Ingredient review

PEG-13 Hydrogenated Tallow Amide

INCI: PEG-13 Hydrogenated Tallow Amide

A synthetic emulsifier that helps cleansers foam and rinse clean, but may be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.

beautyskincaresurfactant

In plain English

PEG-13 Hydrogenated Tallow Amide is a man-made ingredient that helps oil and water mix in products like face washes and shampoos. It's made from hydrogenated tallow (a processed animal fat) combined with PEG (a petroleum-derived compound). It creates a rich lather and helps remove dirt and oil, but can strip natural moisture from the skin, especially for those with dryness or sensitivity.

Review score

Safety, usefulness, and evidence

3.5Good
3.5/ 5

Potentially useful with some tradeoffs

The evidence base is useful, but some claims depend heavily on the formula.

Main practical flags: irritation is moderate; clogging risk is moderate.

Source
semi synthetic
Evidence
moderate
Irritation
moderate
Clogging risk
moderate
How reviews are scored

Quick decision guide

Useful, but context matters

PEG-13 Hydrogenated Tallow Amide can be useful, but watch for some irritation potential and possible clogging concerns.

Plain-English read

Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.

  1. Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging PEG-13 Hydrogenated Tallow Amide.
  2. Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
  3. 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

moderate

Can bother some users, especially with frequent use, damaged skin, or strong companion ingredients.

Clogging risk

moderate

May be fine for many users but deserves caution if you are breakout-prone.

Evidence level

moderate

There is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.

What it is

A semi-synthetic surfactant and emulsifier created by reacting hydrogenated tallow (a solid fat from animal sources) with ethylene oxide (PEG). It belongs to the amide family of surfactants, known for boosting foam and stabilizing formulas.

How it works

It reduces the surface tension between oil and water, allowing them to blend into a stable emulsion. In cleansers, it helps lift dirt and sebum from the skin so they can be rinsed away. Its PEG chain also improves solubility and mildness compared to older tallow-based soaps.

Pros

Effective foaming cleanser

Creates a satisfying lather that helps remove excess oil and makeup residue, making skin feel clean and refreshed.

Stable formula ingredient

Helps keep oil and water mixed in a product, preventing separation and ensuring consistent performance from first use to last.

Cons and cautions

Potential for dryness

Can strip the skin's natural moisture barrier, leading to tightness, flaking, or irritation, especially with frequent use on dry or sensitive skin.

Animal-derived source

Made from hydrogenated tallow (animal fat), which may conflict with vegan, vegetarian, or ethical sourcing preferences.

Best for

  • People with normal to oily skin looking for a deep-cleansing face wash
  • Those who prefer traditional foaming cleansers and don't have sensitivity issues

Use caution if

  • Individuals with dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin
  • Vegans or those avoiding animal-derived ingredients

Usage tips

Use only in rinse-off products like face washes or shampoos; avoid leave-on formulas if you have sensitive skin.
Follow with a moisturizer to replenish hydration after cleansing, especially if your skin feels tight.
If you have dry or reactive skin, consider alternating with a gentler, sulfate-free cleanser.

Safety summary

Generally considered safe for use in rinse-off cosmetics at low concentrations, but may cause irritation or dryness for sensitive individuals. The main safety concern is potential contamination with 1,4-dioxane during PEG manufacturing, though reputable brands typically purify their ingredients.

Research notes

Limited peer-reviewed studies specifically on PEG-13 Hydrogenated Tallow Amide. Safety assessments rely on general data for PEG tallow amides and similar surfactants, which show low acute toxicity but potential for skin irritation at high concentrations. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) has evaluated related PEG compounds and found them safe when formulated to minimize impurities.

Common label clues

Typical concentration
1–5% in rinse-off products
Regulatory status
Approved for use in cosmetics in the US (FDA) and EU (CosIng) at typical concentrations. The EU restricts 1,4-dioxane as a contaminant in PEG compounds.
Common uses
Cleansers, Shampoos, Conditioners, Body washes
Environmental note
Tallow is a byproduct of the meat industry, so its use can be seen as reducing waste, but it still relies on animal agriculture. PEG compounds may have moderate biodegradability.

Good to know

  • PEG-13 Hydrogenated Tallow Amide is often found in drugstore cleansers and shampoos for its foaming ability.
  • The 'PEG-13' indicates the number of ethylene oxide units, which affects water solubility and mildness.
  • Manufacturers may purify PEG compounds to reduce impurities like 1,4-dioxane, but this is not always guaranteed.

Common questions

What is PEG-13 Hydrogenated Tallow Amide in beauty products?

PEG-13 Hydrogenated Tallow Amide is a man-made ingredient that helps oil and water mix in products like face washes and shampoos. It's made from hydrogenated tallow (a processed animal fat) combined with PEG (a petroleum-derived compound). It creates a rich lather and helps remove dirt and oil, but can strip natural moisture from the skin, especially for those with dryness or sensitivity.

What does PEG-13 Hydrogenated Tallow Amide do in a beauty product?

It reduces the surface tension between oil and water, allowing them to blend into a stable emulsion. In cleansers, it helps lift dirt and sebum from the skin so they can be rinsed away. Its PEG chain also improves solubility and mildness compared to older tallow-based soaps.

Is PEG-13 Hydrogenated Tallow Amide safe for most people?

Generally considered safe for use in rinse-off cosmetics at low concentrations, but may cause irritation or dryness for sensitive individuals. The main safety concern is potential contamination with 1,4-dioxane during PEG manufacturing, though reputable brands typically purify their ingredients.

Who should be careful with PEG-13 Hydrogenated Tallow Amide?

Individuals with dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin Vegans or those avoiding animal-derived ingredients

Research sources

Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) – Safety of PEG CompoundsOpenEuropean Chemicals Agency (ECHA) – PEG-13 Hydrogenated Tallow AmideOpenPubMed – Surfactant Irritation and Skin BarrierOpen

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.