What Is Tallowamide Dea?
Tallowamide Dea is an ingredient made by reacting fatty acids from animal tallow with a substance called diethanolamine. The result is a group of compounds known as amides that carry two hydroxyethyl groups, which is why the full chemical name reads N,N-bis(hydroxyethyl) tallowamide. Because tallow is rich in long-chain fatty acids, the finished material has a creamy, oil-like feel that blends well with both water and oils.
Its use in personal care dates back to the mid-20th century when formulators looked for ways to make soaps less harsh and shampoos richer in foam. By joining tallow fatty acids with diethanolamine they found they could soften the cleansing action of traditional soaps while adding a silky texture.
Production starts with purified tallow that is split into fatty acids. These acids are then heated with diethanolamine under controlled conditions so they bond together. After neutralizing any leftover raw materials, manufacturers filter the mixture to remove impurities and standardize its consistency. The resulting paste or liquid is easy to dose into large mixing tanks during product manufacture.
You will most often see Tallowamide Dea in rinse-off products such as shampoos, body washes, bubble baths and shaving creams. It can also appear in some facial cleansers, conditioning masks and hand soaps whenever a formulator wants thicker lather or a smoother pour.
Tallowamide Dea’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Below are the main roles Tallowamide Dea plays inside a cosmetic formula and why they matter to you when you use the product:
- Antistatic – helps reduce static electricity on hair so strands look smoother and are easier to comb
- Emulsion stabilising – keeps oil and water mixed together which prevents separation in the bottle and extends shelf life
- Cleansing – loosens dirt oil and product buildup allowing them to rinse away more easily without stripping skin or hair
- Emulsifying – allows oils to blend into water-based formulas giving creams and washes a uniform texture
- Foam boosting – increases the amount and stability of lather so products feel richer and spread more evenly
- Viscosity controlling – thickens liquid formulas to a pleasing consistency that stays on the skin or hair long enough to work
Who Can Use Tallowamide Dea
Tallowamide Dea is generally suitable for normal, oily or combination skin and scalp types because it cleanses without being overly stripping yet still delivers a rich lather. People with highly sensitive or allergy-prone skin may prefer to avoid it since diethanolamine derivatives can occasionally cause irritation in reactive individuals.
Because the fatty acids come from animal tallow, the ingredient is not compatible with vegan or vegetarian lifestyles. Anyone following plant-based, halal or kosher guidelines may wish to look for a synthetic or plant-derived alternative.
Current data shows no specific risks linked to topical use of Tallowamide Dea during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Still, research on this exact ingredient in those populations is limited, so this is not medical advice and pregnant or nursing individuals should get personalized clearance from their healthcare provider before adding any new product to their routine.
Tallowamide Dea does not increase photosensitivity, so users do not need to add extra sun protection beyond normal daytime habits. The ingredient is also rinsed off in most formulas, further reducing exposure time.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects and reactions to the topical application of Tallowamide Dea can vary from person to person. The points below outline potential issues, but most users will not experience them when the ingredient is used correctly in a well-formulated product.
- Skin irritation or redness, especially on sensitive skin
- Contact dermatitis in individuals allergic to diethanolamine derivatives
- Eye irritation if shampoo or cleanser gets into the eyes
- Dryness or tightness if the formula contains high levels and is left on the skin for extended periods
- Potential formation of trace nitrosamines if the finished product also contains nitrite preservatives
If you notice any discomfort or adverse reaction while using a product containing Tallowamide Dea stop using it immediately and seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 2 / 5
Tallowamide Dea contains long-chain fatty components that can, in theory, linger in pores and cause minor clogging, yet it is usually used in low amounts in rinse-off formulas where contact time is short. This keeps its pore-blocking potential on the lower side of the scale.
Most acne-prone users can tolerate it in shampoos and body washes, but those who break out easily on the back or hairline may prefer formulas without it or with lighter alternatives.
Because it is animal-derived, there can be slight batch-to-batch variability in fatty acid profile, which might influence how a sensitive or acne-prone skin type reacts.
Summary
Tallowamide Dea works as an antistatic agent, emulsion stabiliser, gentle cleanser, emulsifier, foam booster and viscosity controller by combining oil-loving tallow fatty acids with water-friendly hydroxyethyl groups. This dual nature lets it sit at the oil-water interface, thicken formulas and create creamy lather while helping wash away dirt and excess sebum without stripping.
Once a go-to surfactant in classic shampoos and bubble baths, its popularity has dipped in recent years as brands shift toward plant-based or vegan-friendly options, though it still appears in many mainstream rinse-off products because it performs reliably and is cost-effective.
Current safety data show it is generally well tolerated when used as directed, with irritation or nitrosamine concerns mainly linked to poor formulation practices. As with any new product, do a quick patch test before full use so you can be confident it suits your individual skin and scalp needs.