Ingredients
What We Use & Why
We take pride in sourcing some of the finest ingredients available to craft tallow products that are as effective as they are intentional. Every component is chosen for a reason—because it performs, because it’s proven, and because it aligns with our commitment to quality over shortcuts. Transparency matters to us, and we believe our customers deserve to know exactly what goes into every product they use.
Each product page includes a complete ingredient list specific to that formula. Below, you’ll find more detail about the ingredients we use and why we’ve chosen them. While not every ingredient appears in every product, each one is selected with purpose—used only where it truly adds benefit.
Tallow from Beef Suet (Locally Raised)
At the heart of every product we make is tallow rendered from high-quality beef suet, sourced locally whenever possible. Suet-based tallow is uniquely rich in skin-compatible lipids and naturally occurring fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K—nutrients that closely mirror the structure of human skin. This similarity allows tallow to nourish deeply, support the skin’s natural barrier, and lock in moisture without clogging pores. Unlike heavily processed plant oils, properly rendered tallow is exceptionally stable, long-lasting, and highly effective. It is not a filler or trend-driven ingredient—it is a time-tested, premium foundation chosen for performance, integrity, and results.
Tocopherols T-50 (Vitamin E Oil)
We use soy-free, gluten-free d-alpha tocopherol, the natural and biologically active form of vitamin E. This form has been shown to be more effectively absorbed and retained by the body than synthetic alternatives. Vitamin E serves two essential purposes in our formulations: it supports skin repair and resilience as a powerful antioxidant, and it naturally protects the integrity of the oils themselves. It is included intentionally for both skin health and preservation—not as a marketing afterthought—and is found in every product we make.
Fractionated Coconut Oil (FCO)
Our fractionated coconut oil is 100% pure, cosmetic-grade, and made in the USA. Composed primarily of stable medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), FCO absorbs quickly, improves spreadability, and leaves a silky, non-greasy finish on the skin. Compared to many other plant oils, it offers superior shelf stability and consistent performance without oxidation or heaviness. This makes it the ideal carrier oil for premium tallow formulations and the primary oil used in most of our products.
Honeycomb & Beeswax (Locally Sourced)
Our honeycomb is sourced from local beekeepers in Lebanon and Lancaster Counties, Pennsylvania, ensuring freshness, traceability, and support for regional agriculture. Honeycomb adds natural structure, subtle texture, and a connection to traditional small-batch craftsmanship. Beeswax complements this by providing barrier support and helping seal in moisture while remaining breathable on the skin. Together, these time-honored ingredients are chosen for their functional benefits—not trends—and play a vital role in balms and salves.
Calendula Infused Oil
Calendula infused oil is created by slowly steeping calendula flowers in a carrier oil to extract their beneficial compounds. Known for its soothing and skin-calming properties, calendula is commonly used to support sensitive, dry, or compromised skin. It helps promote comfort, reduce visible irritation, and support the skin’s natural repair process. We use calendula infused oil selectively where its gentle, restorative qualities add meaningful benefit.
Chamomile Infused Oil
Chamomile infused oil is prized for its calming and balancing effects on the skin. Rich in naturally occurring compounds that help soothe redness and irritation, chamomile has a long history of use in gentle skincare. This infused oil supports comfort and softness and is included only where its calming nature aligns with the purpose of the formula.
Sunflower Oil
Sunflower oil is a lightweight, vitamin-rich oil known for its high linoleic acid content and naturally occurring vitamin E. It supports the skin barrier, improves moisture retention, and enhances overall softness without feeling heavy or greasy. We use sunflower oil intentionally for its stability, skin compatibility, and ability to complement tallow-based formulations without overpowering them.
Sunflower Lecithin Oil
Sunflower lecithin is a naturally derived phospholipid that supports skin barrier function and enhances ingredient absorption. It helps improve texture, supports moisture retention, and assists in creating smoother, more cohesive formulations. Derived from non-GMO sunflower sources, it is a gentle and effective alternative to soy-based lecithins and is used in small, purposeful amounts where performance matters.
Magnesium Chloride
Magnesium chloride is included for its well-known calming and restorative properties. This form is recognized for its bioavailability and gentleness in topical applications, allowing it to absorb efficiently through the skin. It is commonly used to support relaxation and muscle comfort and is thoughtfully incorporated into products designed for evening and recovery use, such as our Sleep Tight formula.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is technically a liquid wax ester that closely resembles the skin’s natural sebum. This makes it exceptionally effective at supporting moisture balance, enhancing absorption, and softening the skin without disrupting the barrier. Highly stable and non-comedogenic, jojoba oil is often reserved for higher-end formulations due to its cost and performance. We include it because it works with your skin—not against it—and it is currently used in our Beard & Hair Balm.
Castor Oil
We use premium-grade, organic castor oil that contains over 87% ricinoleic acid, a fatty acid known for its deeply nourishing and conditioning properties. Used in small, intentional amounts, castor oil enhances moisture retention and adds richness without heaviness. Its role is functional and deliberate, contributing performance rather than bulk, and it is currently used in our lip balms and beard balm.
Egg Yolk Infused Oil
We have so much to say about Egg Yolk Infused Oil it needs its own page. Please read more here.
Magnesium Chloride
Magnesium chloride is included for its well-known calming and restorative properties. This form is recognized for its bioavailability and gentleness in topical applications, allowing it to absorb efficiently through the skin. It is commonly used to support relaxation and muscle comfort and is thoughtfully incorporated into products designed for evening and recovery use, such as our Sleep Tight formula.
GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper peptide studied for its role in supporting skin renewal and overall skin health. It is known for helping improve the appearance of skin tone, texture, and resilience while supporting the skin’s natural repair processes. Used at very low, intentional concentrations, this advanced ingredient appears only in specialized formulations where its benefits are appropriate and meaningful.
Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone)
Coenzyme Q10 is a powerful antioxidant naturally found in the body that plays a key role in cellular energy and skin vitality. In topical use, it helps protect against oxidative stress, supports skin firmness, and promotes a healthier-looking complexion. We use high-quality ubiquinone at effective yet conservative levels to ensure benefit without unnecessary excess.
Bisabolol
Bisabolol is a naturally occurring compound most commonly derived from chamomile. It is valued for its soothing properties and its ability to support calm, balanced skin. Bisabolol also enhances the performance of other ingredients by improving skin feel and overall formulation harmony. It is included selectively in formulas designed for gentleness and comfort.
Essential Oils
Our essential oils are 100% naturally derived and blended in-house to create warm, inviting, and well-balanced aromas. They are used at intentionally low concentrations—typically under 1–2% of total volume—to ensure they remain gentle while still providing a refined scent experience. Each blend is designed to complement the base ingredients rather than overpower them, keeping skin comfort and balance as the priority.
Natural Fragrance Oils (100% Natural)
Some scent profiles simply do not exist in nature as essential oils or cannot be safely or sustainably extracted. In these cases, we use high-quality natural fragrance oils to achieve specific notes while maintaining balance and safety. Although they are not essential oils, these fragrances are 100% natural and carefully selected to preserve the character of the scent without compromising the formula. They are always used at low concentrations, typically under 2% of total volume.
Responsibly Sourced Fragrance Oils
While most of our products are 100% natural, a small number of fragrances are not entirely natural because certain scents cannot be duplicated any other way. When used, these fragrance oils are sourced from responsible craftsmen and held to strict standards. They are phthalate-free, paraben-free, and free of SLS and SLES. Full ingredient transparency is always provided so you know exactly what you’re getting. These fragrances are used sparingly, typically under 1% of total volume. Customers seeking strictly 100% natural products may wish to avoid these items.
Monk Fruit (Organic, Non-GMO)
Our organic monk fruit liquid is non-GMO and naturally derived. When used, it provides subtle sweetness without sugar, synthetic sweeteners, or glycemic impact. It is selected for its purity and clean profile and is only found in certain flavored lip balms.
Flavoring Oils (100% Natural & Organic)
Flavoring oils, when listed, are used exclusively in some of our lip balms. These flavors are natural and organic. They are GMO-free, nut-free, and free of artificial colors.
BTMS-50 (Behentrimonium Methosulfate & Cetearyl Alcohol)
BTMS-50 is listed on our Sleep Tight Magnesium Tallow label as Behentrimonium Methosulfate (and) Cetearyl Alcohol. It is a gentle conditioning emulsifier that allows magnesium (which is water-based) to blend smoothly with rich tallow and nourishing oils. Without it, the formula would separate or feel gritty and uneven. Despite the word “methosulfate,” this is not a harsh sulfate like SLS — it’s a mild, skin-conditioning ingredient widely used in high-end skincare. We use BTMS-50 in only one product on our entire site — Sleep Tight Magnesium Tallow — because it is the only formula that contains water. It allows the magnesium to be delivered in a creamy, stable, luxurious texture while keeping the ingredient list thoughtful and minimal.
Optiphen Plus (Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sorbic Acid)
Optiphen Plus is listed exactly as Phenoxyethanol (and) Caprylyl Glycol (and) Sorbic Acid. It is a broad-spectrum preservative used exclusively in our Sleep Tight Magnesium Tallow, the only product we make that contains water. Any product with water must be protected against bacteria, yeast, and mold — this is about safety and product integrity. We use it at a low percentage to keep the formula fresh and stable over time. It is paraben-free, phthalate-free, and does not release formaldehyde. Every other product we offer is completely waterless and requires no preservative at all. Sleep Tight is the one exception — and using a carefully selected preservative here is the safest and most responsible choice for your skin.