Ingredient review
TEA-Hydrogenated Tallowoyl Glutamate
INCI: TEA-Hydrogenated Tallowoyl Glutamate
A mild, amino-acid-based surfactant that cleanses effectively while being gentle on the skin barrier.
In plain English
This ingredient is a gentle cleanser made from tallow (a type of animal fat) and glutamic acid (an amino acid). It helps remove dirt, oil, and makeup without stripping your skin of its natural moisture. Because it's less harsh than traditional soaps, it's often used in cleansers for sensitive or dry 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
TEA-Hydrogenated Tallowoyl Glutamate 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 TEA-Hydrogenated Tallowoyl Glutamate.
- 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
TEA-Hydrogenated Tallowoyl Glutamate is a surfactant, meaning it helps water mix with oil and dirt so they can be rinsed away. It's created by combining hydrogenated tallow fatty acids with glutamic acid, then neutralizing with triethanolamine (TEA). The result is a mild, creamy cleanser that produces a rich lather.
How it works
In a cosmetic product, this ingredient reduces the surface tension between water and oil, allowing impurities to be lifted from the skin and washed away. Its amino-acid base makes it less irritating than many traditional sulfates, and it leaves the skin feeling soft rather than tight or dry.
Pros
Very gentle on skin
Unlike harsh sulfates, this surfactant cleanses without stripping the skin's natural oils, making it ideal for daily use on sensitive or dry skin.
Rich, creamy lather
It produces a luxurious foam that feels pleasant during cleansing, enhancing the user experience without compromising gentleness.
Cons and cautions
Animal-derived source
Because it's made from tallow (beef fat), it's not suitable for vegans or those who prefer plant-based ingredients. Check labels if this matters to you.
Contains TEA
Triethanolamine (TEA) is used to neutralize the fatty acid. While safe at low levels in rinse-off products, some people prefer to avoid it due to potential irritation in high concentrations.
Best for
- People with dry or sensitive skin looking for a gentle cleanser
- Anyone who prefers amino-acid-based surfactants over sulfates
Use caution if
- Strict vegans or those avoiding animal-derived ingredients
- Individuals with known sensitivity to triethanolamine (rare)
Usage tips
Safety summary
TEA-Hydrogenated Tallowoyl Glutamate is considered safe for use in rinse-off cosmetics at typical concentrations. The TEA component is regulated to ensure low levels, and the ingredient is generally well-tolerated. However, those with very sensitive skin or ethical concerns about animal-derived ingredients may prefer alternatives.
Research notes
Amino-acid surfactants like this one are well-studied for their mildness and skin compatibility. Research shows they cause less irritation and barrier disruption compared to traditional anionic surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate. Specific studies on TEA-Hydrogenated Tallowoyl Glutamate are limited, but the broader class is supported by dermatological literature.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1% to 10% in rinse-off products
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the US (FDA) and EU (CosIng). TEA is restricted to a maximum concentration of 5% in rinse-off products in the EU due to safety concerns.
- Common uses
- Facial cleansers, Body washes, Makeup removers, Shampoos
- Environmental note
- Tallow is a byproduct of the meat industry, so its use can be seen as reducing waste. However, animal-derived ingredients have a higher environmental footprint compared to some plant-based alternatives.
Good to know
- This ingredient is part of the amino-acid surfactant family, known for being pH-friendly and gentle.
- It's often found in 'sulfate-free' cleansers.
- The 'TEA' in the name stands for triethanolamine, a pH adjuster.
Common questions
What is TEA-Hydrogenated Tallowoyl Glutamate in beauty products?
This ingredient is a gentle cleanser made from tallow (a type of animal fat) and glutamic acid (an amino acid). It helps remove dirt, oil, and makeup without stripping your skin of its natural moisture. Because it's less harsh than traditional soaps, it's often used in cleansers for sensitive or dry skin.
What does TEA-Hydrogenated Tallowoyl Glutamate do in a beauty product?
In a cosmetic product, this ingredient reduces the surface tension between water and oil, allowing impurities to be lifted from the skin and washed away. Its amino-acid base makes it less irritating than many traditional sulfates, and it leaves the skin feeling soft rather than tight or dry.
Is TEA-Hydrogenated Tallowoyl Glutamate safe for most people?
TEA-Hydrogenated Tallowoyl Glutamate is considered safe for use in rinse-off cosmetics at typical concentrations. The TEA component is regulated to ensure low levels, and the ingredient is generally well-tolerated. However, those with very sensitive skin or ethical concerns about animal-derived ingredients may prefer alternatives.
Who should be careful with TEA-Hydrogenated Tallowoyl Glutamate?
Strict vegans or those avoiding animal-derived ingredients Individuals with known sensitivity to triethanolamine (rare)
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.