What Is Tallow? A Deep Dive into This Time-Honoured Ingredient
Tallow has been used for centuries in cooking, skincare and even candle-making. Today, it is making a comeback in natural wellness circles, especially in skincare. But what exactly is tallow and why has it stood the test of time? Let’s take a closer look.
What Is Tallow?
Tallow is rendered animal fat, most often sourced from grass-fed cows (Two of Earth Tallow uses Grass-fed AND finished tallow). Once purified, it becomes a creamy, nutrient-dense substance that can be used in cooking or applied to the skin. Far from being just an “old-fashioned” ingredient, tallow is prized for its unique similarity to our skin’s natural oils.
Why Tallow Works for Skin
Tallow is packed with fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, along with conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and palmitoleic acid, all of which support both skin health and overall wellness.
Vitamin A – Promotes collagen and elastin production, supports healthy skin cell turnover and strengthens tissue. It helps keep skin firm, smooth and youthful while aiding in the healing of acne, scars, and other skin concerns.
Vitamin D – Supports skin cell development, repair, and metabolism, while boosting immune function. It also protects and rejuvenates the skin by neutralizing free radicals that can lead to premature aging.
Vitamin K – Enhances skin tone and texture, soothes inflammation and irritation and helps accelerate the healing of damaged skin.
Vitamin E – A potent antioxidant that helps repair and reverse free radical damage. It deeply hydrates, promotes healing and improves the overall appearance of the skin.
Tallow is especially effective because its composition closely resembles that of human skin. Our cell membranes are primarily made of fatty acids, including saturated fats, and tallow contains at least 50% saturated fats. Both tallow and skin also contain triglycerides, which provide emollient and skin-replenishing properties, making tallow an ideal natural moisturizer which is easily absorbed and highly bioavailable.
Traditional Uses of Tallow
Throughout history, tallow has been a household staple. It was used for:
Skincare and Soap: healing dry patches, burns, and cuts → like our lineup of tallow balms and soaps.
Cooking: a stable fat for frying and baking
Candles: long-lasting and naturally clean burning like Tallow + Beeswax Candles
This long tradition highlights the versatility and reliability of tallow as a natural resource.
Why Choose Tallow Skincare Today
In a world of synthetic creams and chemical-heavy moisturizers, tallow offers a simple, effective, and time-tested alternative. It nourishes deeply, supports healing, and is safe for the most sensitive skin. For those looking to return to natural, ancestral practices, tallow is a perfect place to start.
The Bottom Line
Tallow is more than just an old-fashioned remedy making a mainstream comeback. With its rich nutrient profile, compatibility with human skin and history of use across generations, it remains one of the most powerful natural moisturizers available today.
Discover the benefits for yourself in our collection of tallow skincare products.
