The Rise of Beef Tallow For Skin - Healthy Skin Rituals
There’s a wave of people waking up about healthy skincare.
The reality is, the vast majority of skin care products like moisturisers on the market right now are bogus. They contain a concoction of chemicals and additives that only add to the toxic load of the body and do little to actually benefit the skin.
There has been a significant shift towards natural skincare solutions, and one ancient remedy has made a remarkable comeback: beef tallow. This is ‘back to basics’ skincare. Once a common household item, tallow for skin is gaining popularity for its numerous benefits.
In this article, we will delve into what tallow is, how it is made, and why it is a superior natural moisturiser compared to common chemical-laden alternatives.
What is Tallow and How is it Made?
Tallow is rendered fat from beef or mutton, although beef tallow is more commonly used in skincare.
Unlike many off the shelf skin products that contain many dangerous ingredients, Tallow is all natural, and safe.
The process of making tallow involves slowly heating the fat to separate it from any impurities and water content.
This purified fat solidifies at room temperature and has a creamy, buttery consistency.
If you’re vegan, tallow is not for you.
The Process of Making Beef Tallow:
Sourcing the Fat: High-quality beef fat, preferably from grass-fed cows, is collected.
Rendering: The fat is cut into small pieces and heated slowly. This can be done on a stovetop, in an oven, or using a slow cooker.
Straining: Once the fat has melted and impurities have settled, the liquid fat is strained through a fine mesh or cheesecloth to remove any solids. Warning: people who have made their own tallow say this part can get super messy if you’re looking at making your own tallow.
Cooling and Solidifying: The strained liquid fat is left to cool and solidify into tallow.
Benefits of Tallow for Skin
Natural Moisturiser
Tallow is incredibly similar to the natural oils found in human skin. This compatibility allows it to be easily absorbed, providing deep hydration without clogging pores.
Unlike many commercial moisturisers, tallow does not contain synthetic chemicals or preservatives that can irritate sensitive skin. What we love most about Tallow and what a lot of tallow users notice, is how much further a small amount of tallow goes compared to store bought moisturisers.
This also makes tallow a much more cost effective natural skin product.
Rich in Beneficial Nutrients
Beef tallow is packed with essential vitamins and fatty acids that are beneficial for skin health:
Vitamin A: Promotes cell regeneration and repair, helping to keep the skin smooth and youthful.
Vitamin D: Supports skin barrier function and protects against environmental damage.
Vitamin E: Acts as an antioxidant, protecting the skin from free radicals and premature aging.
Vitamin K: Aids in skin healing and can help reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks.
Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids: Essential for maintaining the skin's lipid barrier, keeping it hydrated and resilient.
Common Moisturisers Vs Tallow
Many commercial moisturisers contain a long list of ingredients, including synthetic chemicals, fragrances, and preservatives.
These can often cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and long-term health concerns. In contrast, natural beef tallow is free from such additives and offers a simple, effective, and pure alternative.
Key Differences:
Ingredients: Tallow contains only natural fat and vitamins, while common moisturisers may contain harmful chemicals like parabens, phthalates, and artificial fragrances.
Absorption: Tallow is readily absorbed by the skin due to its natural affinity, whereas synthetic moisturisers can leave a greasy residue or cause breakouts.
Skin Compatibility: Tallow’s natural composition makes it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Beneficial Vitamins and Minerals in Beef Tallow
Vitamin A
Essential for skin repair and regeneration, vitamin A helps to maintain healthy, smooth skin and can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Vitamin D
This vitamin plays a crucial role in skin protection and rejuvenation. It aids in the repair of skin cells and protects against environmental stressors.
Vitamin E
A powerful antioxidant, vitamin E helps to neutralise free radicals that can cause skin damage and aging. It also has moisturising and healing properties.
Vitamin K
Known for its role in skin healing, vitamin K can help reduce the appearance of scars, bruises, and stretch marks, promoting a more even skin tone.
Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids
These essential fatty acids help to maintain the skin’s lipid barrier, preventing moisture loss and keeping the skin hydrated and supple.
How We Use Beef Tallow
Incorporating beef tallow into your skincare routine is simple and highly effective. Here are some ways we use beef tallow for healthy, radiant skin:
As a Daily Moisturiser
We apply a small amount of beef tallow directly to the skin after cleansing. Its rich, creamy texture melts into the skin, providing deep hydration that lasts all day. For added benefits, you can mix tallow with essential oils like lavender or tea tree oil.
Buy natural Tallow with olive oil, honey, lemon
As a Lip Balm
Beef tallow makes an excellent natural lip balm. Its nourishing properties help to soothe and repair dry, chapped lips. Simply apply a small amount to your lips as needed.
For Healing Dry or Irritated Skin
Beef tallow is particularly effective for healing dry, cracked, or irritated skin. We use it on areas like elbows, knees, and feet to restore softness and smoothness. Its anti-inflammatory properties also make it great for soothing eczema and psoriasis.
In Homemade Skincare Products
We love making our own skincare products using beef tallow as a base. It can be blended with beeswax, shea butter, and essential oils to create personalised balms, lotions, and creams.
As a Makeup Remover
Tallow’s gentle and moisturising properties make it an excellent makeup remover. Apply a small amount to your face and gently massage to dissolve makeup, then wipe away with a warm, damp cloth.
In Cooking
Beef tallow is also a fantastic cooking fat. It has a high smoke point, making it ideal for frying, roasting, and sautéing. It adds a rich flavour to dishes and is a healthy alternative to many processed oils.
Highly processed seed oils will make you sick when cooked at high temperatures, beef tallow will not.
Shop grass fed beef tallow for cooking.
Cooking with beef tallow ensures you are incorporating a natural, nutrient-dense fat into your diet, which can support overall health and wellness.
Beef Tallow for Skin FAQ
What is beef tallow?
Beef tallow is rendered fat from beef, used for various purposes, including cooking and skincare. It is made by slowly heating beef fat to remove impurities and moisture, resulting in a purified, creamy fat.
How is beef tallow used for skin?
Beef tallow can be used as a moisturiser, balm, or in homemade skincare products. It can be applied directly to the skin or mixed with essential oils for added benefits.
Is beef tallow safe for all skin types?
Yes, beef tallow is generally safe for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin. Its composition is very similar to human skin’s natural oils, making it highly compatible and non-irritating.
How does beef tallow compare to commercial moisturisers?
Beef tallow is a natural alternative to commercial moisturisers that often contain synthetic chemicals and preservatives. Tallow is deeply hydrating, easily absorbed, and free from potential irritants, making it a superior choice for many people.
Can beef tallow help with skin conditions?
Yes, the vitamins and fatty acids in beef tallow can help soothe and repair various skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, and dry skin. Its natural healing properties make it beneficial for overall skin health.
Where can I buy beef tallow for skincare?
Beef tallow can be purchased from health food stores, online retailers, or made at home using high-quality beef fat. Look for products that use grass-fed, hormone-free beef for the best quality.
How do I store beef tallow?
Store beef tallow in a cool, dark place, ideally in an airtight container. It can also be refrigerated to extend its shelf life.
Can I make my own beef tallow skincare products?
Absolutely! Beef tallow can be combined with essential oils, beeswax, and other natural ingredients to create personalised skincare products like balms, lotions, and creams.
Conclusion on Tallow For Skin
Your skin looks and feels amazing with tallow moisturisers. Beef tallow is a versatile and highly beneficial natural product for skincare. Its compatibility with human skin, combined with a rich array of vitamins and fatty acids, makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a pure and effective moisturiser.
Go back to basics. We love going through the pantry or bathroom cupboards and ditching the high toxin, high chemical products that do nothing for your health and are in fact detrimental. By embracing this ancient remedy, we can enjoy healthy, hydrated, and radiant skin without the need for synthetic chemicals and preservatives.
