Humans have been using tallow on their skin for thousands of years.... for good reason!
What is Tallow?
Tallow is a pure, nutrient rich fat carefully rendered from premium grass-fed beef suet. It’s naturally packed with fat soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, plus anti inflammatory conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). These are nutrients which work together to repair, soothe, and deeply hydrate your skin. This allows it to absorb beautifully, supports your skin’s barrier, and helps lock in moisture all without clogging pores or leaving that greasy feeling.
Why does it work?
Unlike plant-based oils or synthetic creams, tallow is pretty much bio identical to our skin’s own oils, so it absorbs easily and helps restore your skin’s natural barrier.
Unlike many modern lotions full of artificial fillers and chemical preservatives, tallow is natural, nutrient-rich, and deeply nourishing. Especially for dry, sensitive, or mature skin. It helps with the appearance of skin as it is an emollient and occlusive, which simply means that it locks in moisture and prevents water loss, which is the secret to temporarily plumping fine lines. Its vitamin rich nature means that it supports skin elasticity and barrier repair.
How long has tallow been used in skin care?
In ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, characterised by its harsh conditions, moisturized skin was a symbol of health and beauty. Archaeologists have found small jars in tombs filled with what was once fat-based creams, often beef or pig fat mixed with herbs and fragrant oils.
In ancient Greece and Rome, writers like Pliny the Elder described using hog’s lard and beef suet (tallow) to treat dry skin, rashes, and more. He even wrote that “sow’s grease is the most useful of all cosmetics for women.” Around 150 AD, the Greek physician Galen invented 'cold cream' a formulation which combined beeswax, water, and animal fat.
In ancient China, archaeologists uncovered a 2,700-year-old cosmetic jar filled with a cream made from beef tallow and “moonmilk” (a natural mineral)......... It’s one of the oldest face creams ever discovered!
During the Middle Ages and Renaissance era, natural skincare was still the norm. Medieval medical texts like The Trotula (a collection of women’s health remedies from 12th-century Italy) recommended mixing tallow with herbs to treat dry, rough skin. Tallow was a household staple for softening skin, treating wounds, and soothing chapped hands. Wealthy nobles in Europe often perfumed these fats with essential oils to create luxurious creams.
In the Islamic Golden Age, doctors like Al-Zahrawi (Albucasis) used tallow-based salves in their medical writings. One remedy mixed tallow, honey, iris oil, and marshmallow root to heal cracked hands and soften skin.
In the 1600s to 1800s, tallow was still a staple in home remedies and pharmacy guides. Families made their own creams using mutton suet, lard, or beef tallow mixed with lavender, lemon, or bergamot oil. These homemade recipes were passed down like family secrets. Through the 1800s, tallow remained a primary ingredient in commercial soaps and early cosmetics.
Today.....?
Tallow is used to be used to make glycerin, a very common ingredient in moisturisers today and in the past. However, almost all glycerin today is made from seed oils as a byproduct of soap or biodiesel manufacturing as it is much cheaper and can be marketed as 'vegan'. It was with the boom of the chemical industry, that commercial brands shifted toward cheap, mass-produced synthetic ingredients, plant oils, and petroleum-based products. This still continues today.
WHY CHOOSE TALLOW BASED PRODUCTS?
1. Rich in Skin-Loving Nutrients
Tallow is incredibly similar to the composition of human skin. It’s packed with vitamins A, D, E, and K, along with essential fatty acids that help support skin repair, hydration, and elasticity. These nutrients penetrate deeply, promoting a smooth, supple complexion.
Vitamin A - essential for skin cell renewal and repair, helping to improve texture, tone, and elasticity.
Vitamin D - a powerful healing agent, supporting the skin's natural repair process and reducing irritation
Vitamin E - a potent antioxidant that protects the skin from environmental damage, free radicals, and premature aging
Vitamin K - helps reduce dark sports, under-eye circles and hyperpigmentation while promoting even skin tone.
Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) - known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which help with acne-prone and sensitive skin
Palmitoleic Acid - a rare fatty acid found in human skin that supports wound healing, cell regeneration and moisture retention.
2. Deeply Moisturising
Unlike many commercial soaps that strip the skin of its natural oils, tallow-based soap is a natural emollient. It helps to lock in moisture, making it an excellent choice for people with dry or sensitive skin. Because its lipid profile closely matches human sebun, the tallow is able to penetrate the skin barrier easily, delivery hydration at a cellular level rather than just sitting on the urface like many plant oils.
It is also non-comedogenic which means that despite being an animal fat, tallow does not clog pores. Instead, it helps regulate oil production and supports balanced, healthy skin.
3. Supports Natural Skin Barrier
The fatty acids in tallow, such as palmitic and stearic acids, closely mimic the skin’s natural sebum. This helps maintain the skin’s protective barrier, preventing water loss and shielding against environmental aggressors.
4. Ideal for Sensitive Skin
Free from harsh detergents, synthetic fragrances, and other irritants, tallow-based soap is gentle enough for all skin types, including those with eczema, psoriasis, or acne-prone skin. Unlike plant based oils, which are often refined and highly processed, tallow remains in its natural form, ensuring maximum nutrient retention and skin benefits.
5. Environmentally Friendly
Tallow-based soaps are biodegradable and often produced with sustainably sourced materials. They’re a fantastic way to reduce waste, as tallow is often a byproduct of the meat industry that might otherwise go unused.
6. Long-Lasting and Cost-Effective
Tallow-based soaps tend to be denser than commercial alternatives, meaning they last longer and provide more value for your money. Their natural composition ensures a rich lather without needing synthetic foaming agents.
Try natural grass-fed tallow today and see the difference..... it just makes sense! :0)