Potassium Tallowate
AKA “Potassium salt of tallow fatty acids, Potassium tallow
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Potassium tallowate
AKA: Potassium salt of tallow fatty acids
Synthetic · Cleansing · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Synthetic
Clean
A gentle cleanser derived from plant and animal sources that helps remove dirt and oil while keeping products smooth and blended together.
CAS #
61790-32-7
Form
Powder
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.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Removes Impurities
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
A saponified derivative of tallow (rendered animal fat) developed in the 19th century as a soap base. Tallow itself has been used for soap and candle making since ancient times, but potassium tallowate represents the modern industrial formulation used in cleansing products.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
General
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
4
CIR
Safe
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Verified Feb 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR