Sodium Tallate
AKA “Tall Oil Soap
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Sodium tallate
AKA: Tall Oil Soap
Synthetic · Cleansing · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Synthetic
Clean
A natural plant-derived cleanser that gently removes dirt and oil while helping to blend and stabilize product textures for a smooth application.
CAS #
61790-45-2
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.
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.
Surfactant Cleansing
Surfactant Emulsifying
Anti-Inflammatory
Antimicrobial
Fights Acne
Removes dirt and impurities
Lifts away dirt and oil
Mixes oil and water
Traditional Use
Modern saponified derivative of tall oil (a byproduct of wood pulp processing), developed in the 20th century. Used as a mild surfactant and emulsifier as an alternative to animal tallow-based ingredients.
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
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Amended Safety Assessment of Tall Oil Acid, Sodium Tallate, Potassium Tallate and Ammonium Tallate
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Sodium Tallate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Amended safety assessment of tall oil acid, sodium tallate, potassium tallate, and ammonium tallate.
Robinson V, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Klaassen CD, Marks JG Jr et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2009
Amended safety assessment of tall oil acid, sodium tallate, potassium tallate, and ammonium tallate.
Robinson V, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Klaassen CD, Marks JG Jr et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2009
Amended safety assessment of tall oil acid, sodium tallate, potassium tallate, and ammonium tallate.
Robinson V, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Klaassen CD, Marks JG Jr et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2009
Amended safety assessment of tall oil acid, sodium tallate, potassium tallate, and ammonium tallate.
Robinson V, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Klaassen CD, Marks JG Jr et al.
International journal of toxicology, 2009
Verified Feb 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR
Sodium Tallate — Duck Heart Ghost