Understanding nature's perfect moisturizer
Tallow is rendered fat from grass-fed cattle—specifically, the nutrient-dense fat found around the kidneys and organs (called suet). When this fat is carefully melted down and purified through a process called rendering, it becomes a smooth, creamy substance that's been trusted for skincare for thousands of years.
💡 Quick Fact: Tallow has been used in skincare since ancient times—from Roman baths to Victorian cold creams. Our ancestors knew what modern science is now confirming.
It's all about biocompatibility
Tallow's fatty acid composition is remarkably similar to human sebum (your skin's natural oils). This means it absorbs deeply and works with your skin, not against it.
Grass-fed tallow contains vitamins A, D, E, and K—all fat-soluble vitamins essential for healthy skin cell function, repair, and protection.
The conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in grass-fed tallow has anti-inflammatory properties and helps repair and protect your skin's moisture barrier.
Unlike water-based lotions that sit on the surface, tallow penetrates deeply to nourish skin at the cellular level without feeling greasy.
Here's how tallow's fatty acid profile compares to human sebum and other popular moisturizers:
| Fatty Acid | Human Sebum | Grass-Fed Tallow | Coconut Oil |
|---|---|---|---|
| Palmitic Acid | 20-30% | 26-30% | 8-10% |
| Stearic Acid | 10-15% | 12-18% | 2-3% |
| Oleic Acid | 25-35% | 40-50% | 5-8% |
| Linoleic Acid | 10-15% | 2-5% | 1-2% |
What This Means: Tallow's fatty acid profile is nearly identical to human sebum, making it one of the most biocompatible moisturizers available. Your skin recognizes it and uses it effectively.
Not all tallow is created equal. The diet of the animal dramatically impacts the nutritional profile of the fat. Here's why we only use grass-fed tallow:
Grass-fed cattle produce tallow with 3-5x more conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which has powerful anti-inflammatory and skin-healing properties.
Grass-fed tallow has a more balanced omega fatty acid ratio, reducing inflammation and supporting overall skin health.
Grass-fed animals produce fat that's significantly richer in fat-soluble vitamins essential for skin repair and protection.
Grass-fed cattle raised on pasture aren't given growth hormones or routine antibiotics, ensuring a pure, clean product for your skin.
Tallow moisturizer is incredibly versatile. Here's how to get the best results:
After washing your face or showering, pat skin until just damp (not dripping wet). Tallow absorbs best when skin has a bit of moisture to lock in.
A little goes a long way! Start with a pea-sized amount for your face, dime-sized for each area of your body. You can always add more if needed.
Rub the tallow between your palms for a few seconds to warm and soften it. This helps it absorb more quickly and evenly.
Massage into skin using gentle, upward motions. Take your time—this is self-care! It should absorb within 1-2 minutes without leaving a greasy film.
💡 Pro Tip: Use morning and night for best results. Tallow is gentle enough for daily use and can be used anywhere—face, body, hands, feet, even lips!
Everything you need to know about tallow skincare
No! When tallow is properly rendered and purified, it has little to no scent. Our tallow goes through multiple rendering and filtering processes to ensure it's odorless. We then add natural essential oils for a pleasant scent, or you can choose our unscented version which is virtually scent-free.
Tallow is non-comedogenic for most people, meaning it doesn't typically clog pores. Because its composition is so similar to human sebum, skin recognizes and uses it efficiently. However, everyone's skin is different. If you're acne-prone, start with a small amount on a test area first. Many people with problematic skin actually find tallow helps balance their complexion.
Yes! Tallow is actually ideal for sensitive skin because it contains only one ingredient (plus optional essential oils). Unlike commercial moisturizers with dozens of synthetic ingredients, preservatives, and fragrances, tallow is pure and simple. Many customers with eczema, psoriasis, and other skin sensitivities have great success with tallow.
When stored properly in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, tallow moisturizer has a shelf life of 12-18 months. Tallow is naturally stable and doesn't need synthetic preservatives. You'll know it's still fresh if it maintains its smooth texture and pleasant scent (if scented). A small amount goes a long way, so a single jar typically lasts 2-3 months with daily use.
Tallow is an animal-derived ingredient, so it's not suitable for strict vegans. However, some people who avoid animal products make an exception for tallow because it's a byproduct of the meat industry that would otherwise go to waste. It's a personal choice. If you're looking for plant-based alternatives, we'd be happy to recommend other natural skincare options.
Tallow comes from cattle (beef) while lard comes from pigs (pork). Both are rendered animal fats, but they have different fatty acid profiles. Tallow is firmer at room temperature and more closely matches human sebum, making it superior for skincare. We use only 100% grass-fed beef tallow for optimal skin benefits.
We source our tallow from 100% grass-fed cattle (not grain-fed), which dramatically increases the nutritional content. We render it ourselves in small batches to ensure purity and freshness. Store-bought tallow often comes from conventionally-raised cattle and may contain hormones, antibiotics, and other additives. Our tallow is clean, pure, and made specifically for skincare.
