Wound Care
Tallow has also been shown to act as an anti-infective agent in wound healing, according to a study analyzing the benefits of tallow-based soaps. The researchers concluded that tallow was an effective disinfectant that did not cause the typical dryness associated with conventional soaps and surfactants. Overall, the study found that tallow not only contributed to increased skin hydration and moisture retention but also exhibited antimicrobial properties.
What is Tallow?
Tallow is a rendered form of beef fat, traditionally used in cooking or often discarded as a byproduct of the meat industry. But why would we want to apply it to our skin?
Thanks to its unique composition and bioavailable nutrients, tallow serves as an ideal natural moisturizer that supports healthy, resilient skin. It closely mirrors the structure of our skin’s natural oils (sebum), making it highly compatible with the skin barrier and easily absorbed without clogging pores.
Skin Health
Tallow contains essential fat-soluble vitamins that our skin needs, including vitamins A, D, E, K, and B12. These nutrients are readily absorbed by the skin and help promote a soft, hydrated, and healthy appearance.
In addition to vitamins, tallow is rich in fatty acids and cholesterol, which support the repair of the skin barrier and help reduce inflammation. It naturally contains palmitoleic acid—an anti-inflammatory compound known to soothe redness and irritation. Some studies suggest that palmitoleic acid may improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Tallow is also abundant in triglycerides such as oleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, and linoleic acid. These compounds help reinforce the skin's barrier by filling in gaps between cells, softening the skin, and locking in moisture. Notably, triglycerides are non-comedogenic, meaning they won’t clog pores.
Given its nourishing composition, tallow may be particularly useful for individuals dealing with skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. While research in this area is still limited, existing studies have shown promising results, indicating that tallow can offer significant relief and skin barrier support for those affected.
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Shelf Stable
Tallow naturally has a long shelf life and doesn’t require any added preservatives or stabilizers when rendered and stored properly. Typically, it lasts 12 to 18 months at room temperature, and when kept in a cool, dark place—or even refrigerated—it can remain fresh for up to 2 years or more. This makes it an ideal choice for anyone seeking a minimalist, low-tox skincare routine: free from unnecessary additives and synthetic chemicals, yet rich in nutrients your skin will love.
Pet Friendly
Tallow isn’t just beneficial for us—it can also be a nourishing addition to your pet’s routine. Our whipped tallow can be used to moisturize and protect your pets’ paws, especially when they’re dry, cracked, or irritated. It forms a natural barrier while hydrating the paw pads, making it a gentle, effective option for year-round protection.
That said, some dogs may have sensitivities or allergies to tallow, so we always recommend doing a small spot test before applying it regularly.
Natural
If you love natural skincare and are looking for a holistic way to nourish and heal your skin, look no further. Our one-ingredient whipped tallow is a simple, effective skincare solution rooted in nature.
What sets tallow apart from plant-based alternatives—despite containing similar vitamins—is its exceptional bioavailability. The nutrients in tallow are more readily absorbed by the skin, thanks to its unique lipid profile that closely mimics our own natural oils. This allows for deeper hydration and a more effective, long-lasting moisturizer.
Our Unscented Tallow contains just one ingredient: 100% grass-fed beef tallow. For those who prefer a light scent, our scented options are infused with less than one drop of essential oil per 4 oz jar—providing a subtle fragrance without compromising the texture or purity of the product.
We render and whip our tallow in stainless steel to ensure no PFAS, PTFE, BPA, or other endocrine disruptors are introduced during production. Quality and purity are at the heart of everything we make.
Why should you choose Head to Tail Tallow?
Many tallow products on the market are blended with jojoba or other oils, which can leave the skin feeling greasy. This is often done because tallow can be tricky to work with—it’s a saturated fat that stays solid at room temperature, making it harder to achieve a smooth, creamy texture. But with the right formulation and manufacturing process, tallow alone can be an incredibly effective and luxurious moisturizer—no added oils required.
The scent of unscented tallow might take a little getting used to, as it does have a naturally beefy aroma. But if you’re anything like me, you might just find yourself growing to enjoy its simplicity and authenticity.
At Head to Tail Tallow, we believe in the mindful, respectful use of the whole animal—and in harnessing the skin-nourishing power of beef tallow sourced from cattle raised on regenerative farms. Our products reflect our commitment to purity, sustainability, and the healing properties of nature’s original moisturizer.
Anti-Aging
Tallow is rich in antioxidants, particularly vitamin E, which may help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, promoting a more youthful appearance. Vitamin E is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to help protect the skin from inflammatory damage after UV exposure. As mentioned earlier, tallow also contains palmitoleic acid, which can improve skin elasticity and further reduce signs of aging.
In addition to its antioxidant power, tallow helps strengthen the skin’s barrier function—an essential factor in slowing visible aging. A well-supported barrier retains moisture more effectively, reduces transepidermal water loss, and protects against environmental stressors like pollution and harsh weather, all of which contribute to premature aging.
References:
Russell MF, Sandhu M, Vail M, Haran C, Batool U, Leo J. Tallow, Rendered Animal Fat, and Its Biocompatibility With Skin: A Scoping Review. Cureus. 2024 May 24;16(5):e60981. doi: 10.7759/cureus.60981. PMID: 38910727; PMCID: PMC11193910.
Khan S, Farah A, Singh S. Asian J Pharm Clin Res. Vol. 11. 2018: 2018. Herbal soap formulation using plant extracts and essential oils
Frequently Asked Questions
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We source our beef suet from a family-owned, 100% grass-fed and grass-finished ranch in Georgia. We then render the beef suet down to tallow, which is then finely strained to remove impurities.
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Yes, high-quality, grass-fed tallow is bio-compatible with human skin and can help balance oil production, reduce inflammation, and support skin healing. However, results vary by individual, so it's best to patch test, especially for those with very oily or sensitive skin.
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If you are dissatisfied with our products in any way, we offer a full refund, no questions asked. We want you to be 100% satisfied with our products.