What Is Ammonium Tallate?
Ammonium tallate is an ammonium salt of tall-oil fatty acids, which are naturally present in the resin of conifer trees like pine and spruce. Tall oil itself is collected as a by-product during the kraft pulping process used in the paper industry. Chemists discovered that when the fatty acids in tall oil are neutralized with ammonia they form a stable, water-friendly salt that can help water mix with oils. This property soon caught the attention of soap and cosmetic makers in the mid-20th century, who needed reliable ingredients that could clean skin without leaving heavy residue.
Manufacturers create ammonium tallate by first distilling crude tall oil to concentrate its fatty acids. These acids are then reacted with a controlled amount of ammonium hydroxide. The result is a mildly alkaline substance that dissolves well in water yet can also grab onto oily grime, making it handy in many rinse-off formulas.
You will most often spot ammonium tallate in facial cleansers, body washes, liquid hand soaps, exfoliating scrubs, makeup remover wipes, bath foams and sometimes in lightweight lotions where a mild cleansing or dispersing action is desired.
Ammonium Tallate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Below are the main roles this ingredient plays when blended into personal care products
- Cleansing: The molecule carries both water-loving and oil-loving parts so it can lift dirt, oil and makeup from the skin and allow them to rinse away easily, leaving a fresh feel without harsh stripping
- Emulsifying: By helping oil and water stay mixed it stabilizes lotions, washes and scrubs, preventing separation and giving products a smooth even texture during use and throughout shelf life
Who Can Use Ammonium Tallate
Because ammonium tallate is primarily used in rinse-off cleansers it tends to suit most skin types including normal, oily and combination skin. Those with very dry or easily irritated skin should note that the ingredient has a mildly alkaline nature, so if a formula is not well balanced it could leave their skin feeling tight or dehydrated. Sensitive users may prefer shorter contact times or a product specifically labeled as gentle.
The ingredient is sourced from tall oil which comes from pine and other conifer trees, not from animals, so it is generally considered suitable for both vegetarians and vegans.
No specific warnings exist for pregnancy or breastfeeding when the ingredient is used topically in cosmetic amounts. Nonetheless this information is educational only; anyone who is pregnant or nursing should show the full ingredient list of any product to their healthcare provider before use to be extra safe.
Ammonium tallate is not known to increase photosensitivity, so it should not make skin more prone to sunburn. Standard daily sun protection is still advisable for overall skin health.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Individual responses to topical ammonium tallate vary. The following points list potential side effects, though most people will not encounter them when the ingredient is used at typical cosmetic concentrations.
- Skin irritation or redness – more likely if the final product has a high overall pH or if skin is already compromised
- Allergic contact dermatitis – rare hypersensitivity to tall-oil components can cause itch or rash
- Excessive dryness or tightness – prolonged use in very dry skin types may strip natural oils
- Eye stinging or watering – possible if a cleanser accidentally gets into the eyes during use
- Heightened sensitivity on broken skin – open cuts or abrasions may feel a mild sting upon contact
If any of these reactions occur stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5 (very low)
Ammonium tallate is water soluble and created to wash off quickly, so it spends little time on the skin and leaves almost no residue. Its fatty acids are neutralized which further lowers the chance of pore blockage. Because of these traits it earns a low comedogenic score of 1.
Most people who are prone to acne or breakouts can use products containing this ingredient without extra worry.
Only if ammonium tallate sits high in a leave on formula that also contains heavy oils could there be any clogging risk, in which case the overall blend rather than the salt itself would be the likely culprit.
Summary
Ammonium tallate serves as a cleanser and emulsifier. Its water friendly and oil friendly ends let it lift dirt then rinse it away while also keeping oil and water mixed so products stay smooth.
It is not a buzzworthy ingredient and you will mostly find it in everyday soaps, body washes and similar staples rather than prestige skincare launches. Makers keep using it because it is reliable, plant derived and cost effective.
Safety data show it is well tolerated with only isolated cases of irritation or allergy. Still it is wise to run a quick patch test with any new product that lists ammonium tallate to confirm your own skin gets along with it.