Chemical companies handle thousands of compounds, yet few get talked about by regular people. Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, or ALS, stands out. Its chemical makeup—ammonium salt of lauryl sulfate, CAS number 2235-54-3—puts it in a special class. Water-soluble, clear to pale yellow, ALS typically appears as a liquid (ALS 60) or a concentrated powder (ALS 2235). It offers manufacturers options based on what a formulation needs, whether that’s a fast-dissolving base or more subtle ingredient dosing. In the industry, technical data stays king: ALS comes with specs for active matter (usually 27–30% or 60% for the liquid, and higher for the powder), pH balance (average range between 6.5 and 8.5 at 10% solution), and pure residuals of less than 1%.
As someone who has spent time on both the factory floor and in lab meetings, I've seen ALS prove itself. First, it stands up to a balance of high foaming and thorough cleansing. In personal care, this means shampoo and body wash that lathers quickly. It breaks down grease in industrial settings and isn’t fussy about water hardness or temperature. Cost-effectiveness counts—ALS doesn’t hike up budgets, yet performs consistently across applications.
Nonionic and anionic surfactants make up most of the cleansing world. ALS falls into the anionic camp, thriving where you want to mix oil and water or sweep dirt away from a surface. Chemical producers know that foaming isn’t just for show—rich foam signals washing power to consumers. ALS reliably delivers. Add in its moderate irritation profile compared to harsher sulfates, and it’s little wonder brands turn to it for sensitive skin rinses or hypoallergenic cleaning. Its compatibility with other surfactants and stabilizers makes ALS easy to build around in complex products, whether cosmetics or industrial mixes.
ALS stretches across product lines—shampoos, toothpastes, facial cleansers, liquid hand soaps, and bath gels all rely on its core cleaning and foaming abilities. You’ll also spot it in dishwashing detergents, car soaps, hard surface cleaners, and textile wetting agents. Chemical companies bet on its versatility. Whenever a new personal care formula needs a gentle, effective cleanser, ALS sits high on the shortlist. ALS doesn’t drop out when temperatures drop or rise, making it a favorite in industrial degreasers and vehicle washing liquids. Many of the ALS-based cleaning agents double for both home and commercial use, streamlining logistics for manufacturers and retailers.
As regulations get tougher, especially for cosmetics and toiletries, ALS earns trust through its established safety profile. Widely backed by both established chemical producers and peer-reviewed studies, ALS goes beyond anecdotal reputation—companies confirm it meets REACH and FDA guidelines for rinse-off applications. Looking at the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), ALS doesn’t carry the red flags of high toxicity or persistence in the environment that plague older surfactants. Responsible usage, within recommended concentrations, brings predictable results without nasty surprises.
Bulk chemicals move on price, but not alone. ALS holds on to its market share by delivering bang for the buck. Current pricing depends on global demand for coconut and palm oils—these feedstocks set the baseline. A few years ago, ALS price wavered around $1,100 to $1,500 per metric ton, delivered in industrial drums or intermediate bulk containers. Sudden swings in freight or feedstock pricing change this, so companies keep an eye on the global market.
Sourcing matters just as much. Responsible companies look for an established supplier or manufacturer—never just any broker. Top suppliers know clients ask about supply security, traceability, and sustainability every quarter. Manufacturers building a trustworthy ALS brand don’t skimp on audits, certifications, or batch-quality logs. I’ve seen buyers refuse a load because of poor MSDS documentation or if a supplier can’t point to a clear chain of custody.
Stepping beyond price per kilo, companies ask about minimum order quantities, storage stability, and delivery capabilities. ALS stands out because it ships well, stores for months without degradation, and doesn’t demand special handling like temperature-sensitive or volatile chemicals. That’s a win for budget planning and logistics.
Not all ALS grades serve the same end-user. Industrial-grade ALS provides top-notch grease-cutting for factories, garages, and commercial kitchens. Technical specification usually demands at least 28% active surfactant, yet residuals aren’t under the same strict watch as for cosmetic grade. For personal care, cosmetic grade ALS heads through extra purification steps. Metals and trace impurities fall to extremely low levels—strictly checked, especially if the ALS brand wants a spot in premium cosmetic formulas. Cosmetic chemistry doesn’t take shortcuts. The “pure” ALS batch appeals to brands that sell on a no-fragrance, dye-free, or hypoallergenic claim.
ALS 2235 and ALS 60 call out two common forms that manufacturers ship. ALS 2235, often seen as a powder, gives a higher active surfactant load in less space. ALS 60 refers to a 60% active liquid, easy to dose for bulk liquid blending. Raw material buyers know these distinctions influence everything from shelf stability to how the product will mix into water or oils down the production line.
Experience working with brand managers taught me that ingredient transparency builds customer loyalty. ALS suppliers back up every tub or drum with clear labeling, lot tracking, and certificates of analysis. More companies push out QR codes linking straight to the MSDS and traceability data. Ingredient buyers cross-check with the chemical abstract service (CAS) entry to dodge counterfeits. The industry has seen its share of fraudulent relabeling, edging up in price spikes or shortages.
Brands competing in the global market champion claims of RSPO-certified, cruelty-free, and allergen-tested ALS. Not all claims stick if the supply chain can’t back it up, so established manufacturers set up direct sourcing relationships and quality checks at every transfer. It’s a lesson learned the painful way from recalls and regulatory challenges. Chemical companies share MSDS files and laboratory test results openly with large-scale customers, not just as a courtesy, but because brands demand it.
With sustainability shaping industry conversations, ALS manufacturers invest in greener feedstocks and closed-loop production. Consumers ask about palm oil sourcing. Brands move toward RSPO-certified derivatives. Some companies develop semi-synthetic variants to lessen petrochemical reliance. Small and medium ALS suppliers work hard to offer traceable batches, eco-safe packaging, and audit-ready records for international clients.
Addressing skin tolerance remains an ongoing challenge. As a chemical worker and a consumer, I know sensitivity concerns won’t vanish. Formulators team ALS with mild co-surfactants—like betaines or glucosides—to dial down any risk. Manufacturers promote blends, not just ALS alone, focused on rinse-off residuum for beauty and baby care. Solutions roll out from labs into household brands quickly. Chemical companies support this with rapid delivery and technical backup.
ALS, both ingredient and final product, keeps evolving. Producers build stronger partnerships across the supply chain—feedstock growers, logistics specialists, and product formulators. With open ingredient sourcing, robust documentation, and a push to stay ahead on environmental standards, ALS bridges practicality, safety, and modern consumer expectations.
