Ingredient review

PEG-14 Tallate

INCI: PEG-14 TALLATE

A functional emulsifier that helps mix water and oil, but may be slightly irritating for sensitive skin and has moderate comedogenic potential.

beautyskincaresurfactant

In plain English

PEG-14 Tallate is a synthetic ingredient that helps oil and water stay mixed together in products like cleansers and lotions. It's made from tall oil, a byproduct of wood pulp processing, and then modified with PEG (polyethylene glycol) to make it water-friendly. While it does its job well, it can be a bit drying or irritating for very sensitive skin, and some people find it can clog pores if used in heavy leave-on products.

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-14 Tallate 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-14 Tallate.
  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

PEG-14 Tallate is a polyethylene glycol (PEG) derivative of tall oil fatty acids. It acts as a surfactant and emulsifier, meaning it reduces surface tension between oil and water, allowing them to blend into a stable mixture.

How it works

In a cosmetic formula, PEG-14 Tallate positions itself at the interface of oil and water droplets. Its water-loving (PEG) end dissolves in water, while its oil-loving (tallate) end dissolves in oil. This stabilizes the emulsion, preventing separation and giving the product a smooth, uniform texture.

Pros

Effective emulsifier

Stabilizes oil-and-water blends at low concentrations, giving products a smooth, consistent feel without needing a lot of ingredient.

Versatile in formulations

Works well in both rinse-off cleansers and leave-on creams, making it a common choice for many product types.

Cons and cautions

Potential irritation

Can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin, especially in leave-on products where it stays on the skin longer.

Moderate comedogenic risk

Some users report clogged pores or breakouts when using products with this ingredient, particularly in heavy creams or lotions.

Best for

  • People with normal to oily skin looking for stable emulsions
  • Those using rinse-off cleansers who want effective oil removal

Use caution if

  • Individuals with very sensitive, reactive, or acne-prone skin who prefer leave-on products with lower pore-clogging risk

Usage tips

Best used in rinse-off products like cleansers to minimize skin contact time.
If you have sensitive skin, patch test any product containing PEG-14 Tallate before full use.
Look for products that list this ingredient near the middle or end of the ingredient list to ensure it's used at a lower concentration.

Safety summary

PEG-14 Tallate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations, but it may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals. The main safety concern is potential contamination with 1,4-dioxane, a byproduct of PEG manufacturing, which reputable manufacturers purify to very low levels.

Research notes

Research on PEG-14 Tallate specifically is limited, but PEG derivatives as a class have been reviewed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel and found safe for use in cosmetics when formulated to minimize impurities. The comedogenic potential is based on anecdotal reports and ingredient profiling rather than large-scale clinical studies.

Common label clues

Typical concentration
Usually 0.5–5% in rinse-off products; lower in leave-on formulas
Regulatory status
Approved for use in cosmetics in the US (FDA) and EU (CosIng) with no specific concentration restrictions, though manufacturers are encouraged to minimize impurities like 1,4-dioxane.
Common uses
Cleansers, Emulsions, Lotions
Environmental note
PEG compounds are generally biodegradable, but the production process can generate byproducts that require careful waste management. Tall oil is a renewable byproduct of the paper industry.

Good to know

  • PEG-14 Tallate is often found in combination with other emulsifiers to create a more balanced formula.
  • The '14' refers to the average number of ethylene oxide units in the PEG chain, which affects its water solubility and mildness.

Common questions

What is PEG-14 Tallate in beauty products?

PEG-14 Tallate is a synthetic ingredient that helps oil and water stay mixed together in products like cleansers and lotions. It's made from tall oil, a byproduct of wood pulp processing, and then modified with PEG (polyethylene glycol) to make it water-friendly. While it does its job well, it can be a bit drying or irritating for very sensitive skin, and some people find it can clog pores if used in heavy leave-on products.

What does PEG-14 Tallate do in a beauty product?

In a cosmetic formula, PEG-14 Tallate positions itself at the interface of oil and water droplets. Its water-loving (PEG) end dissolves in water, while its oil-loving (tallate) end dissolves in oil. This stabilizes the emulsion, preventing separation and giving the product a smooth, uniform texture.

Is PEG-14 Tallate safe for most people?

PEG-14 Tallate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations, but it may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals. The main safety concern is potential contamination with 1,4-dioxane, a byproduct of PEG manufacturing, which reputable manufacturers purify to very low levels.

Who should be careful with PEG-14 Tallate?

Individuals with very sensitive, reactive, or acne-prone skin who prefer leave-on products with lower pore-clogging risk

Research sources

Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) - Safety Assessment of PEGsOpenEuropean Commission CosIng DatabaseOpenPubMed - PEG Derivatives in CosmeticsOpen

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.