Ingredient review
Disodium Hydrogenated Tallow Glutamate
INCI: Disodium Hydrogenated Tallow Glutamate
A mild, amino-acid-based cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.
In plain English
Disodium Hydrogenated Tallow Glutamate is a gentle cleansing ingredient made from a combination of hydrogenated tallow (a processed animal fat) and glutamic acid (an amino acid). In skincare, it acts as a surfactant, meaning it helps water mix with oil and dirt so they can be rinsed away. Unlike harsher cleansers like sodium lauryl sulfate, this ingredient is known for being mild on the skin, making it a good choice for people with sensitive or dry skin. It also helps condition the skin, leaving it feeling soft rather than tight or dry after washing.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Potentially useful with some tradeoffs
The evidence base is useful, but some claims depend heavily on the formula.
Risk flags are low for most users, though the finished product can still irritate.
- Source
- semi synthetic
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Disodium Hydrogenated Tallow Glutamate is generally a lower-concern ingredient when the full formula suits your skin.
Plain-English read
Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Disodium Hydrogenated Tallow Glutamate.
- Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
- Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.
Score terms in plain English
Irritation risk
lowLess likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.
Clogging risk
lowLess likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.
Evidence level
moderateThere is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.
What it is
Disodium Hydrogenated Tallow Glutamate is a salt form of a fatty acid derived from hydrogenated tallow (a processed animal fat) combined with glutamic acid, an amino acid. It belongs to the family of amino-acid-based surfactants, which are prized for their gentle cleansing properties.
How it works
In a cosmetic product, this ingredient works by reducing the surface tension between water and oil, allowing dirt, sebum, and makeup to be lifted away from the skin and rinsed off. Because it is derived from an amino acid, it has a pH close to that of healthy skin (around 5.5), so it cleanses without disrupting the skin's acid mantle or stripping natural oils.
Pros
Very gentle on skin
Because it is derived from an amino acid, this cleanser has a pH close to skin's natural level, so it cleans without causing irritation or stripping moisture.
Conditioning feel
Unlike many foaming cleansers that leave skin feeling tight, this ingredient helps maintain a soft, comfortable feel after washing.
Cons and cautions
Animal-derived source
The tallow component comes from animal fat, so this ingredient is not suitable for vegans or those who prefer plant-based cosmetics.
Lower foam volume
It produces a creamy, low-foam lather rather than big bubbles, which may not appeal to people who associate high foam with effective cleansing.
Best for
- People with dry or sensitive skin looking for a mild cleanser
- Anyone who prefers amino-acid-based cleansers over sulfate-based ones
Use caution if
- Vegans or those who avoid animal-derived ingredients
Usage tips
Safety summary
Disodium Hydrogenated Tallow Glutamate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential, making it suitable for sensitive skin. The main concern is its animal origin, which may not align with vegan or cruelty-free preferences.
Research notes
Amino-acid-based surfactants like this one are well-studied for their mildness and skin compatibility. Research indicates they cause less barrier disruption and irritation compared to traditional sulfate surfactants. However, specific studies on this exact ingredient are limited; most evidence comes from the broader class of glutamate surfactants.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1% to 10% in rinse-off products
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the EU, US, and many other regions. No specific restrictions beyond general cosmetic safety requirements.
- Common uses
- Facial cleansers, Body washes, Shampoos, Bar soaps
- Environmental note
- This ingredient is biodegradable, but its animal-derived source raises ethical and environmental concerns for some consumers. Plant-based alternatives are available.
Good to know
- This ingredient is often used in 'amino acid' cleansers marketed for sensitive skin.
- Hydrogenated tallow is a processed form of tallow that is more stable and less likely to go rancid.
Common questions
What is Disodium Hydrogenated Tallow Glutamate in beauty products?
Disodium Hydrogenated Tallow Glutamate is a gentle cleansing ingredient made from a combination of hydrogenated tallow (a processed animal fat) and glutamic acid (an amino acid). In skincare, it acts as a surfactant, meaning it helps water mix with oil and dirt so they can be rinsed away. Unlike harsher cleansers like sodium lauryl sulfate, this ingredient is known for being mild on the skin, making it a good choice for people with sensitive or dry skin. It also helps condition the skin, leaving it feeling soft rather than tight or dry after washing.
What does Disodium Hydrogenated Tallow Glutamate do in a beauty product?
In a cosmetic product, this ingredient works by reducing the surface tension between water and oil, allowing dirt, sebum, and makeup to be lifted away from the skin and rinsed off. Because it is derived from an amino acid, it has a pH close to that of healthy skin (around 5.5), so it cleanses without disrupting the skin's acid mantle or stripping natural oils.
Is Disodium Hydrogenated Tallow Glutamate safe for most people?
Disodium Hydrogenated Tallow Glutamate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential, making it suitable for sensitive skin. The main concern is its animal origin, which may not align with vegan or cruelty-free preferences.
Who should be careful with Disodium Hydrogenated Tallow Glutamate?
Vegans or those who avoid animal-derived ingredients
Research sources
Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.