"Beef fat? On my face?!"

Maybe a TikTok came up showing a tallow balm or a website promoting tallow products, and after seeing the video, the question, "What is tallow?" comes to mind. Come to find out, tallow is beef fat, and then the question is, "Why would someone use beef fat as a moisturizer?" While there are countless tallow brands out there, it is important to know what the differences in the products are. To ensure that the highest quality tallow is being purchased, it is important to know these three things. First, what is tallow? Second, what type of fat is being used? Is it 100% grass-fed? Lastly, what are the benefits of using tallow on skin? Not all tallow is the same. There is a difference in the type of fat used, and this will affect the quality of the tallow, the nutrients, and even the smell.

What is tallow? Tallow is the rendered fat from ruminant animals like cows and bison. To preserve the maximum nutrients, the rendering process is carried out slowly over low heat, just enough to melt the fat without burning it. The melted fat is then strained through a fine strainer and cheesecloth and placed in the fridge to solidify. As it hardens, impurities are expelled, resulting in a clean, pure, and shelf-stable product. This process is repeated at least three times to ensure purity and cleanliness. While the rendering process looks similar for all tallow, not all rendered tallow is the same quality.

What influences the quality of tallow? The type of fat used to produce tallow affects its quality. Subcutaneous fat is the most common, as it is abundant and easy to collect. However, it contains fewer nutrients, making it less nourishing for the skin. It is also harder to purify and often retains a beefy odor. The purest and most nutrient-rich fat is known as kidney fat, leaf fat, or suet, which surrounds a cow's kidneys. Although there is less suet available, it is the most nutrient-dense and naturally vitamin-rich fat. To achieve the purest and highest quality tallow, kidney fat is essential. Another crucial factor is the animal's diet. Tallow from 100% grass-fed kidney fat is the highest quality available. Grass-fed animals produce fat that is richer in fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, essential for skin health. Additionally, grass-fed tallow has a better balance of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids, which helps reduce inflammation and support skin repair. Tallow from grass-fed animals also has a milder odor, and when using kidney fat, the smell is minimal. The type of fat and the animal's diet significantly affect the purity and quality of the tallow in the product. Using products made with premium ingredients is crucial for the best results.

What are the advantages of using tallow for skincare? Tallow is an exceptionally effective natural moisturizer for the skin. Its molecular composition closely resembles the skin's natural oils, allowing it to be easily absorbed, deeply hydrating, and aiding in the restoration of the skin's natural barrier. Due to its similarity to skin, tallow does not clog pores or leave a greasy residue. The fatty acids in tallow strengthen the skin's protective barrier, reducing irritation and sensitivity, which can benefit conditions like eczema and acne. It is also naturally rich in fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, which enhance skin repair, elasticity, and overall health. Unlike many plant oils that remain on the surface, tallow penetrates to nourish from within, providing enduring softness and resilience. If the aim is natural, unprocessed, genuine skincare, tallow is an excellent choice.

When looking into premium tallow for skincare, it is important to know what tallow is, what type of fat is being used, and the diet of the animal. Tallow has amazing natural benefits, but not all tallow is created the same. Grass-fed tallow from suet or kidney fat will result in a premium product with the highest quality ingredients. Do the research, find a premium product, and let the tallow do the rest!