What Is Talloweth-5?
Talloweth-5 is the cosmetic name for polyethylene glycol (5) tallow ether, a substance created by reacting fatty alcohols derived from animal tallow with about five units of ethylene oxide. The finished material is a waxy or liquid surfactant that dissolves well in water yet also mixes smoothly with oils.
Soap makers first discovered that adding small amounts of tallow-based ethoxylates improved lather and rinsing in the early 20th century. As polyethylene glycol chemistry advanced, suppliers refined the process so the average chain length of five ethylene oxide units produced a balanced cleanser-emulsifier that worked in a wide pH range. Today most manufacturers use food-grade or cosmetic-grade tallow collected from meat-processing by-products, then purify and ethoxylate it in closed reactors under heat and pressure. Strict filtration and deodorizing steps remove impurities before the ingredient reaches formulators.
Because it both lifts away dirt and keeps oil and water blended, Talloweth-5 turns up in many rinse-off and leave-on products. You can find it in facial cleansers, body washes, makeup removers, cream shampoos, conditioners, hand soaps, light lotions and even some sheet masks and wipe solutions.
Talloweth-5’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Talloweth-5 contributes two main technical benefits to a formula
- Cleansing: Its surfactant action loosens surface oil, sweat and makeup so they can be rinsed away with water, leaving skin or hair feeling fresh without a tight after-feel
- Emulsifying: It stabilizes mixtures that contain both water and oils, helping creams and lotions stay uniform so the consumer gets the same smooth texture and performance from the first use to the last
Who Can Use Talloweth-5
Talloweth-5 is generally tolerated by normal, oily and combination skin because it cleanses without strongly stripping the skin’s surface. Very dry or highly sensitive skin may find repeated use a bit dehydrating if the rest of the formula lacks replenishing lipids.
The ingredient is sourced from animal tallow, so it is not suitable for vegans or strict vegetarians who avoid animal-derived materials. Plant-based or synthetic PEG ethers would be necessary alternatives for those lifestyles.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women are not known to face special risks from topical Talloweth-5 when used in a finished cosmetic. This information is not medical advice; anyone expecting or nursing should ask a healthcare professional before starting new products to be on the safe side.
Talloweth-5 does not absorb UV light and is not associated with photosensitivity, so it will not heighten sun sensitivity in normal use.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Individual responses to Talloweth-5 vary. The points below outline potential side effects that could occur, although most people will not experience them when the ingredient is properly formulated and used as directed.
- Mild skin irritation
- Redness or stinging in very sensitive or compromised skin
- Allergic contact dermatitis in those allergic to polyethylene glycols or residual animal proteins
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally enters the eyes
- Folliculitis or breakout-like bumps if a heavy leave-on formula traps residue on prone areas
If any of these reactions develop, discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider if symptoms persist or worsen
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5 (low)
Talloweth-5 is highly water soluble thanks to its polyethylene glycol backbone, so it rinses away instead of sitting in pores. Although it starts from tallow fat, the chemical processing strips away most of the greasy parts that would normally clog follicles. Only in very heavy leave-on creams could the ingredient add a slight occlusive film, which is why it is given a cautious 1 rather than a flat 0.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin in most rinse-off products and in light lotions.
As with any surfactant, the overall formula matters: higher levels, thick textures or poor rinsing can raise the risk of residue that might trap dead skin or oil.
Summary
Talloweth-5 works mainly as a cleanser and an emulsifier. Its surfactant part loosens dirt, oil and makeup so water can carry them away, while its oil-friendly tail and water-friendly head keep water and oils blended in a stable mix.
The ingredient sits in a middle lane of popularity. Many classic soap and shampoo makers still rely on it for its dependable performance, yet newer vegan and plant-based brands tend to skip it because of its animal origin.
Safety data show low irritation and a very low comedogenic profile when used at normal cosmetic levels. Still, everyone’s skin is unique so patch testing any new product that lists Talloweth-5 is a smart move.