MEA-Tallowate
AKA “Monoethanolamine Tallowate
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
MEA-Tallowate
AKA: Monoethanolamine Tallowate
Synthetic · Cleansing · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Cleanser
Skin Conditioner
Hair Care
Synthetic
Clean
A plant-derived conditioner that softens and smooths hair, leaving it feeling silky and manageable.
Effective at 20.0%
CAS #
61789-97-7
Form
Liquid
See origin →
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Hair Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Conditions Skin
Softens & Smooths
Traditional Use
A synthetic surfactant derived from animal tallow (beef fat) combined with MEA. Developed as a cleansing agent in soaps and detergents, though largely replaced by plant-based alternatives in modern cosmetics.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
General
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
4
CIR
Safe w/Qualifications
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
5.0%
35.0%
0%49%
Effective Range
CIR reported use: 5-35
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Verified Feb 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR