What Is Hydrogenated Tallowamide Dea?
Hydrogenated Tallowamide Dea is an ingredient made by reacting hydrogenated tallow fatty acids with diethanolamine. Tallow comes from rendered animal fat, mainly beef or mutton, and once it is hydrogenated its fatty acid profile becomes more stable and less prone to oxidation. Combining these fatty acids with diethanolamine produces a creamy, soap-like compound that blends easily with water and oil.
The cosmetic industry adopted this material in the mid-20th century when formulators looked for versatile surfactants that could clean skin and hair without stripping them. Its ability to boost foam, control thickness and stay stable under light exposure quickly made it a staple in personal care labs.
Manufacturing starts with purified tallow that is hydrolyzed to separate the fatty acids. These acids are hydrogenated to saturate any double bonds, then reacted with diethanolamine under controlled heat and pressure. The final paste or flake dissolves readily into cosmetic bases.
You will most often find Hydrogenated Tallowamide Dea in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, bath foams, liquid hand soaps, shaving creams, hair dyes, sunscreens and some leave-on conditioners where a rich lather and smooth texture are desired.
Hydrogenated Tallowamide Dea’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multitasking ingredient brings several performance benefits to a formula:
- Light Stabilizer: Helps protect colors and active ingredients from breaking down when exposed to light, which can extend a product’s shelf life
- Cleansing: Acts as a mild surfactant that lifts away dirt, oil and residue while leaving skin and hair feeling conditioned
- Foam Boosting: Increases the volume and stability of foam so shampoos and washes feel richer and more satisfying during use
- Viscosity Controlling: Thickens water-based formulas, allowing brands to create creamy textures without adding heavy waxes or gums
Who Can Use Hydrogenated Tallowamide Dea
Hydrogenated Tallowamide Dea is generally well tolerated by normal, oily and combination skin because it rinses clean without leaving a heavy film. Very dry or sensitive skin may find frequent use a bit drying if the rest of the formula lacks moisturizers, so look for products that balance it with soothing or hydrating agents.
Because this ingredient is derived from animal fat it is not suitable for vegans or strict vegetarians who avoid animal-based inputs. People following plant-only routines will want to choose formulas that use plant-derived surfactants instead.
Current safety data do not flag special warnings for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. That said, this information is educational only. Anyone who is pregnant or nursing should show the full ingredient list of any personal care product to a qualified healthcare provider before regular use.
Hydrogenated Tallowamide Dea does not increase photosensitivity so there is no extra need to avoid sun exposure beyond the normal recommendation to wear sunscreen daily.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical use of Hydrogenated Tallowamide Dea vary from person to person. The points below outline potential reactions that could occur even though most users will not experience them when the ingredient is used correctly in a well-formulated product.
- Mild skin irritation
- Eye irritation if product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Contact dermatitis in individuals allergic to tallow derivatives or diethanolamine compounds
- Scalp dryness if used in very high concentrations or in combination with other strong cleansers
If you notice stinging, redness or any persistent discomfort stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 2 out of 5
This low-to-moderate score reflects the ingredient’s fatty acid origin, which could in theory clog pores, balanced against the fact that it is normally used in rinse-off products where contact time is short. Its molecular structure is also partly water-soluble, so it does not linger on skin the way pure oils might.
Most people prone to acne will tolerate it in cleansers and shampoos, but those who break out easily from any animal-derived fatty compounds may prefer to steer clear in leave-on products.
Keep in mind that overall formulation matters: if the product contains heavy occlusive agents alongside Hydrogenated Tallowamide Dea the end result could be more pore-clogging than the ingredient alone.
Summary
Hydrogenated Tallowamide Dea works as a light stabilizer, cleanser, foam booster and viscosity controller. Its surfactant backbone lifts away dirt while its fatty acid portion builds creamy lather, thickens watery bases and helps shield light-sensitive ingredients from degradation.
Once popular in mid-century formulations it still shows up in many mainstream shampoos and body washes, though plant-based alternatives have trimmed its market share in recent years.
Current safety reviews consider it low risk for irritation when used at typical levels, yet individual reactions are always possible. Whenever you try a new product containing this ingredient apply a small amount on a discreet patch of skin first to be safe.