What Is Ethylene Dihydrogenated Tallowamide?
Ethylene Dihydrogenated Tallowamide is a wax-like compound created when hydrogenated tallow fatty acids react with a small molecule called ethylenediamine, forming a double amide structure. Most tallow originates from beef fat that has been cleaned, purified, then hydrogenated to make the fatty acids more stable; plant-based versions that mimic the same fatty profile are sometimes used to meet vegan or religious requirements. The ingredient first appeared in industrial applications as a slip agent for plastics in the mid-20th century, but its ability to soften, thicken and stabilize mixtures quickly caught the attention of cosmetic chemists. Today it is produced in large batches by heating the hydrogenated fatty acids with ethylenediamine under controlled conditions, then cooling the mixture into flakes or powder that dissolve easily into cosmetic bases.
Because it offers multiple formulation benefits, Ethylene Dihydrogenated Tallowamide shows up in a wide range of products such as face creams, body lotions, cleansing balms, hair conditioners, solid deodorant sticks, creamy makeup foundations, sheet masks and anti-aging treatments that need a richer feel.
Ethylene Dihydrogenated Tallowamide’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators reach for this multi-tasker to improve both the feel and stability of a product
- Skin Conditioning: Leaves a light, protective film on the skin surface that reduces moisture loss and gives formulas a silky after-feel
- Emulsifying: Helps oil and water blend smoothly so the lotion or cream stays uniform from the first pump to the last
- Viscosity Controlling: Thickens the base just enough to prevent separation, giving products a luxurious cushion without feeling heavy
Who Can Use Ethylene Dihydrogenated Tallowamide
This softening agent is generally well tolerated by most skin types. Dry, normal or mature skin tends to appreciate the light occlusive film it leaves behind, while combination skin can also benefit when the ingredient is used at low levels. Very oily or acne-prone complexions may find it a touch heavy since its wax-like nature can sit on the surface and potentially trap excess sebum.
The traditional source is rendered beef fat, so products that list Ethylene Dihydrogenated Tallowamide without any plant-based certification are not suitable for vegans or vegetarians. Some manufacturers do offer vegetable-derived versions with identical chemistry; look for labels that specify “vegetable tallowamide” or carry a vegan logo if that is important to you.
No data suggests the ingredient poses risks to pregnant or breastfeeding women when used topically at cosmetic levels. It is considered inert with minimal skin absorption, but this is not medical advice. Anyone who is expecting or nursing should run the full ingredient list of any product past a qualified healthcare provider to be safe.
Ethylene Dihydrogenated Tallowamide does not increase photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It is also fragrance-free and rarely interacts with active ingredients, making it a flexible addition to most routines.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to any cosmetic ingredient can vary from person to person. The effects listed below are simply possibilities, and they are unlikely to be experienced by the average user when the product has been formulated correctly.
- Mild skin irritation such as temporary redness stinging or itching in sensitive individuals
- Allergic contact dermatitis in people with a specific sensitivity to animal fats or amide compounds
- Increased likelihood of clogged pores or breakouts on very oily or acne-prone skin
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally comes into direct contact with the eyes
Discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if you experience any of these reactions while using a product that contains Ethylene Dihydrogenated Tallowamide.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 2/5 Ethylene Dihydrogenated Tallowamide is a waxy film former derived from saturated fatty acids, so it can sit on the skin surface longer than lighter emollients. That said, its molecule is bulkier and less oily than pure plant oils or butters, which keeps the clogging potential on the lower side of the scale. Most people will not notice blocked pores unless their skin is already very oily or acne prone.
Suitable for breakout-prone users with caution; those who know they react easily to richer textures may want to limit use or look for lighter alternatives.
Formulation level matters: products that use it under 3% typically pose little risk, while stick or balm formats that rely on higher amounts can feel heavier and may increase congestion for some users.
Summary
Ethylene Dihydrogenated Tallowamide conditions skin, keeps oil and water phases blended and fine-tunes thickness. It does this by laying down a thin occlusive film, anchoring itself at the oil-water interface like a miniature bridge and creating a lattice that gives creams body without greasiness.
The ingredient has a solid track record in lotions, cleansers and makeup sticks but it is still less famous than classic emulsifiers like glyceryl stearate or cetearyl alcohol, so you will spot it more often in mid-to-premium formulations that aim for a cushy feel.
Overall safety is high with minimal absorption, low irritation reports and no photo-reactivity. As with any new cosmetic though, patch test first in case your skin has its own opinion.