxygen transfer at the water’s surface. Safe storage means keeping ALS away from direct sunlight, high moisture, and very high temperatures. Steel, glass, or certain heavy-duty plastics usually work as storage materials for both solid and liquid ALS. Suppliers tend to use moisture-resistant packaging with clear hazard labels, cautioning everyone about the potential for irritant dust or spills.
Looking at rising demand for transparency, downstream buyers and health professionals urge companies to clearly state both the chemical’s origin and its handling requirements. Better labeling—with legible hazard icons, detailed concentration, and simple disposal guides—lowers risks for people across the distribution chain. Some consumer groups call for reduced ALS content, switching to milder alternatives in children’s personal care, but most health authorities judge ALS safe so long as products stay below approved concentrations and receive proper rinsing after use. Product development teams can improve outcomes by blending ALS with milder, non-ionic surfactants, which help buffer the harshness and support skin barrier function. The best results often come from methodical patch testing, regular review of toxicology updates, and honest lines of communication with both workers and customers relying on the safety of what goes into every bottle or tub.
