Ingredient review
Glycereth-17 Tallowate
INCI: GLYCERETH-17 TALLOWATE
A gentle emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, but its animal-derived origin may not suit everyone.
In plain English
Glycereth-17 Tallowate is a helper ingredient that allows oil and water to blend together smoothly in products like cleansers and lotions. It is made from tallow (a type of animal fat) that has been chemically modified with a chain of glycerin and ethylene oxide molecules. This makes it a mild, effective emulsifier that cleans without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.
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
Glycereth-17 Tallowate 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 Glycereth-17 Tallowate.
- 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
A semi-synthetic compound created by reacting tallow (rendered animal fat) with glycerin and ethylene oxide to form a water-soluble emulsifier.
How it works
It reduces the surface tension between oil and water, allowing them to mix into a stable, creamy emulsion. In cleansers, it helps lift dirt and excess oil from the skin while remaining gentle enough for daily use.
Pros
Gentle cleanser
Removes oil and dirt without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier, making it suitable for daily use.
Stable emulsions
Creates smooth, creamy textures that keep oil and water mixed, improving product feel and shelf life.
Cons and cautions
Animal-derived
Made from tallow, so it is not suitable for vegans or those who prefer plant-based ingredients.
Ethoxylation concerns
The manufacturing process can generate trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane, a potential contaminant, though levels are typically low and regulated.
Best for
- People with normal to dry skin looking for a gentle cleanser
- Those who tolerate animal-derived ingredients well
Use caution if
- Vegans and vegetarians
- Anyone seeking exclusively plant-based or synthetic ingredients
Usage tips
Safety summary
Generally recognized as safe for topical use at typical concentrations. The ethoxylation process is well-controlled, and trace impurities are kept within safe limits by manufacturers.
Research notes
Limited direct studies on Glycereth-17 Tallowate, but related PEG compounds and tallow derivatives have a long history of safe use in cosmetics. Regulatory bodies like the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) have evaluated similar ethoxylated ingredients and found them safe under current usage guidelines.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1–10% in rinse-off products; lower in leave-on formulas
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the EU, US, and many other regions, with concentration limits for leave-on products.
- Common uses
- Cleansers, Shampoos, Body washes, Lotions
- Environmental note
- Tallow is a byproduct of the meat industry, so its use can reduce waste, but it still relies on animal agriculture.
Good to know
- Often listed as PEG-17 Tallowate on some labels
- The number '17' refers to the average length of the polyethylene glycol chain, which affects water solubility
Common questions
What is Glycereth-17 Tallowate in beauty products?
Glycereth-17 Tallowate is a helper ingredient that allows oil and water to blend together smoothly in products like cleansers and lotions. It is made from tallow (a type of animal fat) that has been chemically modified with a chain of glycerin and ethylene oxide molecules. This makes it a mild, effective emulsifier that cleans without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.
What does Glycereth-17 Tallowate do in a beauty product?
It reduces the surface tension between oil and water, allowing them to mix into a stable, creamy emulsion. In cleansers, it helps lift dirt and excess oil from the skin while remaining gentle enough for daily use.
Is Glycereth-17 Tallowate safe for most people?
Generally recognized as safe for topical use at typical concentrations. The ethoxylation process is well-controlled, and trace impurities are kept within safe limits by manufacturers.
Who should be careful with Glycereth-17 Tallowate?
Vegans and vegetarians Anyone seeking exclusively plant-based or synthetic 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.