Before there were serums, acids, and lab-made creams, there was tallow—pure, rendered fat from animals, used for generations to nourish and protect the skin. And now, in an age obsessed with “skinimalism,” ancestral beauty, and clean ingredients, tallow is making an unexpected (and welcome) comeback.
From farmers’ markets to TikTok routines, tallow-based balms and moisturizers are becoming the go-to for people looking to ditch synthetic skincare and feed their skin like an organ—which, by the way, it is.
What Is Tallow Skincare?
Tallow is rendered fat, most commonly from grass-fed beef. It’s gently cooked down and purified to create a smooth, shelf-stable fat that’s surprisingly similar to the sebum your skin naturally produces. That compatibility makes it an excellent moisturizer—rich, non-irritating, and deeply restorative.
Tallow used in skincare is:
- Nutrient-dense and full of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K
- Rich in CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) and stearic acid, which support skin barrier function
- Naturally antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory
- 100% bioavailable—your skin recognizes and absorbs it with ease
Why Tallow Is Trending (Again)
Tallow is part of a bigger shift in skincare: a move toward ancestral, whole-ingredient rituals and away from industrial, lab-made formulations. People want skincare that works—and that they can actually understand.
What’s driving the trend:
- Frustration with overcomplicated routines
- Rise in skin sensitivities, eczema, and barrier damage
- Demand for zero-waste, sustainable beauty products
- Influencer-led education about ancestral beauty and regenerative farming
- Desire for skincare that’s safe enough to eat (literally)
What Are the Benefits of Tallow for Skin?
Tallow isn’t just trendy—it’s effective. Here’s what it may do for your skin when used consistently:
Tallow skincare may help with:
- Dry, flaky, or cracked skin
- Eczema, psoriasis, and other inflammatory conditions
- Strengthening the skin barrier
- Healing minor cuts, scars, and irritation
- Balancing oily skin and reducing breakouts (yes, really)
- Improving texture and glow without clogging pores
Its naturally occurring vitamins and fatty acids support regeneration and elasticity, making it a favorite for both anti-aging and minimalist routines.
How to Use Tallow in Your Routine
Most tallow products come as balms or whipped creams, with or without added botanicals like calendula, chamomile, or essential oils. Start small—a little goes a long way.
Best ways to use tallow:
- As a night cream or all-over facial moisturizer
- For chapped lips, elbows, hands, or heels
- As an after-sun balm or post-shave soother
- On babies (yes, it’s baby-safe!) for diaper rash or sensitive skin
- As a makeup remover or cleansing balm (when blended with other oils)
It’s especially powerful for people dealing with “moisture barrier burnout” from too many exfoliants or harsh actives.
What to Look for in a Tallow Skincare Product
Because you’re applying this directly to your skin, sourcing matters. Quality tallow is clean, nourishing, and processed with care.
Look for:
- Grass-fed, pasture-raised beef tallow (often labeled “suet-based” or “leaf fat”)
- No synthetic additives, fragrances, or preservatives
- Small-batch or cold-rendered processes for nutrient retention
- Glass packaging or minimal waste (many brands are plastic-free)
Popular brands to check out:
- Toups & Co – Whipped tallow with essential oils
- Vintage Tradition – Long-standing tallow balm brand
- Ancestral Skin – Minimalist ingredients, great for sensitive types
- MadeOn – Simple tallow lotion bars with beeswax and coconut oil
Or—you can even make it yourself. All you need is grass-fed suet, a slow cooker, and some cheesecloth. DIY tallow balm recipes are all over TikTok and YouTube right now.
Final Thoughts: A Return to Skin Wisdom
Tallow skincare feels radical—but only because we’ve strayed so far from the basics. For centuries, humans used the whole animal, respected natural rhythms, and honored the skin with real, recognizable ingredients. Now, we’re circling back.
If you’ve been burned by overhyped products, complicated routines, or ingredient lists you can’t pronounce, tallow might be the reset your skin needs. It’s old-school—but in the best way.