Tallow has been used in skincare for centuries, but in today’s world of overcomplicated beauty products, it’s often misunderstood. Some people assume it’s greasy, pore-clogging, or just plain weird—but the truth is, tallow is one of the most nourishing, skin-loving ingredients you can use. Let’s break down some of the biggest tallow myths and uncover the facts!
Myth #1: Tallow is Greasy and Sits on the Skin
💡 Truth: High-quality, properly rendered tallow actually absorbs beautifully into the skin. Because it closely mimics the natural oils (sebum) our skin produces, it penetrates deeply without feeling heavy or greasy. Unlike many commercial creams filled with synthetic emulsifiers, tallow provides long-lasting moisture without clogging pores.
Myth #2: Tallow Clogs Pores
💡 Truth: Tallow is non-comedogenic (meaning it won’t clog pores) when sourced from high-quality, grass-fed suet fat and properly rendered. Many skincare products contain oils that are far more likely to cause breakouts, but tallow’s fatty acid profile is highly compatible with human skin, making it great even for acne-prone individuals.
Myth #3: Tallow Smells Like Beef
💡 Truth: Pure, high-quality tallow from suet fat (the fat surrounding the kidneys) has a mild, almost neutral scent—sometimes slightly nutty. If tallow has a strong beefy odor, it was likely made from trim fat, which absorbs odors from surrounding muscle and tissues. That’s why I only use grass-fed, grass-finished suet fat for the cleanest, freshest tallow possible.
Myth #4: Tallow Goes Rancid Quickly
💡 Truth: Tallow is naturally shelf-stable due to its high saturated fat content. When properly rendered and stored in a cool, dry place, tallow can last 1–2 years without preservatives. Unlike water-based lotions that require synthetic stabilizers to prevent mold growth, tallow remains pure and effective for a long time.
Myth #5: Rendering Tallow Multiple Times Makes It Better
💡 Truth: Some claim that rendering tallow 4–5 times improves its quality, but in reality, tallow should only be rendered once. Re-melting and straining repeatedly destroys nutrients and essential fatty acids, reducing its skincare benefits. Once properly rendered, tallow solidifies into a nutrient-rich, skin-healing balm—no need for excessive processing.
Myth #6: Tallow is Outdated—Modern Skincare is Better
💡 Truth: The beauty industry pushes synthetic, lab-created ingredients as superior, but many modern lotions are filled with chemicals, preservatives, and petroleum-based ingredients that do more harm than good. Tallow has stood the test of time because it’s a pure, bioavailable moisturizer that truly nourishes the skin without toxins.
Why I Choose Tallow for Skincare
At its core, tallow is simple, effective, and sustainable. It’s rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K, supports skin barrier function, and delivers deep, lasting hydration without unnecessary additives. That’s why I use only 100% USDA organic, grass-fed, grass-finished suet tallow, dry-rendered to preserve its purity.
So next time you hear a myth about tallow, you’ll know the real truth—this time-tested skincare ingredient is one of the best things you can put on your skin.