What Is Peg-28 Glyceryl Tallowate?
Peg-28 Glyceryl Tallowate is a surfactant made by linking animal-derived tallow fatty acids and glycerin with about twenty-eight units of ethylene oxide. The result is a waxy, off-white material that mixes well with both water and oil. Early versions appeared in mid-twentieth-century soap making when chemists looked for milder, more stable lathering agents than traditional lye soaps. Today it is produced through a controlled reaction called ethoxylation followed by esterification, where purified tallow reacts with glycerin then with ethylene oxide until the desired chain length is reached. You will most often see it in bar soaps, liquid facial cleansers, body washes, shampoo bars, makeup removers, creamy lotions and shave creams because it helps these formulas stay smooth while lifting away dirt and excess oil.
Peg-28 Glyceryl Tallowate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient earns its place on an ingredient list by improving both the performance and texture of a product.
- Cleansing: The surfactant head of Peg-28 Glyceryl Tallowate grabs on to oil and grime so they rinse off easily with water, giving a gentle yet effective cleanse without leaving skin feeling tight
- Emulsifying: Its dual water-loving and oil-loving ends keep oily and watery parts of a formula evenly blended, preventing separation and making creams or washes feel consistently creamy every time you use them
Who Can Use Peg-28 Glyceryl Tallowate
Most skin types can tolerate Peg-28 Glyceryl Tallowate because it is mild and rinses clean. Normal, oily and combination skin often enjoy its effective yet gentle cleansing while dry or sensitive skin usually do fine as long as the overall formula includes added moisturizers. People with very reactive or allergy-prone skin may want to check the full ingredient list since this surfactant still has the potential to cause irritation in rare cases.
The ingredient comes from tallow, an animal fat, so it is not suitable for vegans or strict vegetarians. Those following plant-based lifestyles may prefer a vegetable-derived alternative such as PEG-glyceryl cocoate.
No specific warnings exist for pregnant or breastfeeding women when it is used topically in rinse-off or leave-on products at standard cosmetic levels. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should discuss any new skincare product with a doctor to be safe.
Peg-28 Glyceryl Tallowate does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight so extra sun care is not required because of this ingredient alone.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical Peg-28 Glyceryl Tallowate vary from person to person. The points below list potential reactions that are possible yet unlikely for most users when the ingredient is used correctly in finished products.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness stinging or itching
- Contact dermatitis in people with a specific sensitivity to PEGs or animal-derived fats
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes before rinsing
If you do notice burning redness or any ongoing discomfort stop using the product and seek medical advice if symptoms persist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Peg-28 Glyceryl Tallowate is largely water soluble thanks to its long chain of ethylene oxide units so it rinses away instead of lingering on pores. Its molecular size is moderate and it is usually present in wash-off products, both of which further reduce its chance of clogging pores. For these reasons it earns a low score of 1.
Most people prone to acne or breakouts can use products containing this ingredient without added risk of new blemishes.
Keep in mind that the overall formula, how long it stays on the skin and individual skin chemistry all play a part in whether any product will feel pore-clogging.
Summary
Peg-28 Glyceryl Tallowate acts mainly as a cleanser and emulsifier. Its surfactant head lifts away oil and debris while its fatty tail anchors into oily ingredients, letting water carry them off the skin. The same dual nature keeps oils and waters mixed so creams, washes and shampoos stay smooth from the first use to the last.
Although not the trendiest ingredient today, it still appears in many traditional bar soaps, liquid cleansers and shave creams. Formulators appreciate its mild lather and stability while some consumers seek plant based options instead, which has slightly reduced its popularity.
Safety data show it is generally well tolerated in rinse-off and leave-on products with only rare reports of irritation. As with any new skincare product it is wise to do a small patch test on your inner arm before full use, just to be sure your skin agrees with the formula.