Ammonium chloride is an organic compound, usually appearing as a white crystalline powder, that is highly soluble in water. Not to be confused with other more hazardous types of ammonia, ammonium chloride is a relatively benign salt.

The natural mineral form of this ingredient (similar to ordinary table salt or sodium chloride) is called ‘Sal Ammoniac’ and is commonly found in volcanic areas. Commercially, ammonium chloride is produced by reacting ammonia with hydrochloric acid in what is called the ‘Solvay’ process, which also produces soda ash. The material we use might not be dug out of a volcano but it's identical to that found in nature. Intriguingly, giant squid are known to have a solution of ammonium chloride in their bodies, which is lighter than seawater and so allows them to maintain neutral density.

We use ammonium chloride as a thickener in some of our cleaning and personal care products to make it easier to use only the recommended amount of product and help avoid waste.

Other names: H₄ClN, Ammonium Muriate, Salmiac, Ammonii Chloridum