What Is Peg-15 Tallow Aminopropylamine?
Peg-15 Tallow Aminopropylamine is an emulsifying agent created by linking fatty acids from tallow to a short chain of ethylene oxide units. Its full chemical description is 1,3-propanediamine, N-tallow-alkyl, ethoxylated with an average of 15 ethylene oxide groups. The tallow portion supplies long, oil-loving chains while the added ethylene oxide units attract water, giving the molecule a split personality that lets it bridge oil and water in a formula.
This ingredient grew out of mid-20th-century surfactant research when chemists sought better ways to keep creams stable and smooth. Tallow was a readily available source of fatty acids, and ethoxylation technology allowed precise control over how water-friendly each new molecule would be. Today some manufacturers offer plant-derived versions, yet the production steps stay the same: first, fatty acids are converted to amines by reacting with 1,3-propanediamine then the resulting amide is treated with ethylene oxide until roughly 15 units have attached.
Thanks to its strong emulsifying power Peg-15 Tallow Aminopropylamine appears in a range of topical products including facial moisturizers, body lotions, hand creams, cleansing balms, makeup removers, hair conditioners and certain rinse-off masks. Its presence keeps formulas uniform so oils do not separate from water during storage or use.
Peg-15 Tallow Aminopropylamine’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient serves one primary purpose in personal care formulas
Emulsifying: By anchoring its oil-loving tail in oily droplets and stretching its water-loving head into the surrounding liquid Peg-15 Tallow Aminopropylamine locks oils and water together. That ability gives products a smooth, consistent texture, prevents ingredient separation while they sit on a shelf and helps active ingredients spread evenly across skin or hair for reliable performance.
Who Can Use Peg-15 Tallow Aminopropylamine
Peg-15 Tallow Aminopropylamine is generally well tolerated by normal, dry, oily and combination skin because it stays mostly on the surface and is rinsed or wiped away with the product. Extremely sensitive or compromised skin might notice a bit of stinging if the formula uses a high level of the ingredient, so those users may want to proceed with care.
The original source of the fatty portion is animal-derived tallow which makes most grades unsuitable for vegans or strict vegetarians. Some suppliers now offer a plant-based version, yet the INCI name rarely changes so buyers would need written confirmation from the brand before assuming it is animal free.
Current safety data shows no specific risks for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding when the ingredient is used topically in finished cosmetics. This is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should show the full product label to a qualified health professional before use, just to be safe.
Peg-15 Tallow Aminopropylamine is not known to increase photosensitivity, so normal sun precautions remain adequate.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical Peg-15 Tallow Aminopropylamine differ from person to person. The issues listed below are only potential outcomes and are unlikely for the average user when the ingredient is formulated correctly.
- Mild skin irritation such as temporary redness or stinging, more likely on very sensitive or broken skin
- Contact allergy presenting as itching, rash or swelling in rare individuals already sensitized to amine-based surfactants
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes, common with shampoos or cleansers
- Transient skin dryness if used in a leave-on product at an unusually high level
If any of these reactions occur stop using the product and seek medical attention if symptoms do not quickly resolve.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Peg-15 Tallow Aminopropylamine is highly water soluble and used at low concentrations, so it is unlikely to sit in pores or create the kind of oily film that can trap debris and trigger blemishes. Its fatty portion is balanced by 15 ethylene oxide units that help it rinse away cleanly, which keeps its pore clogging potential low.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin in most cases.
Because the raw material may vary slightly from supplier to supplier, finished formulas that contain heavy oils or waxes alongside this emulsifier could still be problematic for some users, but the ingredient itself remains low risk for congestion.
Summary
Peg-15 Tallow Aminopropylamine is an emulsifier that keeps water and oil blended, stabilises texture and improves spreadability. It does this by anchoring its tallow-derived hydrophobic tail in oils while its ethoxylated head interacts with water, creating a stable interface that stops separation.
The ingredient shows up in a modest number of creams, lotions and cleansers, mostly from legacy brands that still rely on tallow chemistry or choose it for its reliable performance. It is not a superstar found in every new launch, but formulators who need a strong yet gentle emulsifier still reach for it.
Current safety data ranks it as low risk for irritation and it carries a very low comedogenic score. As with any cosmetic ingredient you have not used before, apply the product to a small area first to make sure your skin stays happy.