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Ammonium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (ALES)

  • Anionic surfactants
  • CAS 2235-54-3
  • IUPAC: Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), alpha-sulfo-omega-(dodecyloxy)-, ammonium salt

Eye irritant (H319) at ingredient concentrations used in personal care and cleaning products. ALES is structurally similar to SLES (sodium laureth sulfate) and ALS (ammonium lauryl sulfate) but with an ether linkage making it milder. No skin sensitization or inhalation hazard classification at consumer use concentrations. The eye irritation classification for the Lexol formula arises from this ingredient at 10–25%.

Ammonium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (ALES) is an anionic surfactant widely used in personal care and cleaning products as an effective degreaser and cleaning agent. It is structurally related to sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) and ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS) — differing in counterion (ammonium) and ether linkage. At 10–25% in the Lexol All Leather Cleaner formula, it is the primary active cleaning agent driving the H319 (eye irritation) GHS classification at the mixture level. ALES is considered readily biodegradable under standard aerobic conditions. Aquatic toxicity at ingredient level is present but well below the threshold that manifests as a mixture-level H4xx classification in the Lexol formula. No PFAS, no bioaccumulation, and no reproductive or carcinogenicity listings in standard regulatory databases (IARC, OEHHA Prop 65, EU SVHC).

Health & environment profile

VOC
no
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
no
Aquatic toxicity
yes
Biodegradable
yes
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
no
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
5/5
Purpose: Primary anionic cleaning surfactant — effective on oils, grease, and body-soil removal from leather and vinyl

1 product contain this

Health summaries are editorial — we synthesize from SDSs, peer-reviewed sources, and regulatory listings. Not medical advice.