What Is Peg-13 Hydrogenated Tallow Amide?
Peg-13 Hydrogenated Tallow Amide is a waxy substance made by reacting hydrogenated tallow fatty acids with about 13 units of ethylene oxide, ending with an amide group. The tallow comes from animal fat that has been purified and fully saturated, which gives the material stability and a long shelf life. Peg-based ingredients started gaining popularity in the 1950s when chemists looked for reliable ways to blend oil and water in creams and lotions. By attaching polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains to fatty acids, they created ingredients that dissolve in both oil and water. Production involves first hydrogenating the tallow to remove natural unsaturation, then converting it to an amide, and finally adding the PEG chains through a process called ethoxylation. The finished ingredient is a soft solid or thick paste that melts easily into formulas. You will most often find Peg-13 Hydrogenated Tallow Amide in moisturizers, night creams, face masks, cleansing balms, hair conditioners and makeup foundations where a smooth, stable texture is important.
Peg-13 Hydrogenated Tallow Amide’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient is valued mainly for one key role in personal care formulas.
As an emulsifying agent it helps oil and water stay mixed, giving creams and lotions a smooth feel and preventing separation over time. A stable emulsion spreads evenly on the skin or hair, improves the delivery of other beneficial ingredients and reduces the greasy after-feel that pure oils can leave behind.
Who Can Use Peg-13 Hydrogenated Tallow Amide
Peg-13 Hydrogenated Tallow Amide works well in products for dry, normal and combination skin. Its ability to keep oil and water mixed helps creams feel smooth without leaving a heavy film, which most skin types appreciate. Very oily or acne-prone skin may prefer lighter emulsifiers, though this ingredient is not known to clog pores for most people.
Because the tallow comes from animal fat, this ingredient is not suitable for vegans or strict vegetarians. Those who follow a plant-based lifestyle will want to choose formulas that rely on plant-derived emulsifiers instead.
Current data show no special risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when this ingredient is used in rinse-off or leave-on products applied to intact skin. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should check with a doctor before adding new skincare.
Peg-13 Hydrogenated Tallow Amide does not increase photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. As with all skincare, daily sunscreen is still important for overall skin health.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to Peg-13 Hydrogenated Tallow Amide differ from person to person. The following points outline possible side effects, yet most users will not notice any problems when the ingredient is used at the levels found in finished cosmetics made by reputable brands.
- Skin irritation – slight redness or stinging can occur in those with very sensitive skin, especially if the formula also contains other strong actives
- Eye irritation – if a product accidentally gets into the eyes it may cause temporary discomfort or watering
- Allergic contact dermatitis – rare allergy to tallow-based compounds could lead to itching or rash
- Acne flare-up – uncommon but possible in individuals who are highly prone to breakouts
If any of these reactions appear stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
Peg-13 Hydrogenated Tallow Amide contains bulky polyethylene glycol chains that make the molecule partially water soluble, so it rinses away more easily than plain animal fats. This lowers its tendency to lodge in pores, giving it a very low comedogenic score. Formulas using standard concentrations rarely report clogging issues.
Because of the low rating, most people prone to acne or breakouts can generally use products containing this ingredient without major concern. If the finished product is heavy in other rich oils or waxes the overall formula could still feel occlusive, which is worth keeping in mind.
Summary
Peg-13 Hydrogenated Tallow Amide is an emulsifier that keeps oil and water mixed, stabilises textures and helps creams spread smoothly. It does this by pairing a fat-friendly tallow segment with water-friendly PEG chains, allowing it to sit at the oil-water boundary and hold the two phases together.
The ingredient is moderately common: not a superstar that appears in every new launch but trusted by formulators for decades when they need a reliable animal-derived emulsifier with a soft, cushiony skin feel.
Safety data show a low risk of irritation or pore blockage at typical use levels. As with any new cosmetic, patch testing a small area first is the best way to make sure your skin agrees with it.