About Tallow & FAQ

All About Tallow for Skincare

What is Tallow?

Tallow is fat of an animal that’s been rendered and separated from impurities. Used for centuries, tallow is known for its rich, nourishing properties, making it a prized ingredient in traditional skincare. After being carefully rendered, tallow closely mirrors the composition of human skin oils, allowing it to absorb effectively and help maintain healthy, hydrated skin.

At Earth Made, we use grass-fed, grass-finished, local beef for tallow, ensuring that our products are made with the highest quality, sustainably sourced fat for your skin.

Why Tallow for Skin?

  1. Similar to Human Skin
    The fatty acids in tallow, such as oleic acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid, are very similar to those naturally found in our skin. This means tallow is highly compatible with the skin’s natural oils, making it effective in moisturizing and restoring the skin’s moisture barrier. These fatty acids help the skin retain hydration, creating a softer, more supple texture.
  2. Nutrient-Rich
    Tallow may contain small amounts of fat-soluble vitamins, including Vitamin A, D, E, and K2. These vitamins are essential for healthy skin:
    • Vitamin A supports skin regeneration and cell turnover.
    • Vitamin D helps maintain overall skin health.
    • Vitamin E acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting the skin from environmental damage.
    • Vitamin K2 supports skin elasticity and a healthy complexion.

While tallow isn’t the primary source of these vitamins, it still contributes to your skin’s nourishment, supporting overall skin vitality.

Proven Benefits of Tallow for Skin

  1. Moisturizing and Hydrating
    Tallow is a highly effective moisturizer, helping to lock in hydration and prevent water loss from the skin. Its fatty acid profile helps reinforce the skin’s natural lipid barrier, which is key in keeping the skin hydrated, soft, and smooth. Numerous studies on lipid-based moisturizers confirm that oils like tallow are excellent for maintaining skin hydration.
  2. Soothing and Anti-Inflammatory
    Tallow contains fatty acids that have natural anti-inflammatory properties. While direct studies on tallow for skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis are limited, many people with sensitive or irritated skin find tallow to be soothing. The stearic and palmitic acids found in tallow may help calm redness and irritation, providing relief for dry, inflamed skin.
  3. Supports Skin Regeneration
    Vitamin A, which is present in small amounts in tallow, plays an important role in supporting the skin’s regeneration process. Vitamin A encourages cell turnover, which can help improve the appearance of skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines over time. While tallow is not a primary source of Vitamin A, its presence contributes to skin renewal.
  4. Maintaining a Healthy Skin Barrier
    Tallow is known for its ability to help maintain the skin’s natural barrier. This protective layer helps shield the skin from external pollutants and environmental stressors. By reinforcing this barrier, tallow supports overall skin health, reducing the risk of dryness, irritation, and damage from harsh conditions.

Is Tallow Suitable for All Skin Types?

Tallow is generally well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive skin. Because it’s made from natural animal fats that are similar to the oils found in our skin, it’s highly compatible and nourishing. That said, as with any skincare ingredient, it’s always a good idea to perform a patch test if you’re trying tallow for the first time, especially if you have allergies to animal-based products.

Why Choose Grass-Fed, Grass-Finished Tallow?

At Earth Made, we believe in the importance of sourcing the best ingredients for your skin. That’s why we use grass-fed, grass-finished beef tallow. Grass-fed beef is higher in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants compared to conventionally raised beef, and grass-finished beef means the cattle have been allowed to eat their natural diet throughout their life, which contributes to healthier fat profiles. Our commitment to sourcing the best quality tallow means you can trust that every product is nourishing, sustainable, and gentle on your skin.