Benefits of Tallow for Skin
| What it is | Beef fat (suet), melted down and strained until clean |
|---|---|
| Main fats | Oleic, palmitic, stearic and palmitoleic acids |
| Vitamins it contains | A, D, E and K |
| Water content | None |
| Best for | Dry, rough or weathered skin |
| Not for | Sun protection, or treating skin conditions |
| Made by | Moose's Tallow, Lebanon, Pennsylvania |
What is beef tallow?
Tallow is beef fat that has been melted down and strained until it is clean. Suet, the fat around the kidneys, is the part we use. Once rendered, it is smooth, firm at room temperature and shelf-stable. It contains no water at all.
Why does tallow feel different from lotion?
Most lotions are mostly water. The water sits on your skin for a few minutes, then evaporates. Tallow has no water. It is all fat, so it stays on the surface and seals. A little goes a long way.
What is in tallow, and what does each part do?
Tallow is mostly fatty acids. These four do most of the work.
- Oleic acid (omega-9). A soft, light fat that is also in your skin's natural oils. It helps a balm spread and sink in.
- Palmitic acid. Another fat your skin makes. It helps form a protective layer that slows moisture loss.
- Stearic acid. It gives tallow its firm, creamy body. On skin it leaves a smooth, supple feel.
- Palmitoleic acid (omega-7). It is present in smaller amounts. Your skin's own oils contain it too.
Tallow also contains the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. We say contains on purpose. A vitamin in a balm is an ingredient fact, not a promise of a result.
What are the benefits of tallow for skin?
- Rich moisture. The fat layer slows water loss. Dry skin feels softer and less tight.
- Familiar fats. Its fatty acids resemble those in your skin's natural oils. It feels natural, not slick.
- Skin barrier support. A light seal helps skin hold its own moisture, especially in wind and cold.
- Vitamins A, D, E and K. They come along with the tallow, as part of the fat.
- Short ingredient lists. Ours have a handful of ingredients. You can read the whole label out loud.
- One tin, many jobs. Hands, heels, elbows, lips and beards all take to it.
Who tends to like tallow most?
People with dry, rough or weathered skin. Gardeners, hikers, parents who wash their hands all day, and anyone who chaps in winter. Many people also switch because they are tired of long ingredient lists.
Does tallow clog pores?
Tallow is a rich fat. Some people with oily or acne-prone skin find heavy balms too thick for the face. Every skin is different. Try a thin layer on a small patch first, and wait a day.
What will tallow not do?
- It is not a sunscreen. It has no SPF.
- It is not a medicine. It does not treat or cure skin conditions. See a doctor for a rash that will not clear.
- It does not feel like a water-based lotion. It is richer.
- It is an animal product. Skip it if you avoid those.
How do I start using tallow?
- Test a small patch on your inner forearm. Wait 24 hours.
- Warm a pea-sized amount between your fingers.
- Press it onto slightly damp skin.
- Try it at night first.
- Add more only if your skin still feels dry.
How do we make ours?
We start with local beef suet and render it with care. Each batch is made by hand in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. There is no water in the base. Every product comes with our 60-day guarantee.
Where to start
Keep reading: Our ingredient list · Straight answers about tallow · FAQ · Beef tallow for skin (blog) · Shop all