MEA-Tallowate
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Monoethanolamine Tallowate
Synthetic
Skin Conditioner
Not Clean
MEA-Tallowate is a cosmetic ingredient. Assessed as safe by the CIR.
Effective at 20.0%
CAS #
61789-97-7
Form
Liquid
Functions
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.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
5.0%
35.0%
0%49%
Reported use
CIR reported use: 5-35
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory0 listings
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR