Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate clean the skin and hair by helping water to mix with oil and dirt so that they can be rinsed away. They are primarily found in shampoos, bath products, hair colorings, facial makeup, deodorants, perfumes, and shaving preparations, but can also be found in other product formulations.
Although Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is not carcinogenic, it has been shown to cause severe epidermal changes to the area of skin to which it was applied. Other studies found heavy deposition of the detergent on the skin surface and in the hair follicles; damage to the hair follicle could result from such deposition. Further, it has been reported that 1% and 5% Sodium Lauryl Sulfate produced significant number of comedones (whiteheads or blackheads).
Possible hair loss and comedone formation are why many people avoid products containing Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate.