What Is Peg-130 Glyceryl Tallowate?
Peg-130 Glyceryl Tallowate is a large molecule made by attaching about 130 units of polyethylene glycol to glyceryl tallowate, which comes from animal fat. First the fat is split into fatty acids and combined with glycerin to form glyceryl tallowate. This material is then reacted with ethylene oxide so the polyethylene glycol chains grow from it, giving the final water-loving yet oil-friendly ingredient.
Chemists began adding polyethylene glycol to fats in the 1950s to create surfactants that mix oil and water more smoothly than plain soap. Peg-130 Glyceryl Tallowate entered mainstream cosmetics soon after because it delivered a rich, creamy lather without leaving skin tight. Today it shows up in bar soaps, body washes, facial cleansers, shampoos, shaving foams, makeup removers and some wet wipes where a stable, gentle foam is needed.
Peg-130 Glyceryl Tallowate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient serves more than one purpose in a formula, making it a favorite of product developers.
- Cleansing: Its surfactant nature grabs onto both oil and water so it lifts dirt, sweat and makeup and then rinses them away easily. The long polyethylene glycol chain softens the cleansing action which helps reduce dryness
- Emulsifying: Peg-130 Glyceryl Tallowate keeps oil and water parts of a product blended together, preventing separation in the bottle and giving users a smooth even texture every time they dispense it
Who Can Use Peg-130 Glyceryl Tallowate
Peg-130 Glyceryl Tallowate is gentle enough for most skin types including normal, dry, oily and combination skin because its large polyethylene glycol portion tempers the cleansing action and helps limit moisture loss. Sensitive skin usually tolerates it well but those with a known allergy to tallow-based ingredients should steer clear.
The tallow source makes this ingredient animal-derived so it is not suitable for vegans or strict vegetarians. Some brands substitute vegetable-based fatty acids yet still label the material the same way, so check with the manufacturer if an animal-free routine is important to you.
Products containing Peg-130 Glyceryl Tallowate are generally considered safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women. This is not medical advice and mothers-to-be should show any product they plan to use to their healthcare provider to rule out individual concerns.
The ingredient does not increase photosensitivity so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. There are no known interactions with common actives such as retinol or vitamin C, allowing it to fit easily into most routines.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Peg-130 Glyceryl Tallowate differ from person to person. The following points cover potential side effects that could occur, yet most users will not notice any problems when the ingredient is used at typical levels by reputable brands.
- Mild skin irritation such as temporary redness or itching on very reactive skin
- Contact allergy in individuals sensitive to tallow derivatives or polyethylene glycol compounds
- Eye stinging if a high-foaming product accidentally gets into the eyes during use
- Residue buildup on hair or skin if the formula is not rinsed away thoroughly which can leave a film or dull look
If any discomfort, rash or other unexpected reaction appears discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5. Peg-130 Glyceryl Tallowate is highly water soluble and forms large, hydrophilic molecules that are rinsed off easily, so it has very little tendency to lodge in pores or trap oil. Its mild surfactant nature also helps lift sebum rather than add an occlusive layer. As a result it is generally suitable for skin that is prone to acne or breakouts. Only extremely sensitive or already congested skin types might notice any issues, and those cases are rare.
Because this ingredient is often blended with richer oils or butters in creamy cleansers, the overall formula rather than the surfactant itself is more likely to influence pore clogging. Always consider the full product composition when evaluating breakouts.
Summary
Peg-130 Glyceryl Tallowate works mainly as a cleanser and emulsifier. The polyethylene glycol chains attract water while the tallowate portion grabs oils, letting the ingredient pull dirt and makeup into the rinse water and also keep oil-and-water mixtures stable. These traits give products a creamy lather that feels less stripping than traditional soap.
Though not the trendiest surfactant on the market its solid performance and mild profile keep it popular in mainstream bar soaps, body washes, facial cleansers and shaving foams. Most formulators value its consistency and the rich foam it produces.
Safety reviews show it is low risk for irritation or systemic effects when used as directed. Still everyone’s skin is unique so it is wise to patch test any new product that contains Peg-130 Glyceryl Tallowate before full use.