There are many misconceptions about tallow skincare. If you’re considering a tallow balm or tallow soap for your face, you may wonder if these products really live up to social media's high praise (hint: they do).
Tallow skincare is just as effective and nourishing as the internet makes it out to be. But there are a number of variables that determine whether your tallow actually meets your skincare needs.
Of course, you’ll want to consider how your tallow is made. But you’ll also want to pick the right products for your skin. Let’s dive into the differences between tallow soap, tallow balm, and other tallow skincare products to determine which is best for you.
What Is Beef Tallow and Why Do We Use It on Skin?
Tallow is animal fat. Specifically, animal fat from cows. While tallow is certainly an unconventional skincare product in the modern world, our ancestors used it for almost everything. From rashes and dry skin to cracked heels, acne, and sunburns — tallow and other animal fats were the skincare standard.
There are a few reasons why modern men and women are rediscovering tallow as a skincare remedy. For one, it typically doesn’t contain any additives, chemicals, preservatives, or other questionable ingredients. For two, it’s usually much more effective than plant-based skincare products and other nontoxic options.
The Benefits of Beef Tallow for Skin
Back before skincare was commercialized, beef tallow, suet, and lard were considered normal skincare products. For our ancestors (who took care to use the whole animal), this cut down on waste and provided effective support to skin that was often sunburnt, chapped, and irritated.
Over time, we replaced good skincare with clever marketing and pretty packaging. But it’s time to go back to our roots. Here are some elements that define quality skincare:
- Nutrient density. If a product is moisture-rich but doesn’t feed your skin with fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins, it isn’t doing the most for your complexion.
- Bioidentical ingredients. Animal fats like tallow are almost bioidentical to our skin. They lock in an extra layer of protection and nutrients that chemicals can’t duplicate.
Let’s explore the benefits of tallow skincare and why it’s considered the old (and new) skincare standard:
No Clogged Pores
Beef tallow is noncomedogenic, meaning it doesn’t clog pores. This is especially helpful for people who struggle with acne, large pores, or blackheads. It can be used on almost any skin type, at any age. You can start using beef tallow in your teens and continue as your skin ages.
If you are sensitive to skincare products, we recommend beginning with just a pea-sized amount of tallow (you don’t need a lot!) You can also use something like the tallow stick, which contains beeswax and other ingredients that fight acne.
Extremely Moisturizing
Beef tallow skincare is extremely moisturizing — and locks in moisture more effectively than almost any chemical-based product. Since it’s animal fat, the nutrients closely match your skin. So your skin barrier is able to soak up the tallow and use the vitamins and minerals.
Effortless Nourishment
Most of the vitamins and minerals you find in drugstore skincare are made in a lab. Tallow skincare, on the other hand, contains natural vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids that are easily absorbed by the skin.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Conjugated linoleic acid is an omega-6 fatty acid that’s found in beef tallow. It’s known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Many people who use beef tallow skincare notice less irritation, redness, and eczema on a day-to-day basis thanks to this powerful nutrient.
Almost Bioidentical to Human Skin
Tallow skincare is almost bioidentical to our own sebum. This means it contains many of the same nutrients (like fatty acids and minerals) that make up our skin. This is a powerful benefit that’s difficult to mimic with chemical-based products.
Vitamin A Support (Without Retinol Burn)
While tallow balm isn’t considered an official retinol alternative (we recommend bakuchiol for aging skin), it does have natural vitamin A. This vitamin is an essential resource for anyone who wants to preserve the youth of their skin. Tallow balm is gentle on skin and won’t cause the typical “retinol burn.”
Tallow Balm vs. Tallow Soap: What’s the Difference?
There are a few different ways to apply your tallow skincare. And depending on your skincare needs, there are some key differences between tallow balm and tallow soap.
Tallow Balm Benefits
Tallow balm is a classic moisturizer. It’s nutrient-dense and brings hydration straight to your skin. You’ll get your tallow balm in a jar and apply it as a night cream. Many of our tallow balms include essential oils for added anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, so consider choosing one of those if you want to be even more intentional with your tallow skincare.
We recommend tallow balm as a facial moisturizer for aging skin. The deep moisturization is best for skin that tends to dry out quickly. Tallow balm can also support younger skin, especially acne-prone skin. But if it’s your first time using tallow for acne, we recommend beginning with a tallow soap.
Another reason to keep tallow balm on hand is for first aid. The balm provides a gentle and thorough application for cracked heels, sunburns, eczema, acne, cuts, and scrapes. It’s easier to use and have accessible than a tallow soap.
Tallow Balm Benefit Highlights:
- Great for aging skin
- A powerful moisturizer
- Good for acne-prone skin
Tallow Soap Benefits
A tallow soap is best for someone who wants the benefits of tallow skincare but without dense application. We recommend tallow soap as a face wash for teens or as an everyday cleansing bar. When included in soap, tallow is paired with other ingredients like coconut oil, activated charcoal, clay, and essential oils.
You can use tallow soap in the shower, for shaving, or as a daily face wash. The charcoal soap, one of our bestselling tallow products, is formulated to improve acne with gentle ingredients that detoxify.
Tallow Soap Benefit Highlights:
- A good option for teens
- Best for a full-body cleanse
- Light application
- Includes other skin nourishing ingredients
Other Ingredients to Include in Your Tallow Skincare Routine
Tallow is full of minerals, vitamins, fatty acids, and other nourishing ingredients. When it comes to skincare, tallow can hold its own. But if you’re addressing specific skin concerns, it may be helpful to add other all-natural ingredients to your tallow products. Here are some common ones to consider:
Activated Charcoal
If you’re using tallow for acne, you may consider a tallow soap that includes activated charcoal. This ingredient is great for cleansing and detoxifying your pores — lowering the chance of breakouts while keeping bacteria at bay.
Frankincense Essential Oil
Our frankincense face balm (with tallow and frankincense essential oil) is a bestseller for a reason. In addition to the benefits of tallow skincare, frankincense essential oil provides extra antibacterial and antioxidant properties. These are wonderful benefits for aging or acne prone skin. Plus, frankincense essential oil can help relieve stress.
Beeswax
If you’re using beef tallow as a hydrating balm, you may want to include beeswax in your routine. This natural ingredient locks moisture into your skin — making a protective barrier that keeps hydration in and impurities out.
Coconut Oil
This natural plant-based ingredient is often found in tallow soaps. It can add subtle moisture and antifungal properties, supporting healthy levels of bacteria and hydrated sebum.
Our Tallow Skincare Standard
Yes, tallow skincare lives up to the hype. But only if you use the right products.
Choosing between a tallow soap, tallow balm, or even a tallow stick can make or break your experience using tallow skincare. Make sure you do your research and give yourself time to find the right products.
Another thing that can impact your experience with tallow skincare is the tallow quality. Beef tallow isn’t going to benefit your skin if it’s grain fed, full of preservatives, or poorly rendered. We always recommend choosing a tallow skincare brand that uses 100% grass-fed tallow, dry-rendered products, and nontoxic ingredients.