The Science Behind Tallow: What Makes It Work (and Who Should Be Cautious)

With beef tallow skincare trending across TikTok and praised as a “miracle moisturizer” by thousands of users, it’s easy to assume this ancestral ingredient is good for everyone. But as with any skincare product, the truth is more nuanced. While tallow offers incredible benefits for many, it’s also important to understand the science behind why it works—and when it may not.

Why Tallow Works So Well for Skin

Bioavailable Fats That Mimic Human Skin

Tallow contains fatty acids like oleic acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid, which are structurally similar to the lipids in human sebum (our skin’s natural oil). This means tallow absorbs quickly, nourishes deeply, and helps restore the skin barrier—especially helpful for:

• Eczema-prone skin

• Dry, flaky patches

• Redness and irritation

• Cracked hands, heels, and lips

• Postpartum skin changes

• Baby rashes or sensitive skin

Unlike water-based lotions, which often evaporate or include emulsifiers and preservatives, tallow balms lock in moisture and deliver nutrients without synthetic ingredients.

What Type of Tallow You Use Matters

Not all tallow is created equal. At Cowboy & Co., we use grass-fed, grass-finished, pasture-raised suet—the highest-quality fat from around the kidney area. This results in:

• Cleaner, nutrient-rich fat

• Lower inflammatory omega-6 content

• Better shelf stability

• No exposure to GMO grain, hormones, or antibiotics

We also slow-infuse our tallow with organic herbs like rose, vanilla, calendula, hibiscus, and coffee—without any essential oils—to make it safer for sensitive skin and babies.

Who Should Use Tallow—and Who Might Want to Patch Test

Ideal For:

• Dry, sensitive, or mature skin

• Eczema, rosacea, or flaky patches

• Post-sun exposure or windburn

• Baby skin, diaper rashes

• Minimalist, low-tox skincare lovers

Patch-Test If:

• You have extremely oily or acne-prone skin

• You’re prone to cystic breakouts

• Your pores clog easily from rich occlusives

• You’re using active ingredients like AHAs, BHAs, or retinoids

Patch testing is always a good idea when introducing any new product—especially if you're using tallow on your face.

We love tallow (obviously), and it’s changed the lives of so many of our customers. But it’s okay if it’s not the perfect match for everyone—no product is. What we can say with confidence is this:

Our formulas are crafted with transparency, integrity, and care—from pasture to product. Whether you’re slathering your hands before chores, soothing your baby’s cheeks, or gifting a balm to your cowboy grandpa—we’re proud to be part of your daily ritual.