Pop Quiz! What Beauty Ingredient do many beauty product manufacturers vilify while selling you their expensive, patented formulas? If you compare labels between the “naughty” skin care product and theirs, which one would have a toxic slew of chemicals including, say, 5 ingredients linked to cancer, 3 penetration enhancers that may increase exposure to carcinogens, parabens and 20 chemicals that have not been assessed for safety?¹
Most importantly, which product is uniquely compatible with our skin’s biology, leaving it supple and nourished after use? If you haven’t guessed yet, it’s time to let you in on a little beauty secret I’ve been keeping for the past few months. Are you ready to see what’s underneath those bags?
Ta Da!
On the left we have Sample A (which we won’t mention for liability reasons), and on the right we have beef tallow! Now, I’m not picking on Sample A specifically, it’s just they they happen to claim on their “dirty little secrets” page that tallow leaves scum on skin, boasting that they never use it in their soaps, lotions, etc. What is this scum, you ask? And why do cosmetic manufacturers make a big deal about not using tallow?
Good questions! I’ll get into the no-good, horrible, make-your-skin-so-soft-you-won’t-believe-it “scum” in just a minute, but first I want to say that many companies do use tallow in lipsticks and such. For the most part they like to keep that quiet, because typically their marketing efforts tend to state that plant-based products are better for our skin and the environment.
It’s simply not true, though. Although I love the oil cleansing method and other beauty treatments that rely on plant-based oils, when it comes to deeply nourishing skin my skin I’ve found that animal-based fats work better. Because you guys, that “scum” product A’s manufacturer mentioned is made up of saturated and monounsaturated fats, which I happen to believe are…
The Perfect “Food” For Skin
Awhile back I wrote about coconut oil for radiant skin, a supercharged metabolism and preventing stretch marks. It’s what I’ve been using for years and I’ve been very happy with it. Thanks to a botched interstate road trip, though, my precious coconut oil ended up in a 10×20′ storage unit, so I cooked up a short-term solution: lard.
Aside from a few chuckles on Facebook about smelling like mashed potatoes, I wasn’t expecting much from the lard experiment. Oh, how wrong I was! The next morning I did – and I’m not exaggerating here – a double take of my own face in the bathroom mirror. There I am, toothbrush halfway to my mouth, trying to figure out what elf came and scrubbed the last three exhausting months off my face while I was sleeping.
Now, as you may have noticed, I said earlier that tallow is the perfect first food for skin, not lard. That’s because as I continued to experiment and learn I discovered a few things:
- Tallow is uniquely compatible with the biology of our cells. About 50% of the structure of our cell membrane comes from saturated fats, with remaining amounts consisting of monounsaturated and to a lesser degree polyunsaturated fats. According to Nourishing Traditions, it is the saturated fats that give cell membranes the “necessary stiffness and integrity” necessary for proper function (p. 11). The saturated fat ratio of tallow is 50-55% saturated fat, making it uniquely compatible with our skin. (source) It also contains Omega 3 fatty acids, which support cell membrane structure and therefore help skin hold in moisture. (source 1, source 2)
- Tallow is much easier to use than lard – Because its composition is so similar to our own it absorbs very easily, leaving skin soft and supple. In contrast, lard has less saturated fat (what gives cells “stiffness and integrity”) and more polyunsaturated fats (which our diets tend to have in overabundance).
- Tallow contains skin nourishing ingredients that plant-based oils do not – Though I am still a huge fan of coconut oil (which by the way, has an excellent saturated fat ratio), I prefer tallow for skincare. That’s probably because it contains an abundance of naturally occurring fat soluble vitamins (A,D,K and E), Omega 3 fatty acids, and anti-inflammatory conjugated linoleic acid (CLA).
What about “organic” and “natural” skin care lines? How do they stack up to pure, one-ingredient products like tallow and virgin coconut oil? Unfortunately, I have to agree with this Organic Consumers Association press release, which says:
A visit to any health food store unfortunately reveals that the majority of products in the personal care section with ‘organic’ brand claims are not USDA-certified and contain only cheap water extracts of organic herbs and maybe a few other token organic ingredients for organic veneer. The core of such products are composed of conventional synthetic cleansers and conditioning ingredients usually made in part with petrochemicals. According to market statistics, consumers are willing to pay significantly more for products branded ‘natural’ or ‘organic’ which they believe do not contain petrochemical-modified ingredients or toxic contaminants like 1,4-Dioxane…. When it comes to misbranding organic personal care products in the US, it’s almost complete anarchy and buyer beware unless the product is certified under the USDA National Organic Program.
Carcinogenic 1,4-Dioxane Found in Leading “Organic” Brand Personal Care Products
Want To Try Tallow Balm?
If you have tallow on hand – either homemade or purchased – here’s a super simple recipe for whipped tallow balm. However, if you don’t have easy access to tallow or are short on time, my friend Emilie sells pre-made tallow balm blends that smell amazing. Although I love to make my own so that I can customize my essential oil blend, there are times when I’ve got too much going on and order from her instead.
Additional research sources for this article: Traditional Nourishing and Healing Skin Care
FREE Ebook: DIY Body Care Gifts Made Simple
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I have a farmer that I can buy tallow from, but I don’t know what form it comes in (is it solid?) or how to store it. If I were to purchase from her, is this something I can store in the bathroom or does it need to be in the fridge or something? In a glass container? Also, do you think I could put in the EVOO and/or essential oils myself once I bought it? Thanks! 🙂
Yes, you can definitely add EVOO and essential oils yourself! If it is rendered properly it will last at room temp for at least six months – maybe more than a year!
Silly question… how can you tell if it’s gone bad? I live in south Orange County, CA and have no air conditioning so it can get quite hot Aug-Oct. I notice your lotion recipe seperates after a month or so, depending on how hot it is. Love it by the way! Best lotion!
Hi Theresa! The tallow balm should stay good for about a year. The lotion from another post should not really be kept in a warm environment since it doesn’t contain preservatives, and it’s not always obvious when it’s gone bad. During the cooler months I’ve found it can be stored at room temp for about 2 weeks. If you don’t think you can use it all you could put half on the counter an then keep the rest in the fridge for up to a few months. During the warmer months I’d keep it in the fridge.
Thank you so much!!!!!
Hi Heather! I went to click on your link to purchase the tallow lotion and its saying that it’s no longer available?? Are we not able to purchase this anymore? It would be easier for me to do so than to make it on my own right now.
So sorry about that, Angela! Here’s the link to tallow balm.
How do you render tallow properly?
Cut the suet up into small pieces. Put them into a metal colander, which itself is put into a larger pot, hanging but not touching the bottom. Put the entire contraption in the over at 220F for 18-20 hours, and it will render. You can press the suet to help it along after several hours. I’ve found that from that point, pour the rendered tallow into a proper pouring vessel through cheese cloth or fine mesh wire seives, and from that, pour the liquid into jars. If rendered properly, the tallow will be a light golden color that will solidify nearly white.
I would like to buy the one from the link you provided. But I can’t find it when I go there. Can you tell me the actual name or send me something that will take me straight to that skin care product with the tallow and essential oils? My email is [email protected]
Hi Shawna, I just checked the link and it seems to be working okay. It’s listed as “body balm’ even though most people use it on their face 🙂
Whether or not it was intentional, this article is extremely misleading about basic biology. Your statements contain fallacious implications and assumptions about biological compounds and their function. Your references are a cookbook and an unpublished article, neither of which can be considered legitimate scientific references, especially when the article uses the phrases “undoubtedly” and “makes sense”. While I’m sure your use of tallow did have a positive effect, you should present your findings for what they are: anecdotal, not evidential.
Hi Susy! Admittedly I am not a trained biologist, but common sense tells me that coating my skin with a substance very similar to the protective sebum my skin makes for itself is a good idea. On the other hand, coating it “patented technologies” containing harsh chemicals known to cause reproductive problems and/or cancer – not so much. I fully agree with you that my article is more anecdotal than evidential, but I felt it would be helpful to explain what I’ve discovered as I tried to understand why tallow has worked so well for me. Thanks for joining the conversation! 🙂
Hi Heather, antecdotal or not I believe that what you have explained is probably on the right track. There are oriental cultures who insist on eating pig fat because of it’s ability to restore and maintain skin collagen. In France, (where I live) they also believe that eating and using animal fats has a direct and lasting impact on the skin. To the science part, you are correct. Tallow contains somewhere in the region of about 45ish% saturated fats – palmitic, stearic and myristic acids. Palmitic acid is used make soaps & cosmetics..it’s found in face creams, meat,cheese and butter. Incidentally the french eat alot of cheese and the women here regard it as a well kept beauty secret! Back to Palmitic acid…. industrial companies saponify the fatty acid to make liquid detergents (but use lotsa nasties along the way!). Stearic acid is also found in both animals and vege fats, moreso animals. Shea butter apparantly has a high level of stearic acid. Its hydrolised at 200deg celcius and used in soap, cosmetics and detergents. Its used in various forms in candles, PVC, car tyres… lots of things. The ester of mystric acid is used in skin care products. Its also found in nutmeg butter. I could ramble on more about tallow and the science of the triglyceride components and how extensive they are used – but you have already discovered this wonderful product and have shared it with the world. Oh and to add, I have been told directly that top athletes in Germany use tallow to heal blisters. It’s a great find and better used in its natural organic state anyday. Please don’t take this the wrong way but I think it is pretty clear looking at your blog that it is anectodal, and it is for each (intelligent) individual to decide if they want to take it or leave it – and preferably with grace. I bought your e- book and I love it. I have a long standing history with bad skin and since dumping my store products for natural homemade-ies I’ve suffered rare outbreaks. If science is about results – then that is more than enough science for me! Thanks for your hard work and I look forward to reading more of your blog.
Great comment, Mammabear. So interesting about the German athletes 🙂
my hubby ex Swedish army has little sticks of what must be tallow, given to soldiers to rub on heels, as when I looked at these green push blobs of fat, he said you can actually eat that, no harm !
Oh yay! I just rendered tallow yesterday for the first time! I was wondering what I was going to do with a quart size jar of it 🙂 Surprisingly my daughter was slurping it off the spoon…lol…but I think I’d rather put it on my face. I’m not a fan of the taste so much unless I can hide it in food 😉
I love that your daughter is eating it! So awesome!
My mum when young as a lots of folks in the 40’s did in th UK ate it on bread
It makes killer french fries!
looooove our tallow balms!
ooooh! Do you make them yourself? Any recipes to share? What do you use them for?
Erin, the recipe would be similar to the one I shared above. They’re great as a face and body moisturizer as well as a balm for cracked lips, rashes/eczema and dry skin.
So you just rub it on your skin and then rinse? How exactly do you use it?
Hi Jill! Just rub it in as you would any moisturizer. Easy peasy! 🙂
Ok, I am sold. Wish it came in a bigger jar for my belly! 🙂
oh! exciting- rendered some tallow a few months ago! It is mostly being used
To make the most delicious tortillas. Would you use this at night only or morning, too? I made some up using jojoba as the carrier oil since that is what I have been using for my face.
I have read nourishing traditions and I would take their “findings” long before I would many other health professionals!!! Do you have a prefered place to buy the tallow infused with the essential oils?
Yes, Vintage Traditions! I link to them in the post 🙂
The site states that the ingredients are organic. Why are they not USDA certified organic?
It’s similar to when you are shopping at the farmer’s market; a farmer may not have that ‘USDA Organic’ label displayed on their products, but that doesn’t mean that they are growing vegetables, raising animals, etc. using organic practices. It cost A LOT of money to apply for ‘official’ certification from the USDA. It is also, to my understanding, a complicated and lengthy process; As it should be! As consumers we definitely want to know that when something says USDA organic, it IS organic. However, that doesn’t mean that a small time farmer or in this case, a small company making beauty products, can’t actually be producing products that are organic just because the label isn’t there. Without the USDA label to be sure, you just have to know the people who you are buying from and be able to trust what they are telling you. People were doing ‘organic’ long before the USDA, so sometimes it pays to talk to farmer’s or company owners and get the specifics on their practices and ingredients. Hope that helps?
Sorry that line should read,
“but that doesn’t mean that they AREN’T growing”
have to figure out how to edit my comments : )
There’s another place I buy it
Why would you think the USDA is the last word in organics?
Yay! now I have something to do with all the suet sitting in my deep freeze. My husband and I were talking about making soap but this sounds like more fun for me… (Hilton..nice to see someone else’s lil one is like mine. my daughter fights me for the marrow and fat whenever I’m cooking.)
I hope you’ll come back and let us know what you think, Leah!
Can you clarify which resource (from your link to the resource page) sells the tallow products?
thanks for the post!
Sure – It’s Vintage Traditions 🙂
I’ve also read on a hair forum or two that bone marrow is a great wash out deep conditioning treatment. It’s just difficult to do a follow up google search outside of comments made on those hair forums; because most search results are related to scientific articles on human bone marrow… Has anyone ever tried bone marrow as a deep conditioning treatment?
I haven’t, but that is very interesting! Thanks for sharing 🙂
I’ve never used bone marrow, but I’ve used many other natural remedies with high-fat ingredients, such as straight olive oil, avocado, and eggs. You can mix any of these in a blender and leave as a deep conditioner on your hair and they work wonders. The best one I have done is a mix of olive oil and avocado…it’s a little lumpy, but it’s a terrific moisturizer for hair!
Run it all through a blender, Ash .. it should take the worst of the lumps out, be nice and smooth, therefore more penetrating to your hair 😀
I saw some spa using beef marrow on hair on that show The Doctors.
Do you think this would be good for acne? I have tried everything, and I’ve also tried doing nothing and everything in between! I have completely changed my diet and lifestyle, yet still have a terrible case of acne on my face. It’s very dissapointing:( By looking at my face you would think I didn’t take care of myself at all, but it’s quite the opposite! Right now I am trying nothing but oil cleansing in the evenings with jojoba and castor oil, but I might give this a try. Could it be used as a cleanser?
I have been having problems with acne for about 2 yrs now. Nothing has worked until 2 weeks ago. After I wash my face I put one part apple cider vineger(Braggs) 3 parts water on a cotton ball wipe on my face. Smells gross but it goes away quick.
HI Korina! I am not sure. It does have anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties, but I haven’t heard whether anyone has used it for acne with success.
your post was years ago..However, zinc deficiency can contribute to acne. 1 x 30mg Zinc tab with dinner each evening will help
Also a scoop of Greens Plus Berry Burst Greens powder in 8oz (or 16oz…intructions on the jar) before breakfast on an empty stomach
Do the above 6 days a week. Rest one day. Repeat.
It is my experience (personal and clinical ) that lard from pigs is the best suited & closest in chemical structure to human skin. Much more so than tallow from cattle
Pigs are used (unfortunately) in many medical research studies on teeth and skin …particularly those related to stem cell tissue regeneration…due to their great similarity to humans tissues
Leaf lard is specialized fat cells in pigs (the equivalent of brown fat cells in humans)
I don’t recommended it across the board for skin problems…as many animals suffer and die for the patients to have the desired lard I recommended it in cases where there is a high degree of inflammation and irritation eg. SLE, psoriasis, eczema and atopic dermatitis. where other measures have failed. Interestingly I have also seen hair regrowth when a person is willing to be persistent & consistently apply the lard to the bald spots 6 nights a week for many months.
Youth & beauty are a woman greatest assets as we are all aware. And we will go to great efforts and expense to maintain &/or regain both.
However, I think it is important also to consider how the choices we make in products are effecting others, animals and our environment.
The more we live in harmony with Nature, the healthier and happier we will be.
Which in turn gives peace of mind and a lovely glow to the face
Yes, yes and yes again
Great article!! Just read this yesterday and saw a link to buy tallow balms, now I can’t find that link anymore. After reading this would definitely like to try tallow on my skin.
Tammy Carter – Sorry, I just saw this! I used it morning and evenings 🙂
Thanks for letting me know, Annie Walsh! I’ll figure out what’s going on with that listing asap, but in the meantime you can click through to the giveaway and enter. When you do your first entry it will take you to the site!
Hey thanks, I was able to get on the site through the raffle entry. Can’t wait to try this!!
Thanks for the idea! Today I’m rendering some tallow with fresh mint and dried lavender thrown in during the rendering. We’ll see how it turns out! I’ll measure out the final liquid tallow and then add olive oil. I guess you add it while the tallow is still liquid and warm?
Yes, add it while it’s warm!
Ok, I rendered the tallow and added olive oil. The only problem is it’s quite gritty and still smells very ‘cow’ even though I added oils. Maybe someone can ‘perfect’ this and post a tutorial.
Thanks for the feedback, Tara! I’m sending a question over to the expert to see what he says 🙂
Here’s what he said! “It could be the quality of the suet – I wonder what the grittiness consists of. Also…nothing red or pink goes in.
We have found that it is smoothest if it is solidified in the fridge. And if it smells “cow”, she might need more essential oils. Even the “almost unscented” gets a healthy serving of oils. :o)”
Funny, I was just reading about this before I found your site. How to clean your oil…
http://cradlerockingmama.com/how-to-clean-your-oil/
I dunno. Smelling “cow” ain’t that bad, is it? I mean shoot, parfum de vache could be the next big thing. Confidence goes a long way.. (heh heh heh)
No, wait until the tallow is room temperature and then add the olive oil and essential oils. If you add them while the tallow is still warm, it’ll be gritty/grainy. You wouldn’t believe how many batches of tallow came out grainy until we let it cool to room temperature and then added the olive oil and essential oils!! If you put the tallow in a food chopper before you render it, it’ll render in approximately 2 hours instead of 8-10 hours. Just something my mom found out by experimentation! Hope this helps 😀
Can’t wait to try this! I’ve just been making the shift to natural body/skin care products and have been loving the coconut oil… but have felt I might need something a little “heartier” for my face… Already put this on a birthday wish list 🙂
What do you use to wash your face? I’ve done the coconut oil for make-up removal but feel like I should “wash” it with something different? Not sure what to try!
HI Britt! I use homemade soap to wash my face, but I’m working on a recipe that’s simple to make at at home!
Can’t wait to see it!
Was this posted? I’ve done a search, but didn’t find anything. Thanks!
I have a whole bunch of homemade rendered tallow (from grass-fed cows, of course) in my freezer that is now going to have even more uses 🙂
I’ll tell you what: I don’t have proof beyond anecdotal evidence but I believe in beef tallow.
I had a severe skin problem on my hands. Don’t know what it was related to, but it started when I had a chem tank full of broadleaf herbicide douse when I was working at a golf course in high school. (yuk!) My skin would continually peel and flake off, and it’d look disgusting (and I even lost job opportunities because of this…) Anyhow, I ended up getting a job at Wild Oats Natural Foods in the meat dept.
Let’s just say I cut a lot of meat and even though I wore gloves I had beef tallow on my skin for 8 hours per day. In a very short time (a month?) my skin problem went away. I only worked at that place for 8 months (it was a resting place on an extended road trip) but I’ve never had the skin problem again– that was in 2005.
So yeah, I pretty sure Beef tallow is one of the best things for your skin.
Very intrigued!! Can’t wait to try! Thanks for sharing MommyP
What about the fat from making bone broth.. Is that suitable as a cream too?? Or is that tallow?? Am using the greenpastures fermented cod liver oil/x factor butter cream now, works miracles too!
In my experience, the tallow scooped off the top after making broth is not a good choice. I’s almost impossible to keep from getting a little broth in the jar and the extra moisture causes it to go bad really fast. I keep tallow rendered that way in the fridge and use it for cooking, but I only use the stuff rendered straight from suet for skin care because I want it to last a long time at room temp (it’s not spreadable when I keep it in the fridge!)
Hope that helps!
Actually I have make a lavender body butter using the tallow from bone broth and I love it.
Interesting! I have been using coconut oil exclusively on my face and as a sunscreen. I have been happy with it but have a few large brownish age spots and was wondering whether tallow would help with those. The IPL and laser options are soooo expensive and also definitely not natural.
-C
HI Candice! I can’t say I’ve heard of tallow helping with spots but lemon essential oil has a natural bleaching effect 🙂
I’m currently using tallow cream on my hands for what look to be aging spots that appeared a few weeks ago. It’s fading so far, so I will keep it up.
hi! I was on here researching lard for skin use because I had started using it on my skin and was AMAZED! It works better than anything I have ever used! It virtually banished all my wrinkles AND my saggy neck in 2 days! I am still totally shocked!
How I started using it was I had noticed that 100% lard soap that I make was the only thing my face liked. It also seemed to make my skin firmer and I could feel it getting firmer after use.
One day I was making soap and looked at the lard and thought – hmm it looks just like my home-made cold cream! So I scented some with lavender oil and used it as night cream! HOLY PIG FAT!
After a few days I talked myself out of using it – because if I think too much about it I get icked out… and my skin stayed smooth for days (from the few days use!)… but today I decided that I am going to keep using it. My wrinkles and saggy neck are coming back and I know the lard will vanish them!
So glad others are doing this 🙂
ohh – forgot to say i’ve never tried tallow but if it is even better i may not be able to stop myself…
Haha! Well, I like it more because it absorbs better, but I’m still a huge fan of lard too!
Hi Heather
You have inspired me with your post to create a new soap recipe with beef tallow, coconut and calendula. This is the most fabulously nourishing soap I’ve created so far and I absolutely love it.
My partner, who is the soap expert in our household, thinks it’s one of my best creations and even uses it as a shaving soap.
Thanks a lot for the great post and keep up the good work.
Cheers
Marianne
Hi Heather
I finally got round to post the recipe for my calendula infused tallow and coconut soap.
http://thegoodlife.com.au/body-mind/calendula-soap/
Thanks for the inspiration and keep up the good work.
Hi, I don’t see the link to where you can buy the tallow already made and infused with essential oils, and I’ve looked through the article 3 times. lol Maybe I’m just missing it- but if not, would someone reply with the link? THANKS! 🙂
Hi Gini! You can get it here. 🙂 Thanks for letting me know about the link – I’ll fix it right now!
If you don’t mind the smell is it ok to use the tallow straight on your skin?
Yes, it is! It’s kind of hard to spread without a little olive oil, though 🙂
Try rendering tallow, cooling and then whipping.
I’ve been meaning to follow up my previous comment. I’ve rendered quite a bit of our lard and all of the suet I had. I find the lard is more oily and better suited for cooking. maybe its just our pigs. as for the suet. i’d never rendered straight suet before. just used the tallow from broth and marrow bones for cooking. well this stuff is so GREAT! its replaced coconut oil as our lotion. my husband is in construction and is actually stuccoing our house right now which really dries his hands out. once he got over the idea of slathering fat on himself he loved it! even my lil one loves it (mostly to eat from the jar.)
So glad to hear that! I like tallow for skincare more, too 🙂
Hi there, do I just go to the butcher and ask for ‘suet’? What if he doesn’t know what that is? And if I can’t get grass fed suet, can I use the fat that comes from my nitrate free bacon? The bacon comes from ethically raised pics that are local. Is bacon fat the same thing as lard? If not, what is the difference?
I believe you can buy grassfed suet online if you can’t get it locally – I personally wouldn’t use suet from conventionally raised beef since toxins accumulate in fat. You can use the bacon fat but it will not be pure since bacon is usually cooked in sugar, salt and other spices 🙂 Hope that helps!
You can buy beef tallow from grass fed cows at U.S. Wellness Meats. I just received a 5 gallon bucket…shipping was extremely fast. I broke it down in to manageable containers, froze some, refrigerated the rest. I plan on using for facial care needs. Can’t wait to see results.
Heather, Did you post the recipe for your homemade face soap somewhere? I’ve been using Dr. Bronner’s baby mild soap diluated with water in 5:1 ratio in a foaming dispenser, and it seems to be drying my face out quite a bit. (I have tiny red bumps on my forehead) I’d love to hear what you use!
I have two favorites that I rotate based on time of year (winter seems to be more drying so I boost the moisture content) – will be sharing them in an ebook of 50 DIY Beauty Recipes that REALLY WORK soon! Homemade shampoo, conditioner, soap, lotion, tooth whitener and more 😀
Hi, Heather! Would you recommend buying the suet and rendering yourself or buying the tallow? Prices are different, of course, and I don’t know how much tallow would be rendered from…say, a pound of suet?? I would think a farmer would charge more if he has to process more. Thanks!!
You may have already answered this question, but what do you do to cover up the faint “mashed potato” smell? I made some tallow yesterday, cooked my eggs in it this morning and am excited to utilize its many other uses. Just wanted to know how to make it smell good if you apply it to skin. =)
Thanks.
Marvelous, what a web site it is! This weblog provides valuable facts to us,
keep it up.
Hi Heather!
I loved this article and I loved the tallow face cream that my sister and I made! Thanks for sharing!
P.S. Loved your diplomatic response to Suzy!)
Heather, when I click on the link to purchase it, the website doesn’t have it anymore. Any other places you would recommend for purchasing tallow?
Sorry about that, Stefanie! You can get it here
Great! Thanks Heather!
I have lamb lard I bought from US Wellness. It says “lard” but on the cheeseslave link it says that lard is only from pigs. Wondering if my lamb “lard” has the same benefits as tallow, any idea?
In my opinion it would most definitely have benefits. Not sure if it is rendered quite the same way, but I’ll bet Google does!
I live in the Southwest. The native americans here called the Tohono Odham used to use deer and buffalo fat as a skin rub. After they would cook the deer or buffalo they would rub the fat on their skin. There are stories that the skin of the Tohono Odham had a beautiful tone and very soft to the touch. Anyway I really enjoyed your post. Heather your knowledge of Tallow is unbound and I bow to your expertise. I learned alot thanks have a good one.
Does anyone know if beef tallow is comedogenic? I have eczema and use if for those spots but worry about putting it all over my face for fear of breaking out.
I use Mommypotamus’ skin moisturizer recipe (grassfed beef tallow w/ 10% olive oil) on my face everyday and don’t have any side affects. I’m 40 and have oily skin. I would like to know if the zinc can be added to the tallow moisturizer cause the lotion recipe makes my face very shiny. Love it on the rest of my body though. Or would the addition of the zinc counteract that by absorbing some of the oil?
Love this post! We have tons of tallow from our own grassfed cows, that we rendered ourselves and we mainly use for cooking… BUT NOW, I’m super excited to have a new use for our tallow that will improve the health of my skin! I’m mixing some up with oils tonight to try on my face & neck before bed, and if it gives me the same results that you have experienced… I will definitely be mixing up a BIG batch to start using on my whole body! 🙂 YIPPY!!!
Hi there Heather,
Is it alright with you if I quote your blog post on my blog? I will link back to this post (to give credit where credit is due).
Thanks, Erica
Hi Erica! Quoting an excerpt is much appreciated! I only ask that you not repost the entire post and photos – thank you! 😀
I definitely won’t quote the entire thing or copy the photos! Thank you!
Is the one that you buy as good as the one you make yourself, I went to the web site you suggested and I’m going to buy a jar, I just want to know that is the same…..thanks
The recipes have slightly different ratios of tallow and olive oil, but all the ingredients are the same. Basically, the difference is that Vintage Traditions reformulated with a bit more olive oil to make the balm glide on more smoothly. I’m still using their old formula because I haven’t made a new batch 🙂
I’m intrigued by tallow! I’ve been making all-natural skin care products for about 18 months now. I never use synthetic ingredients of any kind and most everything I make is vegan, with the exception of those recipes using beeswax and/or honey. This may be a dumb question, but would tallow be considered all-natural and possibly organic depending on where obtained (definitely not vegan, lol)?
This is so exciting! I work in a meat department and we throw alot of that away! I will be asking if I can have that fat from now on … ~grins~ maybe I can come up with some nice smelling recipes 😀 Bright blessings!
Please do not promote Tallow – it is from animals, cows, sheep and pigs, hooves, cartilages and fats. There are many other plant based moisturizers, thank you. Olive oil is one lovely one.
We own a farm where we raise our grass fed animals for meat & dairy. We are VERY involved in the entire process of animal processing & knowing what part is from where. Tallow IS from animal fat. Tallow IS NOT from hooves & cartilage. I just recently ordered my first tallow lip balm & am so excited to start making some tallow products from our own suet (that’s unrendered animal fat).
What about wrinkles….deep wrinkles and fine lines? I have very fair & dry skin, live at the beach in SoCal and, through the years, have sun-damaged skin. Oh, and I’m 56…..
How much EO-Essential Oil do you use to make the cream. And can I get the actual ingredients? I didn’t see any precise measures. Sorry
Hello! I have been on a candida/fungus free diet for three weeks and am feeling great. I am looking forward to trying this! We have a buffalo farm nearby and they have a little restaurant. Can I use tallow from that? I’m sorry but I need to be told the simple process of keeping it in a jar for 6 months or so. Tallow & evoo? Equal amounts? and a few drops essential oil? Is the scent necessary? Thanks for the help. Blessings.
I have a ton of the tallow left over from making bone broth, but you said it will go bad because of the excess moisture. Is there a way to get the moisture out? It’s all from grass fed beef and I’m dying to make a lotion for my skin.
I’m not familiar with a method, sorry Tasha!
I wonder if heating the tallow and cooking it will cause the extra moisture to evaporate off? You could try it, then leave the tallow setting out at room temperature for about a week or so. If it doesn’t mold by then, I would think it should be ok. Just a thought.
Of course this is absolutely late but next time just put in a pan and cook until all the water evaporates. I have not done it yet but I’ve made my own coconut oil on the stove top and that’s how it’s done.
OK seriously NO. Tallow is animal fat. I cannot fathom using the boiled byproduct of serious cruelty for my own vanity. I’m an avid follower of your blog Heather but this is where I, as an ethical human being who honors animals as fellow sentient beings, draw the line. I am horrified
Ondria, I write very openly on my blog about consuming meat and other animal products. In my opinion eating sustainably raised meat is very ethical and not letting anything go to waste is part of that philosophy. This post reflects that belief.
Can Sheep’s Tallow be used instead of Beef Tallow?
I haven’t tried it so I can’t say for sure, but I would think so!
I am using sheep tallow and love it even better than beef tallow. I feel that sheep tallow absorbs even better than the beef! I would like to know if others think the same thing!
I am allergic to wool and lanolin. I even can’t eat Romano cheese because they make it from sheep milk. I think anyone who has a reaction to itchy wool clothes should not use lamb tallow
I’m looking all over for the Tallow on the links provided but can’t find it anywhere. I’ve checked under ever site in the Fats/Oils sections and more. Help!
Thank you!
Diana
Hi Diane! You can find it here 🙂
I just made this but reversed the evoo ratio to tallow. Doh! I’m gonna use it anyways 🙂 Anyways, I also wanted to share that some Whole Foods will give you the fat for free if you ask. You just have to find out when they do their trimming and if they will separate the grass feed from the rest.
If I understand correctly, the tallow is the hard fat from the kidney. Just until I buy the real thing online, I want to try using the fat from the bone broth. I’m just wondering if using the other fats long term is ok?
I ordered both the pretty girly scent and almost unscented from Vintage Tradition and it arrived last Friday. At first I thought it was a little difficult to spread on my face so I added a pin size amount of coconut oil. Even that amt was too oily for my dry skin so last evening I just used a tiny bit of Vin Trad and oh my gosh I noticed a difference in the plumpness of my skin in the mornings. And that’s saying A LOT for this 61 year old lady (I lost a lot of weight and was quite shallow in some areas of my face with associated wrinkles and have had two types of aesthetic injections which did not last even three months!) I also put it on this morning for day wear and it has kept my skin moist and plump (I do have to add an additional sunscreen on top though). I started washing my face with raw, organic honey and love that too. However, I notice I have to apply the honey at least 2-3 times to feel like I’m getting the Vintage Trad. washed off correctly. Don’t mind doing that but wonder if there might be something else to properly cleanse that is beneficial. Certainly do appreciate this article. Can’t wait to let my friends know of this product.
Hi Elaine! Yes, because the balm mimics natural sebum it is difficult to wash off. Since oil breaks down oil, you could try oil cleansing as an alternative to honey: https://mommypotamus.com/oil-cleansing-for-clear-baby-soft-skin-video-tutorial/
I contacted Vintage Traditions and explained not being able to wash off the tallow and they said I was using too much. Guess what! They were absolutely right on. When they say you only need to use a tiny bit, then it should be a tiny bit. Oh yes Heather I found a supplier of tallow online at Grasslandbeef.com (100% grass fed and grass finished). They sell as little as 1.7 lb and also 5 gallon bucket. I thinking this might come in pretty handy especially since I just downloaded your DIY Organic Beauty Recipes! Love it.
i have combination acne prone skin, would this cause me to break out?
It’s hard to say, Ashlee. Some people find that tallow balm works well with the oil cleansing method for clear skin (https://mommypotamus.com/oil-cleansing-for-clear-baby-soft-skin-video-tutorial/), while others don’t.
Hi! I had purchased as a moisturizer initially, I have oily, acne skin with large pores. You do not need to use a lot of this so it will last a while. But I found when I used it to moisturize my skin was even more oily and increased my breakouts. But I noticed that my skin looked brighter and more even so I know it was good. So then I started using this as the OCM and it’s worked wonderfully! My skin’s oil has come to some balance and my breakouts while I have them are fewer than before, and when I look in the mirror my face is much more even and bright, my husband thought I was pregnant because I had a glow! Not prego just the tallow!
What is OCM?
Lovely post. As a middle-aged woman desperate to keep aging skin together I’ve been on rather the journey the last couple of years. I don’t any longer have the problem of eating too much polyunsaturated oil as I swapped it out almost entirely for clean saturated fats. It is so funny that I’ve gotten to the point that rather than washing certain fats off my hands in the kitchen I just rub them in.
My first foray into this brave world of smearing cooking fat on the body was reading the article on the Weston Price Foundation website about the nourishing skin qualities of tallow. So for the past few months I’ve thrived on a hand and face salve of tallow loosened with avocado oil. My dry chewed cuticles are even healing after 40+ years of habit! I also use coconut oil as sunscreen and after sun moisturizer but it is VERY greasy when applied. It is a lot faster than trying to apply tallow salve over the body though.
And now it is turning to the cold times. Based on another lovely blogger’s experience I decided to try just the home rendered lard I had in the fridge for cooking. Wow! Nice. Similar penetration and softness as tallow but easier to use. I’ve now melted a good bit of tallow with some coconut oil into my body moisturizer jar (that originally contained just coconut oil) and find that it spreads quickly and sinks in just as quickly. I still use the tallow mixture on face and hands but now have a new moisturizer for whole body. The cosmetic department at my local store has seen the last of me. I get my cosmetics at the meat counter of my local organic butcher!
Sorry, but it sounds like you are so totally brainwashed with all your Paleo thinking. It’s obvious from almost every post that you make that you are a part of the Paleo cult movement. Now you want to put animal lard on your face. Great. Thanks for sharing. I’m sure Paleo is a decent way of eating, but they (the people who set out to give it a name) are not the inventors of that way of eating, and you don’t have to be obsessed with it like it is an object to be lifted up on an altar and worshipped. Get over it and live your life, even if you want animal fat on your face.
Hi Rachel. Actually, I am not paleo at all. I eat bread, rice, and all kinds of paleo “no no’s” on a regular basis. Not exactly sure what that has to do with skincare, but I thought I’d set the record straight 🙂
Hi Heather. Have been using the tallow from Vintage Traditions for hmmm about three months on my face. I Love it. It has replaced at least four other types of “so-called” moisturizers and an additional eye cream! I went on the Vintage Traditions website a little after I started using it and read almost all of the comments/responses from tallow users. There were alot of interesting stories posted. One that I noticed was on, dare I say, hemmoroids (not sure I have the spelling correct). Well knowing that I am really anonymous in the blog, I will say this. It definitely works. Not so much make them go away but definitely shrink. There I’ve said it. To quote Martha Stewart “it’s a good thing”. Love your posts. Keep up the good work.
Wow, thanks for letting us know!
Heather, I am so anxious to try this but unfortunately the closest I can get is to go Wholefoods, buy some
bones, make broth, chill and then scrape the top. I understand this is not ideal but it will take time to buy the tallow online and wait for shipping. If the fat I scrape from the top is then boiled down to remove any water, would it still have all that nasty stuff like harmones? Thanks for your help.
Hi Rita! It depends on the diet of the cows the tallow is rendered from. I prefer to use 100% grass-fed, which depending on your location may be something you can find at Whole Foods.
WF says their bones is natural, that is’s probably 75% grass fed. I think sometimes it’s just who you talk to there. I’m also on the email list of a company that will let me know when they have some available.
Hello! I realize this post is over a year old. Do you still LOVE and use tallow as your body/face moisturizer? I normally use Jojoba oil as my skincare routine (jojoba oil has been the only thing my face likes). Can I add jojoba oil to the tallow instead of olive oil? Thanks 🙂
YES, I do still love it, and you can definitely sub jojoba for olive oil
I have been oil cleansing for a year and love it. First heard about the tallow from Wellness Mama and Liz Wolfe, but was afraid to try. Then read your post last night and decided to go for it. LOVE it! I am 47 with acne prone yet aging skin. Getting rid of grains and sugar was a huge help with the acne, and oil cleansing definitely improved the overall appearance of my skin, but the tallow is amazing. I tried straight grass fed tallow all over my face and neck last night. Didn’t love the smell, but loved how my skin looked in the morning. After wiping with a warm washcloth in the shower, I put a tiny amount on today, and barely noticed the smell. My skin looks amazing. Thank you!
Wonderful!!! When I clicked the 20% off link, though, I got a page that said “nothing found here”. Maybe I clicked too early?
Thanks for sharing! The link to buy it does not work though, goes to a page not found 🙁
The link at the bottom of your blog post isn’t working…
Ditto the commenters above… Link doesn’t work.
Mmmm. It said “page not found”.
Mmmm. It said “page not found”.
Can you detail you evening facial routine?
As a former beauty advisor I applaud this I’m cons tally searching for healthier skin care products and am very interested in this.
What company/product is it? The link doesn’t work on mobile
the link doesn’t seem to work. for the discount site
Can’t pull it up either
I would love to buy it but the link doesn’t work.
the link at the bottom doesn’t work.
I cant get the purchase link in the article to work, could you check it?
.
What they said. Lol
Mary Anderson, Emily Tosten, Deanna Rolfe Dunn, Sarah Vokes, Annie Beth Brown Donahue, Denise Ciszewski-Mueller, Ali McCannell, Alissia Haggard, Emeth Hesed, Timna Harper, Pam Heald – I’m so sorry about that! My blog mangled the code for some reason but it’s working now.
I just tried- can’t get to it
Thank you for fixing it! 😀
What scent?
Do you use unscented or scented?
Ordered – thanks!
Thanks so much for this post! I just recently purchased a 1/4 organic, grass-fed heifer and want to make sure I make the best use of everything. I’ve never rendered beef tallow, but I’m reading up on it. I can’t wait to give it a try!
Have you ever smelled “mild manly”? Wondering how mild it is…Oil Cleansing literally saved my face so in excited to try this too 🙂
Thanks for sharing! Just ordered and am super excited to try it!
What scent do you use??
How long would you estimate the 2oz size would last? Thanks 🙂
Thank you so much. I just placed an order.
Adding to my Christmas list!
Heather Skinner Leary, Jayne Jewell, Beth DiFebo Durham – Don’t laugh but I actually ordered the manly scent. I don’t think it’s really masculine, just clean and fresh.
Caitlin Gibson – It’s actually my fave scent. I ordered it for myself! I would describe it as very clean and fresh rather than overly masculine. A guy would totally use it, though
RussandAmy Granberry – I can’t say how quickly an individual would go through it because I use it on both myself and the potami, but a little goes a long way.
How do you cleanse first?
Thank you, I was needing more moisturizer and I was using the coconut oil moisturizer from Eminence Organics. I just ordered this one, I can get 4 times as much for the same price and if it is as good as you say it is, even better! I am very excited to try it. 🙂
Thanks! I was just reading the benefits on their page and thinking it would be good for my kiddos too (I have one with eczema despite a restricted diet). I just had baby #6 in November and I think our due dates were almost the same day. Congrats on your sweet baby boy!!!
When does this special end? I don’t get paid until friday!
Thank you for this post Mommypotamus! I’ve been thinking this may be a good option for my son’s eczema. I was wondering if it would go bad at room temp or be smelly! Now I know the specifics and how to make it.
Thank you for this post Mommypotamus! I’ve been thinking this may be a good option for my son’s eczema. I was wondering if it would go bad at room temp or be smelly! Now I know the specifics and how to make it.
Thanks for posting! Just ordered 🙂 Can’t wait to try this.
I’ve been using the same tub for over a year and it’s not even half-gone. I haven’t noticed a single negative difference between it and the higher-priced “high tech” eye creams, etc. Thank you for recommending it!
Amanda Smith – It will be good at room temp for over a year. I know several people who have had great results with eczema using this stuff.
Its going to cost me$18in postage alone 🙁
Thank you for sharing. I’ve been searching for the perfect, safe lotion for my face. I can’t wait to try this! I’m also curious, do you make all of your make-up or have you found a place to buy real make-up?
I make some and buy some – sounds like I need to write a post! 🙂
Yes, please! I bought your diy beauty products books! However, I’m pretty new to this true all natural living. I’m still learning and often overwhelmed by just preparing all of our food properly. There is still so much to learn and do with food. (I haven’t started soaking everything I should yet….and so on). So, when it comes to lotions, make-up, soaps etc, while I want to do real and healthy, making it all is overwhelming. I’d love to know where I could buy some safe make-up until I can manage to make more.
My mom and I have been using this for almost a year after reading your post about it, and we love it! It’s great for face, feet, hands, and especially under eyes. I like the girly scent.
When does the sale end? I get paid on Friday, too.
Just ordered 3! Can’t wait to try it, thanks for sharing xx
Kathy Smith funny I was just talking about this! 🙂
If shipping weren’t $6.50 for me, I was going to be able to get it for my mom! Thanks for the info and link!!
We use this with our son who has moderate-to-severe eczema we love it!
Thank you so much for the discount code! I actually ordered some of this recently for my daughter’s eczema. It seems to be working pretty well and I feel much better about using tallow based balm than the prescriptions her doctors recommended. I just placed an order for more.
Would this be bad for acne prone skin?
Following
Following
I have to ask, what about the smell? I just recently rendered my first batch of tallow from pastured beef leaf fat, but the end product still had some of that beefy smell to it? I’m all for a good face moisturizer, but not if it makes me smell like McDonald’s. have you noticed that using plain tallow, not the cream leaves a smell?
I don’t notice a tallow-esque smell when the essential oils are blended in 🙂
I had the same problem but tried a few more times and got through to the site. Order a stocking stuffer for myself. 🙂 Thanks for getting us the discount!
I’ve been using this for about a month and a half. Love it so far! I have acne prone/oily skin and couldn’t believe the results I got! Doesn’t break me out or cause an oil slick on my face. I ordered the almost unscented and it’s perfect! Great for any areas on your skin that’s dry…not just for face!
I switched from this one actually. I didn’t like the texture to another tallow balm, with a firmer texture.
Not very affordable
Mmm… The vegetarians and vegans say no thanks!
Thought of Tori, Theresa Teresa Schumacker
Just ordered mine
I cant wait to try it..
I started using tallow on my body after reading that it helps with eczema (it does!). I haven’t tried it on my face yet – now I will! I loved the article, thanks!
Not sure if you legally can’t use product A’s name in your post, but you mention “Dove” in there, so may want to edit that out if it’s a true liability. 🙂
The link doesn’t work for me. I can’t order.
Thanks for the link and discount.
For some reason I cant order the product without paypal… I will try again later..
You are so sweet to share! Thanks, Heather!
You are so sweet to share! Thanks, Heather!
Just ordered some and I’m excited to try it! 🙂
Awesome, thanks! I’ve been wanting to make some for my daughter’s eczema, but rendering tallow keeps getting pushed to the bottom of my to do list.
Best timing ever! Just today I made a mental note to buy more since I’m pretty much out. glad I procrastinated because now I get a discount! Best moisturizer for dry Colorado weather
So great. I love how they give detailed instructions on their website. I just made some with so e grass fed tallow I made! Can’t wait to try it!
I’ve been using this for almost a year — it’s great!
Diana Moody….are you making or buying??
Thanks! I just ordered a 2 oz for my dad for Christmas. I don’t even know what’s wrong with his skin and apparently the dermatologists (3 total now) haven’t the slightest idea either. It’s like some alien form of eczema on top of his compulsive itching, lack of patience and running to the family doctor for steroids as a band aid without actually fixing the issue. Very frustrating. Hoping this will help some. He uses Aveeno oatmeal products now…which I don’t think is the best either with all the other stuff in the products. He’s stubborn and not into my “hippie” ways so he says. Grrrr….
Is this use as a moisturizer for face?
Christina Rathburn, where to find organic, grass fed tallow?
Krista Leyerle Grant
You can render your own Kathryn Montgomery from your own cow. I have not done it yet… http://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2012/02/how-to-render-beef-tallow.html
There is a link to some place to buy it too in the post.
I found this grass fed beef tallow for $11.99 for 1.7 lbs. It seems like such a great deal and price saver vs. $16 for 2 oz of the body balm. What do you think? Thanks!
http://www.grasslandbeef.com/Detail.bok?no=878
do you know if it helps with eczema?
I am wondering what my best bet for fragrance is…I’ve always been pretty sensitive to fragrances, but even more so now since motherhood has changed my chemistry. I’m gonna have to give this a try though! I’ve been using pricey Goats Milk moisturizer by Kate Sommersville (Nordstrom) which has given me the best results so far or lotions/balms from the Honest Co, but my skin is struggling because I need a root canal and the mild infection/inflammation is showing up in my skin. I used to always be combo/oily, but now I’m dry, but with inflammatory (and infuriating) breakouts. Wondering if this would help…
has anyone tried the OUTDOOR SPICE? I gravitate toward spicy/sweet/citrus, but I’m wondering if this would be TOO spicy and/or earthy…?
I really appreciate that this company has directions for making your own tallow balm right on their site! Just for that I might buy some.
I’m really tempted but shipping to Australia is more than the product! ($18 US)……
Julie Angelo- my dad’s having the same issues as yours. It’s so weird! He’s tried so many things… even changing his diet and now he’s back on steroids!!!
I JUST ordered some Vintage Traditions balm yesterday! I can’t wait to try it….1st time user of their product.
Amy maybe this would help?
Anna gheesh! I’m about willing to try anything! Merry Christmas to me!
Denise Moore, this may help for eczema… The peoples chemist is awesome and everyone should be following him! He definitely knows what he’s talking about and doesn’t sugar coat anything
Shipping is too high.
Thanks for sharing. hope it works for my eczema baby boy.
I can’t find if they ship to apo ae. Please help.
I suffer from rosacea…I may have to give this a try. What fragrance would you recommend?
How about just coconut oil?
Liz Swift – Coconut oil was my moisturizer of choice before I discovered this stuff. It’s good, but I like this a lot more.
Kathryn Swift – I actually buy the manly scent. I don’t think it’s really masculine . . . more of a clean and fresh scent.
All over your whole face or just under the eyes? I love a clean scent! I’m pretty sensitive to lavender scent.
Jenny Campbell Burdett – All over my face 🙂
Thanks for sharing…I have been wanting to try this on my aging skin–LOL! I ordered mine last night & can’t wait to try it!
Could you use this to prevent diaper rash? Just curious!
i use it on my face, my hands and my feet!!!
I’m curious what you think about this article: http://jorhn.wordpress.com/cosmetics-and-animal-rendering/
I’m just confused about how “bad” using animal by-products can be since it’s been done for centuries. I know you should look for good quality meat and other products so I don’t need that explained to me. 😉
i can’t find the link to buy?
I bought this from your blog post almost a couple of years ago and I LOVE it. I’m about to buy some more today because of the discount. This product is AMAZING!!!! WAAAAYYYYY better than anything store bought, I feel like I have tried tons of products leading up to this. Thank you so much for highlighting this product for us!
LeAnne Meador 🙂
Why is the shipping SO expensive for such a tiny jar? There are people on Etsy who sell grass fed tallow for much cheaper too. I’m not one of them 🙂 Just appreciate a good deal, and this doesn’t seem like a very good deal.
Thanks! Just bought some for my husband! 🙂
Hi, this is a great article and I thank you for sharing it. I am wondering if tallow and ghee have the same effect on skin. My 4 m/o daughter is suffering from eczema and I’m currently using coconut oil with minimal help from it. Since I already have ghee on hand, I wonder if it would work the same as tallow would on dry skin problem like eczema? Thanks in advance.
Hi Honey! I’ve heard of some people that use fermented cod liver oil blended with ghee as a moisturizer. It sounds good to me, but I don’t know that it has exactly the same properties as tallow. You may want to try both and see what you think! (Also, some mamas find that the casein in dairy makes eczema worse. Some ghee manufacturers go to great lengths to make sure their products don’t have casein, while others allow small amounts)
I can’t wait to get some!!! Gotta wait for my social security check though…
Hi Heather…I’m not sure if this has been asked/answered…Can I turn the fat off of bone broth into the proper form of tallow that will not spoil as quickly? Thank you!
My favorite all around creme!
Just ordered some for a friend.
Accessing from my phone and don’t see a link to the site. Will you please post?
Accessing from my phone and don’t see a link to the site. Will you please post?
How long is this good for? I don’t get paid until Friday and don’t want to miss it.
Markita Larsen – He didn’t say, but he’s a great guy and I’m sure he will honor it through Friday at the very least.
Has anyone tried the almost unscented one?
NOOOOOOO! They’re out of stock due to overwhelm on orders. Must be great stuff. 🙂 Looking forward to trying it sometime. Thank you for sharing!
I know! I had to place a second order because my family saw my FB post and wanted to know if the stocking stuffers were for them. I didn’t have enough for everyone, ha! Barely got my order in before he sold out. Will repost when it’s available again.
Excellent, thank you for reposting when it comes back in stock, Heather. I am still ordering this for Christmas gifts. We can be patient if it means getting our hands on the good stuff.
Hi Heather!
I just found this link on FB and read it…sounds amazing!
But I do have one question. My face is oily and prone to acne, will this balm worsen that at all?
Or if one of the balms is better for acne prone skin, which one would it be?
Please let me know!
THANK YOU!
Hi Kelly, I have had several people tell me that it helped their acne-prone skin, but back when I suffered from acne I heard that about other products and didn’t get the same results. I think it’s a really individual thing. However, I personally would give this stuff a try if I still had acne. I’d also look into the oil cleansing method: https://mommypotamus.com/oil-cleansing-for-clear-baby-soft-skin-video-tutorial/
Hello Heather. Wow I’ve never seen so many posts on the Vintage Traditions tallow. I have been using it for 4 months now and wouldn’t do with out it. All the people above who are trying it for the first time are really going to be pleased, so pleased with it. I ordered two more before your link to them was put up and received them immediately. Lucky me. I call it my little miracle in a jar (Pretty Girly Scent) is my favorite and I gifted one of my purchased from before to a friend who absolutely loves it.
Um. Sorry. I can’t do it. It sounds interesting but I think I’ll stick with the body butter of coconut and shea butter recipe. Unfortunately all forms of cow are practically verboten in my house. My 8 yr. old is very allergic to beef and dairy so we must keep an eye out for all its forms including gelatin, tallow, and magnesium stearate (an ingredient used in manufacture of tablets). She gets hives all over her body from even a hint of it. There’s a meat allergy suuposedly to all forms of mammal that scientists believe is related to the bite of the lone star tick whose habitat is the eastern half of the country. You get a tick bite and suddenly have life threatening allergic reactions to meat. Many cases are showing up outside this range. My daughter does not have this (i think) but others from comments on blogs have an allergy to one type of animal but not others as well. I think it’s tied to what feed the animals get or what ‘s on their feed (some sort of spray related to nutrasweet but stronger). This additive is used to mask a moldy taste in the feed and does not have to be labeled. Oh and the allergy isn’t to the actual meat protein but the sugar in the meat. Yet another reason to go wild when it comes to meat. Or know your source really really well. Want to investigate?
By the way my daughter can eat lamb, pork, chicken and fish and sheep yogurt and sheep cheese with no problem. No to chicken eggs unless they have soy free feed. Maybe lard would work. But i’d rather have a good dairy free, egg free, gf, recipe for non-beef pate.
Any idea how deer tallow compares? My husband hunts and there is always an abundance of fat… that gets thrown to the dogs.
I don’t have any experience with it personally, but I think it’s benefits would probably be very similar 🙂
Hi Mommypotamus, I was wondering if grassfed pork fat would work??? This is the only thing I have access to and what I have on hand! It smells so fresh and so good, like pie crust. But I don’t see anyone else asking this question yet 🙂 So can I use lard in place of tallow? Would it be the same? Thanks!
I have used lard instead of tallow. It doesn’t absorb as well but it is a WONDERFUL moisturizer. Highly recommend!
I use tallow on may face every day and my skin has never looked or felt better!!! I use Willow Rose products (http://www.wrbodycare.com) and the tallow balm with tea tree and lavender is AMAZING!!! My rosacea is gone and the texture is smooth and soft 😉 I am a HUGE supporter of using tallow!!
I am so going to try this! Right now I’m using a body butter my neighbor makes. It has coconut oil, olive oil, beeswax, boric acid and vitamin E in it. I have noticed a HUGE difference in what the back of my hands look like! Where can I get tallow from grassfed cows? Or would pork lard work too?
Hi Mommypotamus,
Ever since I’ve found your blog, I’ve been hooked! I even purchased your e-book DIY Beauty Recipes earlier. I’m really excited to try out the recipes you’ve featured, and knowing that these are actually proven and tested recipes makes it even more interesting! I would say that it’s one of my favorites to read.
I’m a single mom with a hyper-active toddler of 3, and I’ve always been interested in making my own stuff. I’m still searching for credible suppliers for the materials for the recipes on the e-book (materials are a little hard to come by here in the Philippines, and I certainly don’t have any idea where to start looking). What I’m most interested in is tallow. I can imagine a lot of things you can do with it and all the great benefits you can derive from using it on your skin. Is it possible to substitute some of the ingredients on the balms, lotions, & soaps with tallow? I’m not sure where I can get grass-fed suet here in the Philippines, but I’ve come across an interesting product that I’ve always disregarded for a very long time. The product is called Sebo de Macho. My sister is fond of it because she said that it can diminish the obviousness of wound scars, but I wasn’t really entirely positive about that though. Until I’ve read this article, I didn’t even bother knowing what the product was made of, until the other day when I noticed on the packaging that it said “Skin Moisturizer”. That certainly caught my attention. Because of that, I did something I’ve never done before — smell the product. I was surprised that it smelled like that of beef fat. So I went to the manufacturer’s website and checked out the product, and found that it’s made of sheep tallow! Surprise, surprise! I’m not really sure it would have the same benefits as beef tallow, but knowing that it is, in fact tallow, I went out of my way to try it on myself. From then on, I was more bent on grabbing a copy of your e-book, and finding out how I can purchase the product in bulk. Since then, I’ve been using Sebo de Macho as a facial moisturizer after I wash my face, and used it as a hand moisturizer as it is. I must say, it felt DIVINE! I’ve also seen dramatic changes to my skin too! I just works wonders. Although, I’m still skeptic about its scar diminishing properties, I would say that this has become my must have in my bag. I’ve also used it all over my body after bathing, and it’s just so wonderful on my skin that I can’t get enough of it! I haven’t tried mixing it with other oils yet though, but I will surely try creating lotion and other stuff with it in the future.
I would just like to say a million thanks to your post, and for opening our eyes to the wonders of using tallow. More power to your blog!
YAY, I’m so glad you discovered the awesomeness of tallow, Frances! It doesn’t surprise me at all that the benefits of tallow for skincare are well known in the Phillippines 🙂 As for substitutions, it really depends on the product. I only use mine for a skin balm and soap, but I’m sure there are many more uses!
this sounds amazing. Heather– Have you ever emulsified tallow to make a lotion? Would tallow lotion come out very thick since it is a solid? I’ve seen your video tutorial on making lotion in a food processor and I kind of want to combine these two posts into a tallow lotion extravaganza.
I have not. My guess is that it would make a good body butter but not a lotion due to how heavy it is.
Looking forward to trying this!!
What do you cleanse your face with??
I started using tallow salve after a naturalist friend started using it to help me and I absolutely love it!!! It works better than the store bought creams and lotions and costs so much less per batch as well 😀 Highly recommend tallow salve over the garbage that they sell in the stores!!
Just to be clear, if I make my own tallow, it will smell a little right? Is there a way to make it odorless? Can the stronger the smell be a sign of old fat, or the wrong kind of fat used? Does lard smell less than tallow?
Hi Amanda, yes it will have a smell. Some batches have more/less smell than others for some reason – not sure exactly what it is but I don’t necessarily think it means the fat is old. In general I think lard smells a little less than tallow.
Thanks Heather! I made tortillas with my tallow and they were amazing. Though, I would like to try lard next. Thanks for the reassurance. xo
Hi Heather,
I’m in the process of making my own tallow balm now, and have added the EVOO and essential oils and it still smells pretty (ok, very) beefy. Any suggestions? Is this an acquired smell? I purchased mine already rendered from my local butcher and softened it at 50 degrees C in the oven, then mixed in the oils.
Thanks!
Hi Angela, the strength of the tallow scent can vary from batch to batch, and yes it can be rather beefy 🙂
I can’t find the link to the 20% discount – is it still valid and if so, would you mind leading me to it? Have you tried the almost unscented one? Ordering for my infant son with bad eczema. Thanks!
Hi Michelle! I know that you left your post back in 2014, but I’m wondering…did this help your son with bad eczema? I have my own baby with bad eczema, and I’m exploring options for how to help him! Thanks!
I make my own beef bone broth every week, can I use the solid fat that forms at the top of the jars after they cool for this purpose? Thank you for your time.
Why just beef or sheep? or are those the only ones called tallow? I’ve heard my hubby mention tallow about venison so it got me wondering.
Would pig, chicken, deer, antelope, or bear tallow work in a similar way? (we raise pigs & chix and my hubby hunts the others)
Thanks!
Hi Vicki, I would consider them all beneficial but not identical. For example, lard has more Vitamin D than beef tallow but far less Vitamin E. It’s also a bit greasier, while beef tallow tends to absorb better.
interesting.
so are they just from different animals but otherwise the same? is lard just a pork product? sorry, just want to make sure i understand before I tell him I’m planning to cook it down and rub it on my face(since he’ll think i’m nuts!) 🙂
I mean, is it a different process to get one or the other or just a naming difference between animals and one animal happens to produce more D vs E?
nevermind…i found my answer. lard seems to be strictly from pig fat whereas tallow can be a variety of animals…thanks.
Thank you so much for this piece! I bought this product and reviewed it on my eczema blog linking both you and vintage traditions! I am so happy!!
http://mhperpetuallearningcurve.blogspot.com/2014/03/pastured-beef-tallow-and-eczema.html
YAY, I’m so glad you’ve noticed a benefit for your little one! I just love Vintage Traditions. Even though I sometimes make my own I love their scents soooo much – Mild Manly is my favorite, haha!
I rendered my own tallow, but noticed in my last ‘cream’-batch there are some drops forming on the top in room temperature, is that moist from water content (=probably spoilage) or could it be from the oils used?? How do i avoid those? I feel like freezing i after mixing it up to let it harden makes it have some water content when defrosted again. Not sure, maybe you could shed some light?? thank you so much for all the inspiration!!
I recently made your tallow balm recipe. The only difference was that I rendered it in a crock pot on low all day rather than in the oven over a day’s period. Is it supposed to be somewhat hard to rub on skin? I have to use my fingernails to get it out of the jar and then rub a clump in at a time on my son’s skin. Just wondering if that waxy-like substance is common or if I could have done something differently. I have used solely the tallow balm on my son’s inflamed skin over a period of a few days, and have not seemed to notice a difference yet. I’m hoping a few more days will show me a difference as I have been praying for a natural balm/solution such as this for quite some time AND I have more rendered tallow and suet in my freezer to eventually use up as well.
Hi Leah, yes it can be difficult to apply. I recommend melting it and adding a bit of olive oil to make it easier.
Have been using the tallow from Vintage Traditions for over a year and love it. Got my friend hooked on it as well. However, did you know that along with being a moisturizer that you can use it to clean your face. I just happened to read an article from the Food Renegade and tried it. It works. I did not remove my makeup just to see how well it worked. Followed her recommendation (kinda like cleansing with the oil cleansing method). To double check to see if all makeup and dirt was removed used a toner (non alcohol witch hazel) on a cotton pad and voila! No dirt residue. Go figure, a two-fer!
Congratulations on the amazing traction you have gotten with this one post. It has been active for about two years according to the comments. I just wanted to say that I discovered tallow as a skin healing salve about six months ago. First it was as a VERY stiff salve only loosened with a bit of avocado oil to rub into my chronically abused cuticles in a valiant attempt to at least heal them enough to handle salt and lemon in the kitchen (yes I have a lifelong nibbling habit.) The tallow is the only thing that stays on my hands long enough to have a positive effect. I’ve made up a jar for a friend with the same issue and she has had good results as well.
So I branched out and these days make a whipped body butter that is about 60% tallow, with the rest lard, duck fat and coconut oil. I add a little tapioca flour to make it fluffier and less greasy on my skin and when nearly set up I hit it with a hand mixer. I will never use commercial products again. I’ve had so many people ask what I’m doing that my face looks so young (no, I’m not young anymore.) I love the looks of shock when I tell them what I use. 🙂 So glad to see you are promoting nourishing skin care. I love your site.
Yesterday my hubby got one bee sting in his ear,, he asked me for whatever remedy to calm down the pain,, I, doubtly, applied 8:2 concoction of tallow n CO on his ear,, he asked, whats that? My reply, nothing, just some coconut oil and its friend 😉 I was afraid he would refuse the tallow thing ,, in the evening, the swollen was gone with just a bit pain,,I applied it once again,, in the morning the pain was gone
I like natural products for my skin, as my skin is so sensitive.
Hi Mommypotamus,
I read through the article twice but didn’t see any instructions on how to actually render the tallow. Do you just heat up the beef lard on the stove?
Thanks
Hi Desiree, if you click the link to buy tallow balm you’ll end up at Vintage Traditions’ website. They have a tutorial on their website that you may find helpful.
Hi Mommypotamus 🙂 have you used tallow on your scalp? or do you know of any benefits in using tallow on the scalp? i have researched and have not found any info regarding using it on the scalp. thank you!
I have not used it that way. I imagine it would leave hair pretty greasy.
Lard used on the scalp promotes hair growth
Sadly, the use of tallow means yet another reason animals are being sacrificed for human use/consumption, only this time for our vanity…sad.
Thanks for sharing,
Sorry but i still dont get it…do you buy it or make it ? I prefare to make it but have no idea what tallow is exactly or if i buy it, is it from a supermarket ? I know i may sound silly but its the first time i heard about it.
Thank you.
Hi Tania, you can render it yourself using the instructions linked to in the post or buy it via the link at the bottom of the post. Hope that helps!
I don’t see any instructions to make eczema cream, I have a 17-month-old nephew who has a really bad eczema.
Hi Avi, I just updated the post so that the instructions are easier to find. It’s under “How To Make Tallow Balm” now 🙂
Please try healing from the inside out. We healed eczema with milk kefir. Homemade, not store bought. I was amazing. I bet it could be applied topically as well, but it was a matter of weeks and from drinking it the eczema was gone. Maybe it’s been mentioned above, I don’t know. Make kefir!!!!
I was just wondering if you could add cacao powder for a little color? Sort of like a tinted moisturizer?
People can also use Honey and YOGURT for better results because the natrual results are more effective than using cosmetics
How necessary is it that I use tallow rendered from beef rather than pork or mutton?
I’m looking for users of tallow or other animal fat-based skincare. What are the benefits and drawbacks? I’m writing an article on the growing popularity of these organic options and I need to talk to users about their experiences and why they opted out of mainstream brands and vegetable-based products. Please email me directly at [email protected]
I found a great source on Etsy for tallow balm and cream of all kinds.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/PrairieWoodSprite?ref=pr_faveshops
I’ve been a fan for over a year. All kinds of tallow from buffalo to beef to deer. Scented oils of your choice or not. Other oils added or just straight tallow balm. And prices MUCH better. I have no vested interest in this company but wanted to share.
I’ve been experimenting with tallow and lard – you guys are definitely on to something! 🙂
I have a question though, I’ve recently discovered tallow is great to style my hair, I love it!
I am wondering though about reports it might clog the follicles, I can’t seem to get a straight answer anywhere……
What do you all think??
Devin – Most NDN Americans have used it for thousands of years. The older Navajo & Mescalero Apache (and I) cannot do without it. Fast forward to 2005 – my son cannot do without it. ;p
I have always loved this blog. I was so inspired by the success I had healing tallow in my daughter that I ‘went big’ and just opened an online shop featuring tallow-based healing balms, beauty cream, whole body emollient and 2 amazing FDA approved sunblocks powered by botanical oils and safe zinc. I think you will love it. Hoping to connect with you to send free product!
Need to know where I can buy DEER TALLOW CREAM. Can you help me?
I live in Florida at the moment.
Thanks
Leo
I use a blend of tallow and coconut oil on my skin and it’s fantastic. It also keeps the coconut oil from totally melting in the summer.
I thought ‘naughty’ skin care was gonna be like semen all over the face..is that weird?
I’m so excited about this! You amaze me!
This is nice. I read somewhere that tallow is perfectly safe because of the high temp process. It is also absorbed easily by our skin. I’ve never tried using tallow before but looking at what it can do, it may worth to try!
I’m making some tallow balm right now from our own home-raised beef fat. I like to have tallow on hand for cooking too. Thanks for this wonderful article and for the link to Vintage Tradition. It looks like a fine company.
I have extensive plant based allergies. I am trying to replace all of the products I use with animal-based versions. I have a couple of questions:
1. To get a softer, spreadable balm/soap/lotion I am thinking about adding petroleum or cod liver oil or something like that. Have you ever tried that? Can you recommend any percentages?
2. Likewise, I was also thinking about adding salt or sugar to some formulations to get exfoliation. Have you tried that?
2. For scent, I’d like to find some alternatives to botanicals (resins, plant oils, etc.). Any idea where I might look for that? I don’t want to smell like steak or fish.. 🙂
Thank you for your article! Very helpful!
Hi there. Late to the game on this one. Hope you’re still answering questions. I’ve been using tallow balm on my very dry 40-year-old face for a few days and while I love that it stays on my face, and I think my skin tone looks more consistent, I feel as though it’s not absorbing into my skin completely, like it’s a bit tight/dry under the barrier of oil on top if that makes sense? It may just be my skin adjusting to a new product but wondered if anyone has any experience with helping it to absorb. Wondered about a warm face cloth to open pores before applying it? Thanks!!
Hi Kristy, I had a similar experience when using shea butter previously and – at least for me – it did turn out to be and adjustment period. I found that doing a face scrub helped. 🙂
Hi Heather, this information has been Pinned for further sharing, absolutely valuable 😀
Honestly, I never heard before that tallow fat is typically 50 to 55 percent saturated, if this is true it’s just like our cell membranes, that I have to try it, no, WE have to try it. Nature is our best friend after all. Well, my best choice would be buy it, I don’t have time to make it at home anyway, I would like to say thanks to you Dear for letting me know where to buy and how to make it. It save my time a lot.
xoxo,
Nancy S
Will tallow be ok for acne prone skin? I can’t use coconut or olive oil at all, it creates instant awful breakouts wherever I use it.
Heather,
Thank you so much for this article! I would LOVE to try making my own tallow balm, as I have pretty dry, sensitive skin. Quick question though – I read through the instructions on the website you linked, but I have no idea where to begin in terms of ratios & measurements. Do you happen to have a suggestion for a tallow-EVOO-essential oil ratio that will yield a balm with a nice, spreadable consistency? I don’t want to waste a bunch of ingredients just using “trial-and-error,” so it would be awesome to have a starting point. Thanks a ton!
Hi! I am eagerly awaiting tallow coming to me in the mail and so excited after I read your post. My four month old’s skin has dry patches everywhere, including his face. Do you think tallow is safe to use on his skin?
Thank you!!
I have used unscented tallow balm with my babies. I tend to avoid topical application of essential oils until they are toddlers. 🙂
I was just trying to decide if I would go with an unscented one or not.. is it totally ordorless? or would you say it has that funny balmy smell to it haha… or do you have a favorite scent?
Hi Heather!
I am getting two links from your site for the Tallow. Which do you recommend?
http://www.crunchybalm.com/
or
http://www.vintagetradition.com/
Thank you so much for this article!
Lena
Hi Lena! I prefer Crunchy Balm because the store owner specifically formulates each blend to be in a safe dilution range for everyone, including children.
Hi there, Call me crazy, but I can’t find the recipe to make this balm. Halp! I totally want to make this and just need a little direction so I can get on it!
Thanks so much!
Maureen
Hi.
Thanks for the very helpful information about the tallow. After reading this I used it for short while and my skin looked great and felt amazing! Truly it looked younger and healthy. Sadly I had an anaphylactic allergic reaction to something (?) in the product I made with it so can no longer use anything of ‘food stuff’ topically (tallow, nut, veg or seed oils) as the dr said apparently it can lead to the creation of serious food allergies if used on atopic skin 🙁 But for those who do not experience any allergies or eczema it is truly great and brings glowing radiant skin. Hoping emu oil will work well since I don’t eat them…
Also, for those people who are vegetarian (but not vegan) and oppose the use of suet, ‘washed ghee’ is an alternative to tallow and has similar properties. Cheers.
Is tallow the same kind of fat that rises to the top of a pot of bone broth? I have several cups of fat that I skimmed of homemade bone broth…it’s hard like tallow, when cooled. Love all of your articles!
Hi Heather,
Could tallow be used on acne prone skin or would it make it worse by clogging pores or being too oily?
You should really do an article about emu oil. It’s better than beef tallow for your skin.
Your information is very interesting so I signed up for your newsletter and was looking forward to the Body Care Gifts Made Simple download. However, I got the message “error 404”.
Hi Melea, thank you SO MUCH for letting me know about the error! I just corrected the issue and emailed you a new download link. 🙂
Hi Heather!
I am looking for a lard or tallow based lipstick that I can purchase. If you know of any will you please share! Thank you.
Love to know that someone else knows about tallow’s wonderful properties.