What Is Peg-22 Tallow Amine?
Peg-22 Tallow Amine is an ethoxylated fatty amine produced from tallow, the fat obtained after rendering animal tissue. In simple terms, chemists take the long, waxy chains in tallow, turn them into an amine, then attach an average of twenty-two ethylene oxide units. The result is a water-loving, oil-loving hybrid that behaves a lot like a gentle surfactant and a softening agent in hair care formulas.
The idea of modifying tallow for personal care dates back to the mid-20th century when soap makers looked for ways to improve feel and rinsability. Ethoxylation soon became a go-to method because it makes greasy raw materials compatible with water. Peg-22 Tallow Amine came into wider cosmetic use as formulators sought affordable, effective conditioning agents in the 1970s and 1980s.
Commercial production starts with purified tallow fatty acids that are converted to an amine through hydrogenation and amination. The amine is then reacted with ethylene oxide under controlled temperature and pressure to build the polyethylene glycol (PEG) portion. The finished ingredient is a viscous, pale liquid or paste that dissolves readily in warm water.
You will mostly spot Peg-22 Tallow Amine in rinse-off hair products such as shampoos, 2-in-1s, conditioners and intensive hair masks. It can also show up in leave-in creams, detangling sprays and some styling aids where extra slip and softness are needed.
Peg-22 Tallow Amine’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient is valued for one primary role in formulations.
Hair conditioning: Peg-22 Tallow Amine coats the hair shaft with a thin lubricating layer that reduces friction, making strands easier to comb when wet or dry. It smooths rough cuticles, which helps boost shine and leaves hair feeling softer without a heavy or greasy residue.
Who Can Use Peg-22 Tallow Amine
Peg-22 Tallow Amine is generally considered safe for all skin and scalp types, including oily, dry and combination. Because it is chiefly a hair conditioning agent that is rinsed off, it rarely lingers long enough to upset sensitive or acne-prone skin, though those extremely reactive to any animal-derived ingredient might prefer to avoid it.
Since the raw material is sourced from tallow, it is not suitable for vegans or strict vegetarians who avoid animal by-products. Plant-based alternatives are available, so shoppers following those lifestyles may want to look for “vegetable-derived” or “synthetic” on the label instead.
No studies indicate that Peg-22 Tallow Amine poses a unique risk to women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when used in rinse-off hair products. This is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should show the full ingredient list of any new cosmetic to a qualified healthcare professional before use, just to be safe.
The ingredient does not cause photosensitivity and it has no known interactions with UV exposure. Standard sun protection practices remain advisable for overall skin health.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Peg-22 Tallow Amine can differ from person to person. The following are potential side effects yet most users will not experience them when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.
- Mild scalp irritation
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to tallow derivatives or PEG compounds
- Eye stinging if the product accidentally drips into the eyes before rinsing
- Build-up and dullness when overused in leave-in products
If any discomfort, redness or other reaction develops discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
Peg-22 Tallow Amine is highly water soluble once ethoxylated, so it rinses away instead of lingering on skin and clogging pores. It is also used at low levels in hair formulas rather than facial products. These factors keep its pore-clogging potential minimal, though the tallow backbone means it is not a perfect zero.
Most people prone to acne should tolerate this ingredient without added breakouts, especially when it is part of rinse-off products.
There is little published research on comedogenicity for this exact compound, so the rating is based on its chemistry and typical use levels rather than large clinical datasets.
Summary
Peg-22 Tallow Amine is a cost-effective hair conditioner that works by forming a light, slippery layer on strands which cuts down friction, smooths cuticles and boosts shine. Its dual water-and-oil friendly structure lets it spread easily then wash away cleanly.
The ingredient enjoyed steady use from the 1970s through the early 2000s but has lost some popularity as brands shift toward plant based or silicone-free options to meet vegan and sustainability goals. It still turns up in value shampoos, 2-in-1s and some conditioners where a simple, dependable softening agent is needed.
Overall safety data show low irritation risk and virtually no systemic concerns in rinse-off hair care. As with any new product, carry out a quick patch test to be sure it agrees with your own skin and scalp.