What Is Ethylenediamine/Dimer Tallate Copolymer Bis-Hydrogenated Tallow Amide?
Ethylenediamine/Dimer Tallate Copolymer Bis-Hydrogenated Tallow Amide is a specialty ingredient made by linking together ethylenediamine and dimerized tall oil fatty acids, then capping the chain with fatty pieces that come from hydrogenated animal tallow. Tall oil is a by-product of the paper industry that starts with pine trees, while tallow is refined animal fat. Chemists began exploring this blend in the late twentieth century when they were looking for mild, multi-purpose thickeners that also felt soft on skin. Today, the ingredient is produced in large reactors where the fatty acids are combined with ethylenediamine under controlled heat, followed by a finishing step that attaches the hydrogenated tallow amide ends. The result is a smooth, wax-like polymer that disperses easily into water or oil. You will most often see it in creamy toothpastes, soothing face masks, rich moisturizers, anti-aging serums and rinse-off treatments that need a silky texture and gentle skin feel.
Ethylenediamine/Dimer Tallate Copolymer Bis-Hydrogenated Tallow Amide’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient wears several hats inside a formula, helping both the product and the user experience.
- Oral care: In toothpaste or mouth rinse it helps the paste stay together, cling to teeth for better cleaning and leave a pleasant, cushioned feel
- Skin conditioning: Forms a light, protective film on the skin surface that reduces moisture loss, softens rough patches and gives a smooth afterfeel without heaviness
- Viscosity controlling: Thickens watery mixes, stabilizes emulsions and prevents ingredients from separating so the product stays uniform from the first use to the last
Who Can Use Ethylenediamine/Dimer Tallate Copolymer Bis-Hydrogenated Tallow Amide
This polymer suits most skin types including normal, dry, oily and combination because it forms a breathable film that locks in moisture without feeling greasy. Those with very sensitive or allergy-prone skin should check the full ingredient list of the finished product, as the copolymer itself is gentle but other formula partners might not be.
Because the molecule is capped with hydrogenated tallowamide it is animal-derived, so it does not meet vegan or vegetarian standards. Brands looking to serve those lifestyles would need a plant-based alternative.
Current safety data show no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used in rinse-off or leave-on cosmetics at typical levels, yet this is not medical advice. Anyone who is expecting or nursing should review all personal care products with a qualified healthcare professional to be safe.
The copolymer does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight, so users do not need extra sun protection beyond normal daily sunscreen habits.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Ethylenediamine/Dimer Tallate Copolymer Bis-Hydrogenated Tallow Amide vary from person to person. The points below list potential but unlikely effects when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.
- Mild skin redness or itching in individuals who are hypersensitive to amide or fatty acid derivatives
- Rare contact dermatitis if combined with other irritants or applied to already compromised skin
- Eye irritation if the raw material is accidentally splashed in the eye before it is diluted in a finished product
If any discomfort or unusual reaction occurs discontinue use and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5 (very low)
Ethylenediamine/Dimer Tallate Copolymer Bis-Hydrogenated Tallow Amide sits mainly on the surface as a large wax-like film so it is unlikely to sink into pores and block them. Its fatty portions are highly saturated and the whole molecule is too bulky to mingle with skin oils in the way classic breakout triggers do. Because of this, most formulators consider it practically non-comedogenic.
People who often get acne or blackheads can usually use products containing this polymer without extra worry.
Finished formulas that load it with heavy plant butters or mineral oil could raise the overall clogging risk, so the complete ingredient list still matters.
Summary
Ethylenediamine/Dimer Tallate Copolymer Bis-Hydrogenated Tallow Amide thickens watery mixes, keeps emulsions from separating and leaves a soft conditioning film on skin or in the mouth. It does this by forming a flexible network of fatty chains that trap water and hold other ingredients in place. In oral care it improves cling so toothpaste stays where you brush, while in skincare it smooths rough patches and locks in moisture without a greasy afterfeel.
The polymer is a niche choice rather than a household name. You will mostly spot it in specialized toothpastes, creamy masks or premium moisturizers that aim for a cushiony texture.
Current data show it is low-irritation and carries very little risk at the small percentages used in cosmetics. Even so, skin is personal so try a small patch when using any new product that contains this ingredient just to be safe.