Ammonium Laureth Sulfate is a surface-active chemical compound that provides cosmetics with foaming. Such a component can be used as an emulsifier and is often added to skin cleansers. Of the entire group of sulfate esters, it is considered the least irritating. In addition to useful properties that help enhance the formation of foam and improve the lubricating and cleaning properties of the product, ammonium laureth sulfate also has some harmful qualities in relation to the human body.
Why do I need a component?
Ammonium lauryl sulfate, or sodium laureth sulfate, is a chemical component used in cosmetics. It is referred to as surface-active components.
The main functions of such a component in cosmetic products include:
- Disinfection. The component helps to remove particles of grease and other types of contaminants from various surfaces. It binds particles of fat with water, which helps to quickly clean a dirty surface. This feature is explained by the structure of the molecule of the surface-active component, which captures fat on the one hand and combines it with water on the other. It is in this way that the fastest way to eliminate any contaminants from surfaces - hair, mucous membranes, teeth, and skin.
- Improving foaming. When combining the product with water, a stable foam is formed. The amount of foam obtained will directly depend on the number of described components in one product. Such a component is present in large quantities in cosmetic products: shampoos, soap and shower gel.
- Normalization of the ratio of effective components in the mixture. Ammonium lauryl sulfate in cosmetics helps to reduce changes in the chemical and physical properties of the substance that are part of a particular drug. Thus, the component helps to maintain all the positive properties of the product for a long time. The component also facilitates the mixing of heavy complex components, including the dissolution of oily particles.
Safety of use
Such a substance is distinguished by its low cost, which, when combined with useful properties, provides the breadth and high frequency of use of detergents, cleaners and various cosmetic products.
If we talk about safety or the dangers of use, then experts still have not been able to accurately explain the effect of such funds. The first tests were carried out 30 years ago.
Some experts say that such a component has a high degree of biodegradability - above 90 percent, while no harmful components are formed. Many argue that drugs with ammonium sulfate in the composition do not provoke a carcinogenic or embryotoxic effect, but they are irritating.
Other sources of information claim that ammonium accumulates in large quantities in tissues and, in some cases, reacts with other components, leading to the formation of carcinogens.
Such an opinion about the negative effect of the component on the human body was formed after several experiments on animals. Upon contact with their skin, many of them had negative reactions associated with problems in the functioning of the protective system of the skin, allergies and other unpleasant consequences. A particular danger to the human body occurs when components enter the body or on the mucous membrane of the eyes.
Those who protect such a substance do not deny a possible negative effect, but focus on the fact that there are certain dosages at which, even with the regular use of a cosmetic product with a component in the composition, a person will not have any problems with skin and health.
When can it be dangerous?
When can ammonium laureth sulfate be dangerous? A negative effect may occur with:
- The high content of the component in the volume of cosmetic products (more than 2 percent).
- When it enters the human body. It should be noted that adding ammonium sulfate to foods is prohibited.
- With prolonged contact with hair or skin, unpleasant symptoms can appear even with a normal dosage of an active substance.
The danger of ammonium sulfate in shampoos
It is difficult for any ordinary user of cosmetic products to choose a quality product on their own, even if he knows the permissible dosage of many substances in the composition, since the product instructions do not contain quantitative and fractional norms.
Believe the information that many manufacturers give is not necessary. In this case, it is important to choose something in between that will help minimize the risk of damage and get the maximum effect. For this, it is important to remember about possible negative reactions and stop using specific cosmetics with such a component in the composition in the presence of certain contraindications.
Toothpaste Lauryl Sulfate
The most dangerous combination of effective substances is ammonium lauryl sulfate and nanoparticles. Such substances can be found in many toothpastes from different manufacturers.
Specialists were able to prove the negative impact of such components on the state of the oral cavity, they can provoke genetic mutations, the development of cancer cells and their penetration into the blood stream, which can occur with increased cell permeability.
Adverse reaction
Side effects of using toothpastes:
- severe dryness of the oral mucosa;
- the progression of stomatitis;
- the formation of small ulcers or an increase in the area and total depth of already developed;
- increased overall sensitivity of the gums;
- thinning of tooth enamel.
The main contraindications to the use of toothpastes with this composition include: the presence of open wounds in the oral cavity, ulcers on the oral mucosa and gums, bleeding gums, and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
Ammonium Shampoo and Lauryl Sulfate
When buying shampoo, many consumers pay special attention to the volume of foam formed and the power of cleansing qualities. But not everyone knows about the harmful properties of such a foam. It should be noted that too foaming shampoo will contain a large concentration of ammonium lauryl sulfate, which can be very different from acceptable standards. Such a tool is better to replace with products that, when in contact with the liquid, form a smaller amount of foam, even if their cleaning properties are slightly worse.
It is important to remember that with prolonged contact with the skin or with a large amount of ammonium laureth sulfate, shampoo can cause severe harm to health. As a rule, such funds, with regular use, do not divide fats into unnecessary and natural ones that are important for the skin - they eliminate them all.
Negative effect
Possible negative reaction:
- severe dryness of the scalp;
- deterioration of protective functions;
- the appearance of dandruff;
- accelerated hair loss;
- the beginning of the irritating process in the mucous membrane of the eyes;
- strong fragility of curls;
- the appearance of split ends;
- the production of excessive amounts of sebaceous glands due to the strong degreasing of a cosmetic product.
The main contraindications to the use of shampoo with ammonium lauryl sulfate include the presence of dandruff, severe hair loss. If the shampoo has already been purchased, then to reduce the severity of adverse reactions after its use, you should thoroughly wash your hair with warm water from the tap. You should not increase the duration of the remedy on the hair.
Negative effect of shower gels
The skin cleansing process is associated with high tissue permeability. Under the influence of lariul sulfate, skin cells increase in size, swell, which provokes accelerated cleansing and improvement of the result.
Skin contact with gels and a soap solution formed after combining soap and water lasts a short period of time. For this reason, the negative effect of sodium lauryl sulfite when washing hands or using a foaming shower gel is considered minimal, and in most cases it is completely absent if the product is thoroughly washed off with water.
Strong damage is caused to the human body by bath foam with the specified component in the composition. The duration of such a bath should not exceed fifteen minutes, otherwise the negative impact will not be avoided. Over such a period of time in conditions of high humidity and elevated temperature, the skin becomes very susceptible. As a result, harmful components gain direct access to the deeper layers of the skin, which becomes very dangerous.
Such a component is also undesirable in the composition of intimate hygiene products, which, when applied, directly contact with the mucous membrane. Such exposure may result in severe dryness of the mucosa and impaired immune defense.
Negative reactions
With prolonged exposure to a negative component on the skin in humans, the following reactions may occur:
- damage to the lipids of the stratum corneum, which provokes an increase in the permeability of the skin, severe dryness and a decrease in protective functions;
- enhanced absorption of harmful components;
- severe irritation begins, as well as allergies;
- dehydration of the skin;
- accelerated cell aging process;
- delayed regeneration;
- severe dry mucosa.
Contraindication to the use of a genetic product with sodium lauryl sulfate in the composition: the development of dermatitis, the presence of damage to the skin, intolerance to the components of the drug.
Body and face care cosmetics
Creams and gels for the face and body are characterized by a long contact of the skin and components of the product. It is for this reason that the presence of lauriosulfates in their composition is a very dangerous sign that can provoke various problems.
Emulsifying abilities, of course, help to achieve demand for products, since they increase its characteristics - presentation, comfort in use, profitability due to strong foaming. But almost always such means - masks and creams for face and body, cosmetic oils, makeup removers negatively affect the body itself. In the composition of cosmetics for care should be no more than one percent of ammonium lauryl sulfate.
Possible negative reaction:
- the development of comedones;
- the onset of dermatitis;
- increased dryness of the skin;
- decreased protective properties of the skin;
- accumulation in the lens of the eye when used improperly, which increases the risk of cataracts;
- accelerated aging of the skin of the face and body;
- excessive consumption of harmful components by cells.
The main contraindications for the use of such products are considered to be severe dryness of the skin, atopic dermatitis and the development of acne.
Components in baby products
A distinctive feature of the skin of the child and his mucous membranes is a lack of maturity, which provokes an increased susceptibility to any negative factors. The rapid development of cells and organs requires the consumption of a large number of nutrient components through the surface of the skin. But together with useful components, harmful ones often penetrate the baby’s body.
The use of ammonium laryl sulfate when cleaning the skin of a child should not be, as this can increase the sensitivity of the epidermis and other tissues.
Danger to the baby
The main adverse reactions of the child's body include:
- problems with the functioning of the sebaceous and sweat glands;
- problems with thermoregulation;
- the appearance of crusts on the scalp;
- disturbances in the water balance, severe dryness of the skin;
- allergy development;
- decrease in protective properties.
Children's age is considered an absolute contraindication to the use of cosmetics with lauryl sulfate in the composition. Also, do not use washing powders with such a component.
In order to protect your body and the health of your loved ones from the negative effects of lauryl sulfates, it is important to choose cosmetic and hygiene products with substitutes, for example, laureth sulfate, which gently acts on the body as a whole.