15 Reasons Why Tallow Is Your Skin’s Best Friend!
Beef Tallow: The Best Thing Since Before Sliced Bread
Tallow is made from rendered animal fat (usually from cows or sheep). It has been used historically to treat various skin-related problems.
What makes tallow so special? Its oil content - fatty acids like Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) - resembles the natural oil of human skin (sebum), it has high levels of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, and it is rich in antioxidants. Beef tallow has amazing mix of 4% polyunsaturated fat, 42% monounsaturated fat, and 50% saturated fat. These natural fats are not present in typical commercial skincare products. (… Most modern skincare products don't contain much in the way of natural ingredients).
Here's how you can use tallow on your skin and how it can benefit you.
1. Deep Moisturizing With Natural CLA
An important fatty acid called Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) is present in tallow. This fatty acid helps in the free flow of moisture in and out of your cells, hydrating and moisturizing your dry skin.
Tallow forms a protective barrier on your skin's surface and prevents moisture loss. Whether you have sensitive, dry, combination or super oily skin, tallow is versatile enough to meet your skincare needs.
2. Effective in Treating Eczema and Psoriasis
Did you know that about 1 in 10 people worldwide experience eczema in their lifetime? (1) In Australia alone, about 2.5% of the population (roughly 450 thousand individuals) suffer from psoriasis. (2) Tallow balms and creams can relieve symptoms of both psoriasis and eczema.
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, tallow helps reduce itchy, dry, and inflamed skin associated with eczema. (3) Rich in vitamin D, these balms act as natural anti-inflammatory agents and help reduce redness and inflammation.
3. Treats Chapped or Cracked Skin
Tallow closely resembles the natural oils of human skin, so it absorbs quickly. Its texture is thick enough so that it can handle dry and rough skin patches. Tallow balm/cream is effective in softening and healing your chapped and cracked skin. It easily softens your very dry areas like elbows, knees, and heels. Vitamin A present in tallow speeds up the process of wound healing. (just think fast repairing of cuts)
4. Heal Sunburn
The moisturizing and soothing properties of tallow balm provide relief for sunburned skin. Vitamin E helps in protecting your skin from damage caused by UV rays. Rich in essential fatty acids, tallow deeply nourishes and repairs damaged skin.
Vitamin A boosts cell turnover and collagen production. Vitamin D reduces inflammation and supports skin growth. Vitamin E protects against free radicals and Vitamin K enhances blood circulation. When applied to sunburned skin, tallow can provide intense hydration and speed up healing.
5. Anti-inflammatory and Anti-bacterial
Tallow is like a superfood for your skin. Unlike antibiotics, which can disrupt both good and bad bacteria, tallow targets only the bad bacteria. This means it helps reduce redness, acne, and inflammation while keeping the beneficial bacteria on your skin intact.
What makes tallow stand out is its richness in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Research published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences revealed that polyunsaturated fatty acids (Omega-3 and Omega-6) help in treating and preventing inflammatory skin conditions. (6)
6. Suitable for Sensitive Skin
Have you ever wondered why commercial skincare products can sometimes irritate your skin, especially if it's sensitive or delicate?
It's likely because the ones you're using contain synthetic chemicals and artificial ingredients.
For those with sensitive or baby skin, tallow balm is very gentle. Its composition closely mirrors your skin's own sebum, which means it’s less likely to cause those pesky allergic reactions. It’s like a perfect match for your skin, providing moisture and nourishment without any fuss.
7. Anti-Aging and Increase Collagen
Vitamins present in tallow help to increase collagen production naturally. The moisturizing properties of tallow balm help in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin A present in tallow helps in the production of new cells. This improves your wrinkles and saggy skin. Vitamin D also helps in improving cell turnover. This will finally prevent your skin from damage caused by aging.
As its structure resembles the natural sebum of the skin, it can helps“plump” your skin and give you a natural glow. Tallow can also improve conditions like dark spots and crow’s feet, making your skin more youthful.
Saturated fats present in tallow form a protective barrier on the skin, locking in moisture and reduces wrinkles. About 26% of the tallow’s fatty acid composition is palmitic acid. One study from 2019, published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, showed that palmitic acid helps to enhance the skin’s protective barrier function. (7)
8. Heal and Prevent Diaper Rash
You can also use tallow for the prevention and treatment of skin rashes, such as diaper rash on babies. It is very gentle for a baby's butt and a mom’s (or dad’s) face. When you apply tallow to an infant’s bottom, it not only soothes irritated skin but also creates a protective barrier that helps prevent new rashes from forming.
It’s a simple, natural solution to keep your little one’s skin calm and comfortable.
9. Help with Dermatitis
According to research published in FoodData Central, beef tallow contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that help with dermatitis. (8) In a 2022 study published in the Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, researchers focused on individuals suffering from atopic dermatitis to test the effect of different emollient creams. Results of this study showed that emollients containing glycerol, an ingredient in tallow, dramatically improved skin moisture.(9)
10. Heal Scars
Natural vitamins and minerals in tallow boost the healing process of skin. It can help to rejuvenate the skin, balance the skin surface, and reduce acne scars over time, providing moisture, and making the skin more hydrated and supple.
11. Prevent Acne
Tallow works great on acne breakouts as it is antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. It ranks lower than coconut oil on the cosmogenic scale, so it won't clog pores or cause irritation.
The CLA in tallow soothes and decreases redness in acne-prone or irritated skin. Fatty acids preserve skin barrier function and have the ability to reduce inflammation.
12. Helps in Tattoo Care
Beef tallow has healing qualities that can benefit tattoos. Its moisturizing properties help the tattooed skin remain soft and supple, which can keep the ink lasting longer. Plus, its anti-inflammatory properties promote faster healing of new tattoos, prevent scarring and soothe the tender area.
13. Compatible with All Skin
One of the most outstanding features of tallow is its compatibility with all types of skin. This is a good thing in case you have very dry, oily, sensitive or acne-prone skin. Additionally, it does not clog the pores, hence suitable for those who have breakouts.
Tallow can be included in many skincare routines as a moisturizer, balm, or even as one of the ingredients for making homemade products for your skin.
14. Rich in Vitamin A, D, E and K
Loaded with vitamins A, D, and E as well as K, tallow is a nourishing gift for your skin. These vitamins are naturally occurring, which makes them more bioavailable as compared to the synthetic vitamins found in other skincare products
Beef tallow moisturizer does much more than just hydrate the skin. It’s a great source of essential nutrients and fatty acids that your skin craves. A study published in the Archives of Dermatological Research shows that fatty acids are essential to maintaining a healthy complexion. (10)
15. Protects Against Environmental Damage
Antioxidants present in tallow help in protecting your skin from environmental damage because of pollution, UV rays, and other stress factors.
It also contains a good ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fats. Both fats are important for our skin because our body is unable to make them. A ratio of O6 to O3 of less than four is ideal. (though, closer to 1 is better.) Grass-fed beef tallow has a ratio of approximately 1.4, while grain-fed tallow is closer to 8. This 1.4 ratio makes grass-fed tallow ideal for your skin.
The Bottom Line
Tallow is an all-in-one product.. You can use it as a moisturizing balm, a balm for problematic skin or put it in your first aid kit. You can also place it as a rash balm in your baby’s diaper bag.
However, it is important to choose only grass-fed tallow as only this type of tallow contains high levels of vitamins and Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA).
Lipidology is proud to be the only Canadian brand that uses Ontario approved organic raised grass-fed/finished suet/tallow. At Lipidology, we prioritize quality and purity in our tallow products. Our products are made from grass-fed tallow, offering a rich blend of nutrients with up to four times more vitamins and minerals than conventional options.
Each jar is hand-rendered to preserve its natural benefits and ensure it remains free from fillers and harmful chemicals. Trust Lipidology for skincare that honours traditional methods while delivering exceptional results.
Enjoy free shipping on all orders in the US and Canada! With a commitment to certified organic ingredients, Lipidology renders its tallow from scratch, sourcing suet from Canadian farmers. Experience the difference of premium tallow for healthy, radiant skin!