5 Reasons Why Tallow is Your New Skincare BFF (Plus a Bonus Guide to DIY Dry Rendering!)

Maybe you've heard the viral audio......"Beef fat? On your face?!" Tallow, which is rendered beef fat, has been used for centuries in skincare and making a powerful comeback. Tallow is gaining popularity among natural beauty lovers. I've been using this Tallow Balm on my family for 6 years. But what exactly makes tallow a must-have in your skincare routine? Here are five reasons why tallow should be your new skincare best friend!

Close-up view of creamy tallow lotion in a glass jar.

1. Rich in Nutrients

Tallow is jam packed with essential vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are vital for healthy and glowing skin. These vitamins can enhance skin immunity, support cell turnover, and keep that luminous look we all want. For example, studies show that vitamin E can help improve skin hydration and elasticity, reducing the appearance of fine lines by up to 25%.

Additionally, tallow contains healthy fatty acids that deeply nourish and hydrate the skin. All of those nutrients and fatty acids will leave your skin feeling oh-so soft!

2. Amazing Moisturizer

Finding the ideal moisturizer can seem impossible at times. But, that's because you havent found tallow yet! Its unique makeup closely resembles the natural oils produced by our skin, making it extremely effective as a moisturizer.

Tallow creates a protective barrier, locking in moisture while allowing your skin to breathe. This is especially beneficial for those dealing with dryness during harsh winter months (myself included). In fact, people rave about feeling significant improvement in skin hydration levels, often noticing smoother skin within just a few days of use. Flaky skin who?

3. Great for Sensitive Skin

For individuals with sensitive skin (also me...like, even water can make me bumpy and itchy!), finding suitable products can be daunting. Tallow shines in this area due to its gentle formulation. With few ingredients involved, it minimizes the risk of irritation compared to many commercially produced products loaded with complex chemicals.

It's so importnant to get tallow that comes from grass-fed beef, it's free from artificial preservatives and fragrances, making it an excellent choice for those susceptible to redness or irritation. One thing I have heard over and over with my customers is how their skin calmed down significantly after switching to our tallow balm. We love tallow!

4. Natural Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Inflammation drives many skin problems, including acne and eczema. If you've been with me for a while, then you know that this all came from trying to find something to help my son with his eczema. Even with all of the non scented, special soaps and lotions....my poor baby would get these terrible sores that would just fester. No steroid or cream would help.

The good news here is that tallow boasts natural anti-inflammatory properties. Specifically, the fatty acids in tallow, particularly conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), can aid in reducing inflammation and promoting healing.

By applying tallow to irritated skin, you can soothe conditions like rosacea and acne. A study found that CLA can reduce skin redness and swelling by up to 30% in individuals with inflammatory skin conditions. I can honestly say, cross my heart, that he has not had a flair up since. It's been 6 years! Have I mentioned how much I love Tallow Balm?

5. Eco-Friendly Choice

In today's world of fast fashion and synthetic goods, tallow stands out as an environmentally friendly option. By using tallow, you nourish your skin while embracing a sustainable skincare approach.

When sourced from pasture-raised cattle, tallow ensures that various animal parts are utilized, effectively reducing waste. In doing so, you support sustainable farming practices and contribute to a healthier planet. So next time you're in the market for skincare, consider tallow for its benefits to both your skin and the environment!

Eye-level view of rustic kitchen with tallow rendering.

Bonus: How to Render Your Own Tallow at Home

Excited about the benefits of tallow? Why not take it a step further and render your own at home? It’s easier than you might think! Follow this straightforward guide to dry rendering tallow.

What You'll Need:

• Beef Suet: The hard fat from around the kidneys of a cow. If you don't have access to suet, you can use trim fat. I am a firm believer in using what you have.

• A Slow Cooker or Heavy Pot: Perfect for low and slow cooking.

• Fine Mesh Strainer or Cheesecloth: To filter out solids.

  
  

Steps:

1. Cut the Suet into Small Pieces: Chop it into small chunks to help it render more easily. The grinder attatchement for a stand mixer works like a dream!

   
   

2. Add to the Cooker: Place the chopped or ground suet in your slow cooker or pot. Set the heat to low to allow for gentle melting.

   
   

3. Wait Patiently: This part takes time. It may take several hours, so be patient! It’s done when it transforms into a golden liquid.

   
   

4. Strain: After melting, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. Strain it through the fine mesh or cheesecloth into a clean bowl, leaving behind any solid bits. Let cool until its solid.

   
   

5. Repeat and Repeat again: Once cool, you may see specs of sedement. Scrape this off and melt it down again. Do this until you dont see anymore specs.

   
   

6. Cool and Store: Let your tallow cool completely; it will solidify as it cools. Store it in a cool, dark place, and you've got your own homemade tallow ready for skincare or cooking!

   
   

So, are you ready to join the tallow club?

Tallow isn’t just for cooking; it’s also a skincare powerhouse! With its rich nutrient profile, moisturizing capabilities, gentle nature for sensitive skin, anti-inflammatory benefits, and eco-friendly qualities, tallow deserves a spot in your skincare lineup.

If you'd rather not make tallow skincare yourself, or maybe you don't have time, you can always purchase it here. Made personally by yours truly. We have Tallow Balm, Tallow Lip Balm and Tallow Deodorant!