What Is Peg-14 Tallate?
Peg-14 Tallate is an ethoxylated form of tall oil fatty acids obtained from the wood pulp industry, mainly from pine trees. During production the naturally occurring fatty acids are reacted with roughly 14 units of ethylene oxide, creating a water-compatible molecule that can link fats and water. The use of tall oil derivatives in soaps dates back to the early twentieth century and formulators later adapted them for modern skincare when gentler, plant-based emulsifiers gained popularity. Today Peg-14 Tallate is produced in controlled reactors where the tall oil fatty acids are purified, then carefully ethoxylated, filtered and tested for cosmetic use. You will most often spot it in lotions, face creams, sunscreens, liquid foundations, makeup removers, conditioning hair masks and lightweight serums, where it quietly keeps the formula uniform and pleasant to apply.
Peg-14 Tallate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In personal care formulas Peg-14 Tallate plays a single but important role.
Emulsifying: It binds oil and water phases, preventing separation, so products stay smooth and stable on the shelf. A reliable emulsifier also improves spreadability, gives creams a refined texture and helps active ingredients disperse evenly across the skin or hair for consistent performance.
Who Can Use Peg-14 Tallate
Peg-14 Tallate is considered gentle enough for dry, normal, oily and even sensitive or acne-prone skin because it sits on the surface, does not clog pores and has no active effect on sebum levels or exfoliation. People with a known allergy to polyethylene glycols or to tall-oil derivatives should avoid it, but this is rare.
The ingredient comes from plant-based tall oil and synthetic ethylene oxide, with no animal-derived components, so products using Peg-14 Tallate are usually suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Always check the full formula for other ingredients if you follow a strictly vegan lifestyle.
Current safety data show no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used topically in finished cosmetics. It is not absorbed in meaningful amounts, yet this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should review all products with a healthcare professional before use.
Peg-14 Tallate does not increase photosensitivity and has no known interactions with sun exposure. It is also odorless, making it compatible with fragrance-free routines.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical Peg-14 Tallate vary from person to person. The points below outline potential reactions, though they are uncommon when the ingredient is used correctly in a well-formulated product.
- Skin irritation – mild redness or stinging can occur, most often in people with existing sensitivities to PEGs
- Allergic contact dermatitis – rare but possible if an individual develops an immune response to the molecule or trace impurities
- Eye irritation – temporary tearing or burning if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Breakouts in very acne-prone skin – unlikely because the ingredient is low on the comedogenic scale yet may contribute if the overall formula is rich or occlusive
- Sensitivity to formulation impurities – poorly purified material could contain residual ethylene oxide or 1,4-dioxane that may irritate the skin
If you experience any of these effects discontinue use and consult a medical professional if symptoms persist or worsen.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
Peg-14 Tallate is a large, water-compatible molecule that sits on the surface and is used at low concentrations, so it is unlikely to block pores. It helps keep oils dispersed rather than trapping them against the skin, which further limits the chance of congestion. This makes it generally suitable for people prone to acne or breakouts. Real-world performance still depends on the full formula, especially the amount of heavy oils or waxes paired with it.
Summary
Peg-14 Tallate is an emulsifier that keeps the oil and water parts of a cosmetic blended, improving texture and helping active ingredients spread evenly. It does this by surrounding tiny oil droplets with a water-friendly shell produced by its ethoxylated tall-oil backbone, preventing separation over time.
While not the most famous emulsifier, it appears in a steady range of lotions, sunscreens, makeup removers and hair masks because it is plant-derived, reliable and gentle.
Current data show it is safe for topical use with low irritation potential, though poorly purified grades could contain trace residues, so reputable brands use carefully refined material. As with any new skincare ingredient try a small patch test first to confirm your personal tolerance.