Ingredient review
Hydrogenated Talloweth-60 Myristyl Glycol
INCI: Hydrogenated Talloweth-60 Myristyl Glycol
A gentle emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in cleansers and creams, but its animal-derived origin may not suit everyone.
In plain English
This ingredient is a helper that allows oil and water to blend together smoothly in your skincare products. It's made from hydrogenated tallow (a processed form of animal fat) and is often used in cleansers and creams to create a stable, creamy texture. Because it's a mild surfactant, it can help remove dirt and oil without stripping the skin.
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
Hydrogenated Talloweth-60 Myristyl Glycol 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 Hydrogenated Talloweth-60 Myristyl Glycol.
- 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 emulsifier created by reacting hydrogenated tallow (a processed animal fat) with ethylene oxide and myristyl glycol. It belongs to the class of ethoxylated surfactants and is used to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions.
How it works
It reduces the surface tension between oil and water, allowing them to mix into a stable emulsion. This creates a smooth, creamy texture in products and helps evenly distribute active ingredients on the skin. In cleansers, it also helps lift away dirt and excess oil.
Pros
Gentle emulsifier
Helps blend oil and water into a smooth, stable cream or lotion without irritating most skin types.
Mild cleansing
Provides light cleansing power that removes surface oils and impurities without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.
Cons and cautions
Animal-derived origin
Made from hydrogenated tallow (animal fat), so it's not suitable for vegans or those avoiding animal products.
Potential processing contaminants
As an ethoxylated ingredient, it may contain trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane, a byproduct that some prefer to avoid.
Best for
- People with normal to dry skin looking for a gentle, non-stripping cleanser
- Anyone who tolerates standard emulsifiers well and wants a stable cream texture
Use caution if
- Those seeking exclusively plant-based or vegan skincare ingredients
Usage tips
Safety summary
Generally recognized as safe for topical use at typical concentrations. The main concern is the potential presence of 1,4-dioxane, which is regulated and typically kept below safe limits in finished products. Skin irritation is rare.
Research notes
Limited direct studies on this specific ingredient, but ethoxylated surfactants as a class have been reviewed by cosmetic safety panels and deemed safe when used as directed. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) has evaluated similar ethoxylated compounds.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1–5% in rinse-off products; lower in leave-on formulas
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the EU, US, and many other regions, subject to good manufacturing practices to limit 1,4-dioxane contamination.
- Common uses
- Cleansers, Creams, Lotions
- Environmental note
- Tallow is a byproduct of the meat industry, so its use may be considered more sustainable than some virgin plant oils, but it is not suitable for vegan consumers.
Good to know
- Hydrogenated tallow is a processed form of beef fat, often used in cosmetics for its emollient and emulsifying properties.
- The '60' in the name refers to the number of ethylene oxide units added, which affects the ingredient's water solubility and mildness.
Common questions
What is Hydrogenated Talloweth-60 Myristyl Glycol in beauty products?
This ingredient is a helper that allows oil and water to blend together smoothly in your skincare products. It's made from hydrogenated tallow (a processed form of animal fat) and is often used in cleansers and creams to create a stable, creamy texture. Because it's a mild surfactant, it can help remove dirt and oil without stripping the skin.
What does Hydrogenated Talloweth-60 Myristyl Glycol do in a beauty product?
It reduces the surface tension between oil and water, allowing them to mix into a stable emulsion. This creates a smooth, creamy texture in products and helps evenly distribute active ingredients on the skin. In cleansers, it also helps lift away dirt and excess oil.
Is Hydrogenated Talloweth-60 Myristyl Glycol safe for most people?
Generally recognized as safe for topical use at typical concentrations. The main concern is the potential presence of 1,4-dioxane, which is regulated and typically kept below safe limits in finished products. Skin irritation is rare.
Who should be careful with Hydrogenated Talloweth-60 Myristyl Glycol?
Those seeking exclusively plant-based or vegan skincare 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.