What Is Peg-2 Tallowamide Dea?
PEG-2 Tallowamide DEA is a specialty ingredient made by joining tallow-based fatty acids with diethanolamine, then adding two units of polyethylene glycol. The tallow comes from animal fat that has been purified into “tallow acid,” giving the final material a mix of long-chain lipids plus small water-loving portions. First introduced in the 1950s when chemists searched for milder surfactants, it soon found a place in personal care because it helps oil and water stay blended. Production starts with rendering and refining tallow, reacting it with diethanolamine to form a fatty amide, then treating that amide with ethylene oxide to attach the PEG groups. The outcome is a creamy, water-dispersible paste that works well at low concentrations.
Today you will spot PEG-2 Tallowamide DEA in a range of rinse-off and leave-on formulas such as facial cleansers, body washes, shampoos, hair conditioners, styling creams, moisturizers, masks, sunscreens, liquid foundations and shaving foams. Its ability to stabilize mixtures lets product developers create smooth, uniform textures that feel pleasant and stay mixed during shelf life.
Peg-2 Tallowamide Dea’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In skin and hair care formulas PEG-2 Tallowamide DEA serves two closely related roles that improve both texture and performance.
- Emulsion stabilising – Keeps the blend of water and oils from separating over time so the product looks and feels the same from the first use to the last
- Emulsifying – Helps form the initial emulsion during manufacturing which allows for lighter textures, better spreadability and an even layer on skin or hair
Who Can Use Peg-2 Tallowamide Dea
Because it is used at low levels and does not leave a heavy residue, PEG-2 Tallowamide DEA generally suits normal, dry, oily and combination skin. People with very sensitive or allergy-prone skin should be aware that the molecule contains diethanolamine and animal-derived fatty acids, both of which can occasionally prompt irritation.
The tallow source means the ingredient is not suitable for vegans or strict vegetarians unless the manufacturer specifies a plant-based alternative. Those following halal or kosher lifestyles may also wish to verify the origin of the fatty acids with the brand.
Current safety data show no issues for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used topically in rinse-off or leave-on cosmetics. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should check with a healthcare professional before adding new products, just to be safe.
PEG-2 Tallowamide DEA does not increase skin sensitivity to sunlight and can be worn under sunscreen without concern. It also has no known conflicts with common actives like retinol, vitamin C or exfoliating acids.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to any cosmetic ingredient differ from person to person. The points below list potential issues that have been reported, but most people will not experience them when the product is well formulated and used as directed.
- Mild redness or stinging on very sensitive skin
- Dry or tight feeling if the formula is washed off too frequently
- Eye irritation when the product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Allergic contact dermatitis in rare cases
- Risk of trace nitrosamine impurities if the product is poorly manufactured
If you notice any of these reactions stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5. PEG-2 Tallowamide DEA is largely water dispersible and used in very small amounts, so it does not sit on the skin as an occlusive film that could trap oil or dead cells in pores. Its tallow-derived fatty chains are highly modified by the PEG groups, which lowers their tendency to clog follicles. Because of this low rating it is generally fine for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin. Note that final comedogenicity always depends on the whole formula and personal skin chemistry, not on one ingredient alone.
Summary
PEG-2 Tallowamide DEA acts mainly as an emulsion stabiliser and emulsifier. It slots itself between oil and water phases, reducing surface tension so the two stay blended, which keeps creams, lotions and washes smooth, uniform and pleasant to use. While helpful, it is not as widely used today as newer plant-based or DEA-free emulsifiers, and some brands avoid it to maintain vegan, halal or cleaner-label claims.
Safety reviews show it is low risk at the concentrations found in cosmetics, though poorly controlled manufacturing can leave trace nitrosamine impurities. Most users tolerate it well, but every skin type is different, so it is smart to patch test any new product that lists PEG-2 Tallowamide DEA before full-face or full-body use.