Ingredient review
PEG-22 Tallow Amine
INCI: PEG-22 TALLOW AMINE
An effective emulsifier and surfactant, but its animal-derived origin and potential for mild irritation make it less popular in modern clean beauty.
In plain English
PEG-22 Tallow Amine is a helper ingredient that allows oil and water to mix in products like shampoos and cleansers. It is made from tallow (rendered animal fat) combined with ethylene oxide. While it works well, it may cause mild irritation for sensitive skin and is not suitable for vegans or those avoiding animal-derived ingredients.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
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 low.
- Source
- semi synthetic
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- moderate
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
PEG-22 Tallow Amine can be useful, but watch for some irritation potential.
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 PEG-22 Tallow Amine.
- 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
moderateCan bother some users, especially with frequent use, damaged skin, or strong companion ingredients.
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
PEG-22 Tallow Amine is a semi-synthetic surfactant and emulsifier created by reacting tallow (animal fat) with 22 units of ethylene oxide. It belongs to the PEG amine family and is used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water in cosmetic formulations.
How it works
It reduces the surface tension between oil and water, allowing them to blend into a stable emulsion. In rinse-off products, it helps lift dirt and oil from the skin or hair so they can be washed away. Its amine group also gives it conditioning properties, making hair feel softer.
Pros
Effective emulsifier
Helps oil and water mix smoothly, improving product texture and stability.
Mild conditioning
Provides a soft, smooth feel to hair after rinsing, reducing tangles.
Cons and cautions
Animal-derived
Sourced from tallow, making it unsuitable for vegans and those preferring plant-based ingredients.
Potential irritation
May cause mild irritation or stinging on sensitive or compromised skin, especially in leave-on products.
Best for
- Those using rinse-off products like shampoos and body washes
- People without sensitive skin or allergies to ethoxylated ingredients
Use caution if
- Vegans or those avoiding animal-derived ingredients
- Individuals with very sensitive or reactive skin
Usage tips
Safety summary
PEG-22 Tallow Amine is generally considered safe in rinse-off cosmetics at typical use levels. The main concerns are its animal origin and potential for mild irritation. Trace 1,4-dioxane is a contaminant of concern, but levels are tightly controlled by quality manufacturers.
Research notes
Limited peer-reviewed studies specifically on PEG-22 Tallow Amine. Safety assessments rely on general PEG amine data and industry experience. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) has evaluated related PEG amines and found them safe in rinse-off products when formulated properly.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- Typically used at 0.5–5% in rinse-off products
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the US (FDA) and EU (CosIng) with no specific concentration restrictions, though formulators are encouraged to minimize 1,4-dioxane contamination.
- Common uses
- Cleansers, Shampoos, Conditioners, Hair dyes
- Environmental note
- Tallow is a byproduct of animal agriculture, which has a higher environmental footprint than plant-based alternatives. The ethoxylation process also requires energy and chemical processing.
Good to know
- PEG compounds can sometimes contain trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane, a byproduct of ethoxylation; reputable manufacturers purify to remove it.
- Tallow is a byproduct of the meat industry, so its use can be seen as reducing waste.
Common questions
What is PEG-22 Tallow Amine in beauty products?
PEG-22 Tallow Amine is a helper ingredient that allows oil and water to mix in products like shampoos and cleansers. It is made from tallow (rendered animal fat) combined with ethylene oxide. While it works well, it may cause mild irritation for sensitive skin and is not suitable for vegans or those avoiding animal-derived ingredients.
What does PEG-22 Tallow Amine do in a beauty product?
It reduces the surface tension between oil and water, allowing them to blend into a stable emulsion. In rinse-off products, it helps lift dirt and oil from the skin or hair so they can be washed away. Its amine group also gives it conditioning properties, making hair feel softer.
Is PEG-22 Tallow Amine safe for most people?
PEG-22 Tallow Amine is generally considered safe in rinse-off cosmetics at typical use levels. The main concerns are its animal origin and potential for mild irritation. Trace 1,4-dioxane is a contaminant of concern, but levels are tightly controlled by quality manufacturers.
Who should be careful with PEG-22 Tallow Amine?
Vegans or those avoiding animal-derived ingredients Individuals with very sensitive or reactive skin
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.