What Is Disodium Hydrogenated Tallow Glutamate?
Disodium Hydrogenated Tallow Glutamate is a mild surfactant created by joining glutamic acid, a naturally occurring amino acid, with fatty acids obtained from hydrogenated tallow then neutralizing the blend with a small amount of sodium hydroxide to form a disodium salt. The result is an amphiphilic molecule that is partly attracted to water and partly attracted to oil, a feature that makes it valuable in cleansing and conditioning formulas.
Commercial interest in this ingredient grew in the late 1980s when formulators started searching for gentler soap alternatives that could clean without stripping skin or hair. Its animal derived fatty acid segment gives it a creamy feel and helps it deposit a light conditioning film, qualities that led to rapid adoption in everyday personal care products.
You are most likely to spot Disodium Hydrogenated Tallow Glutamate in facial cleansers, body washes, bar soaps, liquid hand soaps, shampoos, shaving creams and combination shampoo-conditioners. It occasionally appears in rinse off masks and hydrating shower lotions where a single ingredient needs to both cleanse and lightly soften.
Disodium Hydrogenated Tallow Glutamate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient offers several practical advantages when added to modern formulations
- Cleansing: Its surfactant structure lifts away dirt, oil and product buildup while producing a creamy low irritation lather, making washes feel gentle yet effective
- Hair Conditioning: After rinsing it leaves behind a thin fatty acid layer that smooths the cuticle, reduces static and makes detangling easier without leaving hair heavy
- Skin Conditioning: The same light film softens skin, helps retain moisture during washing and gives finished formulas a silky afterfeel
Who Can Use Disodium Hydrogenated Tallow Glutamate
This surfactant tends to agree with most skin types. Its mild nature makes it comfortable for dry, normal, combination and even sensitive skin since it cleans without stripping away natural oils. Oily skin also benefits because the ingredient helps lift excess sebum yet rinses clean. The only group that might want to proceed carefully is those with very acne-prone skin, as the light fatty film it leaves could, in rare cases, feel too rich for pores that clog easily.
Because the fatty acids come from tallow, the ingredient is animal derived. That means it does not fit a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle. Those following plant-based routines should look for a palm or coconut sourced amino acid surfactant instead.
There are no reported concerns for pregnant or breastfeeding women when this ingredient is used topically in rinse-off products. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should check with a healthcare professional before introducing new skincare or haircare products.
Disodium Hydrogenated Tallow Glutamate does not increase photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It is also compatible with other common cleansing agents and conditioning additives, making it easy to slot into most routines.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Disodium Hydrogenated Tallow Glutamate differ from person to person. The points below list potential issues yet they are uncommon when the ingredient is used at the low levels found in finished products.
- Mild skin irritation, usually in people with an existing sensitivity to surfactants
- Redness or itching due to an allergic response to the tallow source
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes before rinsing
- Greasy or limp hair if too much residue is left behind on very fine strands
- Occasional pore congestion on acne-prone skin
If any unwanted reaction develops stop using the product and consult a healthcare provider for further guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 2 out of 5. Disodium Hydrogenated Tallow Glutamate leaves a light fatty acid film that can sometimes linger in pores, yet because it is almost always used in rinse off products most of it washes away so the clogging risk stays low.
It is generally fine for acne prone skin, though anyone who breaks out very easily may prefer formulas that rinse squeaky clean or pick a residue free surfactant.
Real world comedogenic impact is minimal thanks to low use levels and the short contact time common in cleansers and shampoos.
Summary
Disodium Hydrogenated Tallow Glutamate acts as a gentle cleanser, skin conditioner and hair conditioner. The water loving head binds to impurities while the fatty tail grabs oil, letting it lift grime then leave behind a thin smoothing layer that softens skin and eases detangling.
It saw a surge of popularity in the late 1980s and still appears in many everyday washes, though vegan focused brands now favor plant derived alternatives.
Overall it is considered safe with a low irritation profile in rinse off products. Every skin is unique so it is always smart to patch test when trying any new formula that contains this ingredient.