Is Beef Tallow Good For Skin? You betcha!

by Brittany Hogan February 13, 2025 4 min read

cows eating grass for grass fed tallow skincare

 

Who would’ve thought that beef tallow—yes, the fat from cows—would be one of the best ingredients for skincare?

Not me ( I know, I'm a Wisconsonite and didn't even know about this!).

In fact, when I first heard about it, I cringed.

Rubbing beef fat on your skin?

No thanks.

But, as with most things that sound strange at first, curiosity got the best of my family and I, and our skincare journey took an unexpected turn.

 

cattle in a field eating grass

The Beginning: A Search for Healthier Living

It all started when my husband and I decided to clean up our diet—more whole foods, locally sourced meats, and fresh veggies.

We connected with a family-owned ranch that offered grass-fed beef, and while ordering, they asked if we wanted suet (that’s cow fat).

Intrigued but unsure, we dug into researching why anyone would want it. Turns out, suet, when rendered into tallow, has a rich history in skincare.

We decided to give it a try, rendering 25 pounds of fat into tallow and making our first batch of soap and moisturizer.

I was prepared for greasy skin and a lingering beefy smell, but instead, I got soft, smooth skin without any of that. To say we were shocked is an understatement.

 

beef suet being processed

Family Skincare Transformation

At the same time, our son was born with sensitive skin and eczema.

We were trying different lotions, but nothing helped. Out of desperation, we used our tallow moisturizer on him. Within days, his skin looked so much better.

That’s when we realized tallow was more than just a curiosity—it was a skincare game-changer.

Soon after, we started sharing it with family and friends.

At first, people were hesitant (because, well, beef fat on your face doesn’t sound appealing), but once they tried it, they were hooked.

We heard story after story of improved skin—eczema improved, dry skin transformed, and sensitive skin soothed.

 

showing hands before and after weeks of using tallow moisturizer

Why Tallow Works for Skin

So, why does beef tallow work so well? Here’s the science behind it: Tallow is almost identical to the oil our skin naturally produces, called sebum.

This allows it to absorb deep into your skin, providing long-lasting hydration without feeling greasy.

It’s rich in vitamins A, D, E, K, and essential fatty acids like CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid), all of which nourish your skin and promote healthy, glowing skin.

Unlike many plant-based oils and butters that sit on the surface or soak into the first layer of skin, tallow penetrates deeper, delivering nutrients where your skin needs them most.

 

showing how easily tallow soaks into the layers of the skin

What is Tallow, Exactly?

For those who are new to tallow, here’s a quick breakdown. Tallow is made by rendering suet, which is the fat around a cow’s kidneys.

This process purifies the fat, leaving behind a nutrient-dense, creamy substance that’s perfect for skincare.

Is it for everyone? No, it’s not vegan-friendly.

But if you’re into the idea of using every part of the animal (especially if you already eat beef), tallow skincare makes a lot of sense.

It reduces waste and provides a natural, sustainable skincare solution.

 

diagram showing the tallow rendering process

Why Grass-Fed Tallow?

Not all tallow is created equal. We use grass-fed tallow from cattle that are raised without hormones, steroids, or antibiotics, on farms that practice regenerative agriculture. 

Grass-fed tallow has higher levels of CLA and other essential nutrients compared to grain-fed tallow. Plus, grass-fed cows live happier, healthier lives, which results in a higher quality product for your skin.

In addition, by supporting our local, regenerative farms, we cast a vote with our dollar that says we want better for our soil, animals, and planet!

Factory-farmed cattle (from deplorable CAFOs), on the other hand, produce tallow that can contain harmful chemicals and toxins.

That’s why we’re committed to using only the best—grass-fed, grass-finished tallow that’s as pure as it gets.

 

guy feeding cattle grass

Benefits of Grass-Fed Tallow for Skin

  • Deep hydration that lasts all day
  • Suitable for all skin types, even sensitive and oily skin
  • Rich in vitamins and essential fatty acids
  • Helps balance oil production and won’t clog pores
  • Naturally soothing for conditions like eczema and dry skin

Unlike conventional lotions that rely on water and synthetic fillers to create the illusion of hydration, grass-fed tallow delivers real, lasting moisture.

Its unique composition allows it to work with your skin rather than just sitting on top, helping to support the skin’s natural barrier and prevent moisture loss.

Over time, consistent use can promote a smoother, more supple feel, reducing the tightness and discomfort that often come with dry or aging skin.

Plus, because it’s free from artificial additives and preservatives (or at least our tallow skincare is), tallow is a clean, skin-loving alternative to conventional moisturizers—one that nourishes on a deeper level while staying true to nature.

 

diagram showing why tallow is best

Our Process: Why Our Tallow is Different

We don’t just render tallow—we refine it to perfection using our Triple Filter & Cure™ process to create the purest, most effective skincare ingredient possible.

This meticulous method removes impurities while preserving the skin-nourishing vitamins and fatty acids that make grass-fed tallow so beneficial.

Each batch is filtered three times and cured for weeks to ensure a smooth, nearly scentless, and highly absorbent final product. This extra care means our tallow feels lightweight yet deeply hydrating, without the heavy, waxy texture found in lower-quality alternatives.

Once perfected, we blend our tallow with organic oils, pure essential oils, and soothing herbs to create small-batch skincare products that are as close to nature as possible.

Every jar is handcrafted in our Park Forest, Illinois workshop—no synthetic fillers, no artificial junk, just pure, nutrient-rich skincare made with integrity.

 

customer reviews for our Tallow Skincare Bundle

So, Is Beef Tallow Good for your Skin? You Betcha!

Turns out, beef tallow is one of the best ingredients for your skin.

And now that you know, you can experience it for yourself. Ready to try it? Our Tallow Skincare Bundle has everything you need to get started.

Shop the Tallow Skincare Bundle now and see why so many people swear by tallow for their skincare routine.

Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.


Also in Skincare Insights

tallow suitable for my skin concerns with woman
Is tallow suitable for my specific skin type and concerns?

by Brittany Hogan November 24, 2024 4 min read

Read More
tallow as a moisturizer blog with womans face
Tallow as a Moisturizer: The Ultimate Guide to Natural, Nourishing Skincare

by Brittany Hogan September 15, 2024 6 min read

Read More
Purity unscented tallow moisturizer
Discover Radiant Skin with Purity Unscented Tallow Moisturizer: Your Ultimate Guide to Tallow-Based Skincare

by Brittany Hogan August 14, 2024 3 min read

Read More