What Does Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate Actually Do In Shampoo?

You’ve probably heard that sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) can leave your scalp throwing a tantrum. It’s the drama queen of the shampoo aisle. 

This ingredient is great at cleaning, but it also turns your strands into straw and your scalp into a scratchy mess.

And then there’s ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS), the slightly less chaotic cousin that many shampoos still use because it whips up that luxurious lather everyone’s been brainwashed to think equals “clean.” Spoiler: it doesn’t.

So, is ammonium lauryl sulfate bad for hair? Is it really the milder option, or just another frenemy in your shower lineup? And what actually happens if you keep scrubbing it in every day?

Let’s spill the good, the bad, and the downright frizzy. 

We’ll also show you why it’s time to swap the sulfates for a shampoo bar from HiBAR, explore the full hair care collection, or brush up on what a shampoo bar is before your next wash.

Key Takeaways

• ALS is a surfactant, which means it’s the foaming and cleansing agent in shampoo that strips away dirt, oil, and buildup from your scalp and hair.
• It’s milder than SLS, but don’t get too excited. Being less irritating than sodium lauryl sulfate doesn’t automatically make it gentle or safe for everyday use.
• Brands use it because it’s cheap, creates that satisfying foamy lather, and tricks people into thinking “more bubbles = cleaner hair.”
• You might want to avoid it, since ALS can strip too much natural moisture, cause scalp irritation, and even contribute to breakage or hair loss over time.
• Better alternatives are out there, like sulfate- and paraben-free shampoos made with natural ingredients like coconut oil and other nourishing, plant-based ingredients.
• HiBAR bars skip ALS completely, giving you gentle cleansing, protective formulas, and eco-friendly packaging that actually love your hair instead of stressing it out.

What’s the Deal with Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (ALS) in Shampoo Anyway?

Let’s start with the basics. Ammonium lauryl sulfate is a surfactant. It’s a soap-like ingredient that makes shampoo foam. This ingredient lowers surface tension so water can drag dirt, oil, and buildup right off your scalp.

That rich, bubbly lather you call “clean”? Yep, that’s ALS flexing. Brands add it because we’re trained to think “no bubbles = not working.” Spoiler: bubbles don’t equal healthy.

Compared to its infamous cousin, sodium lauryl sulfate (or sodium lauryl sulphate), ALS is slightly kinder. It doesn’t dive as deep into your skin. But let’s be clear—it’s still no gentle hug.

Many shampoos still use ALS because it’s cheap and scrubs grease like nobody’s business. But that’s also the problem. It can strip too much, leaving hair dry, brittle, or itchy.

If your scalp is oily or you pile on product, ALS might feel like a savior. But with color-treated hair, curls, or sensitive skin? ALS is more like the frenemy who leaves you with dandruff, dryness, and even hair loss.

The Good, the Bad, and the Frizzy: ALS Pros & Cons

So, should you embrace ALS or avoid it like that one ex who still tries to contact you at 2 a.m.? Let’s weigh the facts.

Pros of Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate in Shampoo

• Deep Cleaning Power: ALS cuts through oils, cosmetics, and product residue like a champ. If you’ve been layering gels, sprays, and dry shampoo, ALS clears it all in one wash.
• Foam Factor: It creates a thick, luxurious lather that makes washing your hair feel indulgent, even if you’re using a $4 bottle.
• Affordable Option: Because it’s cheap to produce, shampoos with ALS tend to cost less.
• Great for Oily Scalps: If your head feels like a buttered frying pan, ALS can achieve a squeaky-clean finish.

Cons of Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate in Shampoo

• Moisture Thief: ALS removes dirt and natural oils, leaving hair dry, frizzy, or prone to breakage.
• Scalp Drama: It can cause irritation, itchy patches, or even dandruff in sensitive scalps.
• Color-Treatment Enemy: ALS accelerates dye fade, meaning you’ll keep spending money at the salon.
• Outdated Ingredient: With so many different surfactants available (like gentle, plant-based cleansers derived from plants), ALS feels old-school.
• Not Eco-Friendly: ALS isn’t the most natural or sustainable option compared to sulfate-free hair care products.

ALS vs. SLS: The Sudsy Showdown

If shampoo ingredients were a soap opera, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) would be the loud villain that leaves chaos in it’s wake.

Ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS)? The “less evil” sibling who insists they’ve changed, but still manages to stir the pot.

SLS is tiny. It dives straight into your scalp, scrubbing out dirt and oil like a maniac. The problem? It bulldozes your skin barrier too, leaving you itchy, flaky, and wondering why your hair feels like hay.

ALS is bigger. It doesn’t burrow as deeply, which is why it’s labeled “milder.” But milder doesn’t mean safe. It still strips natural oils, dries out curls, and fades color.

Both are foam factories. They deliver that squeaky-clean lather people love. But that “clean” feeling? It’s actually your scalp screaming, “Help, where’s my moisture?”

The results overlap: dryness, frizz, irritation, and even hair loss when follicles get stressed. Pick SLS or ALS. You’re still signing up for drama.

So which one’s worse? SLS is harsh and fast, ALS is sneaky and slow. Either way, your scalp loses. If you actually want soft, hydrated hair, ditch them both and reach for sulfate-free natural shampoos that protect instead of punish.

Shampoo Ingredients to Ghost for Healthy Hair

The ingredient list on shampoo bottles can feel like a pop quiz from chemistry class. Some deserve VIP status, and others should be avoided at all cost.

Ingredients to Ghost

• Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: These foaming agents strip away too much moisture, causing dryness, irritation, and long-term damage. See are sulfates bad for hair for more.
• Parabens: Preservatives that keep products shelf-stable but come with potential health risks. More on are parabens bad for hair.
• Formaldehyde Donors: Some shampoos contain chemicals that release formaldehyde, which is as toxic as it sounds.
• Phthalates: Often hidden under “fragrance,” these plasticizers disrupt hormones and add irritation. See phthalates in shampoo for more. 
• Sodium Chloride (Salt): When added to thicken formulas, it just leaves hair brittle and dry. Learn more about why sodium chloride is bad for hair.

Ingredients to Swipe Right On

• Coconut Oil and Coconut-Derived Surfactants: They moisturize, protect, and soften strands while giving you foam without the fallout.
• Plant-Based Oils: Shea, babassu, and other natural oils strengthen, smooth, and add shine while reducing breakage.
• Vitamin B5 and Botanicals: These smooth, hydrate, and balance your scalp while boosting shine and strength.
• Rice Protein: It fortifies strands, adds volume, and makes hair feel thicker without weighing it down.

Why HiBAR Ditches ALS—and Your Hair Says “Thank You”

Ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS) is the party guest who shows up helpful, then wrecks the place. That’s why HiBAR ditched ALS ages ago, and your hair is grateful.

Stop Stripping Away Natural Oils

ALS doesn’t just wash your hair. It washes your hair out. It takes dirt and oil, but also grabs your scalp’s natural barrier, leaving you squeaky, flaky, and begging for conditioner. 

Your scalp shouldn’t feel like sandpaper just because you wanted a little foam.

Switch to Gentle, Plant-Based Cleansers

Instead of chemical warfare, HiBAR goes for the soft touch. Our bars use gentle, plant-based surfactants that clean effectively without leaving your scalp gasping for moisture. 

You get that satisfying foam, minus the drama. Call it cleansing with a conscience.

Keep Moisture Where It Belongs

Your hair needs balance, not a daily desert storm. That’s why our sulfate-free bars let you hold onto hydration where it counts. 

The payoff? Less breakage, fewer split ends, and hair that actually looks shiny instead of fried. It’s basically a moisture mic drop.

Protect Sensitive, Color-Treated, and Aging Hair

ALS and delicate hair types? A disaster waiting to happen. Sensitive scalps flare up, dyed strands fade, and aging hair gets drier by the wash. 

Enter the sulfate-free shampoo bar. Your color stays put, your scalp stays calm, and your hair finally stops acting like it’s out for revenge.

Stick to Clean Beauty Values

HiBAR isn’t here for toxic ingredients. It doesn't contain plastics, harsh chemicals, or gimmicks. 

Our bars are eco-friendly shampoos, proudly silicone-free and gluten-free. Plus, they come in zero-waste packaging that makes both your hair and the planet happy.

Follow What Experts Recommend

Stylists and derms aren’t just making this up: sulfates are old news. That’s why they love sulfate-free formulas that reduce irritation and keep hair in check. 

Whether you grab a zero-waste shampoo bar, a nourishing shampoo bar, or a hydrating shampoo bar, you’re following expert-approved advice, with bonus eco cred.

Upgrade to a Better Shower Routine

ALS is yesterday’s headline. The future is sulfate-free, plastic-free, and scalp-friendly. With HiBAR, you get all the shampoo bar benefits. 

Experience effective cleansing, scalp comfort, and eco-friendly vibes, all wrapped up in a bar that makes your shower look smarter and your hair look fabulous.

ALS-Free and Fabulous: HiBAR Shampoo Bars for Every Hair Type

Want to know the real effects of ditching ALS? It’s a shower routine that finally works with your hair type instead of bullying it into submission. 

HiBAR bars are designed to play nice, whether your strands are flat, frizzy, curly, or color-treated. Here’s how they shine.

Straight & Fine Hair

Without ALS, fine strands don’t collapse into limp noodles. Instead, they keep their volume and bounce. 

Our shampoo for oily hair is perfect for fighting grease without flattening your style, while Volumize bars add lift without the heavy buildup.

Wavy Hair

Waves are gorgeous, but ALS has a way of turning them into a frizz factory. With HiBAR, you keep the definition instead of puff. 

The Maintain and Volumize formulas let your waves stay soft, shiny, and low-maintenance, just the way you like them. 

And if you’re balancing waves with skin concerns, our shampoo and conditioner for acne-prone skin keep scalp irritation in check.

Curly / Coily Hair

Curls are thirsty by nature, and ALS just makes them thirstier. Going ALS-free means moisture sticks around, curls stay defined, and your wash day doesn’t end in frizz. 

Our shampoo and conditioner for thin curly hair keep curls bouncy and strong, while nourishing bars keep definition intact.

Dry, Damaged, or Aging Hair

If your strands already feel fragile, ALS is the last thing they need. It only keeps stripping what little moisture you have left. 

HiBAR Repair bars step in to protect, moisturize, and strengthen, giving your hair a fighting chance at softness and shine. 

If your scalp is breakout-prone, too, our shampoo for head acne or non-comedogenic shampoo for acne-prone skin is built to soothe and cleanse gently.

Color-Treated Hair

ALS is public enemy number one for dyed hair. It speeds up fading, strips vibrancy, and has you back in the salon chair way too soon. 

HiBAR’s shampoo bar for color-treated hair keeps color intact while cleansing without the drama, so your hue lasts longer and your hair feels healthier.

Meet Your Match: The Perfect ALS-Free HiBAR Shampoo Bar

Here’s the truth: ALS, SLS, and all their chemical cronies have no business in your shower.

Why settle for strip-and-dry formulas when you can have shampoo that actually treats your hair like royalty? 

HiBAR’s shampoos give you the natural clean you crave without the scalp tantrums. 

They are gentle enough to balance your oils, strong enough to prevent breakage, and smart enough to leave your strands shiny instead of stressed. 

And because we don’t use plastic or shady ingredients, you get an eco-win with every wash. 

Choosing the right hair care products isn’t just about avoiding the bad guys. It’s about leveling up to the shampoo your hair has been begging for all along.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How does ammonium lauryl sulfate affect color-treated or aging hair?

Think of ALS as the dye thief you never invited. It speeds up fading, strips away the natural oils your hair desperately needs, and makes already dry strands feel like straw – not exactly worth your salon bill.

Does ammonium lauryl sulfate impact scalp microbiome health? 

Absolutely. Your scalp has a whole ecosystem going on, and ALS is the bulldozer that crashes through it. 

The result? Irritation, dryness, and sometimes even an oil rebound when your scalp overcompensates.

What’s the difference between ammonium lauryl sulfate and sodium lauryl sulfate in shampoos?

They’re basically evil cousins. ALS is a little “nicer” at family gatherings, but both are still surfactants that can irritate your scalp and dry out your strands. 

Want to skip the drama? Go for sulfate-free cosmetics and let your hair breathe.

Resources

• Sulfate in shampoo: what to know
• Essentials of Hair Care often Neglected: Hair Cleansing
• Are shampoos with sulphates bad for my hair?