Tallow as a Moisturizer: The Ultimate Guide to Natural, Nourishing Skincare

So, you’re curious about using tallow as a moisturizer?

It’s a fair question. These days, it seems like there’s a new “holy grail” skincare ingredient every week.

But tallow isn't new—in fact, it's ancient.

And I’ll tell you, after years of working with tallow, there’s good reason why our ancestors kept this golden fat around.

So, let's chat about it, shall we?

Can You Use Tallow as a Moisturizer?

You betcha!

It’s nutrient-dense, deeply hydrating, and incredibly compatible with your skin’s natural oils.

While it may not be everyone’s cup of tea due to its origins and slight scent, its benefits far outweigh any minor drawbacks.

Let's dive in!

What Exactly is Tallow?

First off, let's clarify what tallow actually is.

Tallow is rendered fat, typically from cows, and when I say “rendered,” I mean it’s been carefully heated and strained to remove impurities.

When it's made from grass-fed cows—like the ones we use at Nefertem—it’s even better.

Grass-fed tallow is packed with essential nutrients like vitamins A, D, E, K and B12, along with fatty acids that mirror those found in our skin.

This makes it incredibly nourishing for your skin.

(Below, you can see the rendering & curing process we use for our tallow)

Is Tallow a Good Face Moisturizer?

Absolutely! If you're looking for a face moisturizer that hydrates deeply without a laundry list of synthetic chemicals, tallow is your gal.

Our Purity Unscented Tallow Moisturizer is formulated to be gentle enough for infant skin, which means it's perfect for your face, too.

It hydrates, locks in moisture, and nourishes the skin's natural barrier—all without irritating sensitive skin types.

The beauty of tallow lies in its composition.

Tallow is incredibly similar to the sebum our own skin produces, so your skin recognizes it and knows just how to use it.

This bio-compatibility means it absorbs quickly, leaving your skin feeling supple and hydrated, not greasy.

What Are the Benefits of a Tallow Moisturizer?

You might be wondering, “What makes tallow so special?” Besides its natural, nutrient-dense profile, here are some benefits of using tallow as a moisturizer:

1. Nourishment: It's loaded with fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and essential fatty acids that help repair and maintain the skin’s natural barrier.

2. Moisture Retention: Tallow is an occlusive, which means it helps lock moisture into the skin, preventing dryness and flakiness.

3. Skin Compatibility: Tallow's composition is similar to our skin’s natural oils, making it less likely to cause irritation or an allergic reaction.

4. Anti-Inflammatory: Thanks to its natural fat content, tallow helps soothe inflammation and calm redness, making it a wonderful option for people with sensitive or problematic skin.

How to Apply Tallow on Your Skin

A little goes a long way when it comes to tallow.

To use it, scoop out a small amount and warm it up between your fingertips. As it melts, gently massage it into your skin.

You can use it on your face, body, elbows—anywhere that could use a bit of TLC.

For best results, apply it to slightly damp skin after a shower to lock in the moisture.

What Are the Disadvantages of Tallow?

Alright, let's talk downsides because, yes, there are a couple. First off, tallow does have a bit of a "beefy" scent.

However, at Nefertem, we Triple-Filter & Cure™ our tallow using our proprietary process to minimize that scent as much as possible. Our tallow is so clean, you could eat it! (But it probably won't taste that good, so...)

Another potential drawback is that tallow is an animal product, which could be a concern for vegans or those avoiding animal-derived products.

But if you’re looking for a natural, skin-compatible moisturizer and you're okay with the fact that it’s sourced from animals, then the pros of tallow far outweigh the cons.

Will Tallow Clog Pores?

Here’s a common concern: “Is tallow going to clog my pores?” The answer is: typically not (although all skin responds differently - try and see for yourself).

Tallow has a comedogenic rating of 2 on a scale of 0 to 5, meaning it's *less* likely to clog pores than other oils, such as coconut, palm, or castor oils.

Plus, since it’s so similar to the sebum your skin already produces, your skin tends to accept it without fuss.

We've personally seen teenagers with acne, menopausal women with hormonal breakouts, and guys with stubborn back acne improve their skin issues from using tallow moisturizers. 

On the same token, we've had (albeit only a few) customers report that it just seemed too oily for their already oily skin. Everybody is different!

Can You Put Too Much Tallow on Your Skin?

The golden rule here is "less is more." You don't need to slather tallow on like you’re frosting a cake.

Just a small amount is enough to cover your face or even larger areas of your body.

If you apply too much, your skin might feel greasy, and it could potentially sit on top of the skin rather than being absorbed.

So start with a pea-sized amount and add more only if needed.

Do Dermatologists Recommend Tallow?

Some dermatologists have praised tallow for its compatibility with the skin’s natural oils.

They highlight its ability to hydrate and nourish without causing breakouts.

However, not all dermatologists are on board. Some prefer more "clinical" moisturizers that contain scientifically proven (and patentable) ingredients.

It’s a bit like the age-old debate between natural remedies and lab-formulated skincare.

While some dermatologists are skeptical, others recognize that traditional, natural ingredients like tallow have been around for centuries for a reason.

Thankfully, more research is emerging now on the effectiveness of tallow. Here's a fascinating (but admittedly long) medical journal of the Biocompatibility of Tallow and the Skin. 

Do Doctors Recommend Using Tallow on the Skin?

You bet some do!

Dr. Eric Berg, a well-known health expert, is all about tallow for skincare. In his article, "The Ultimate Face Transformation–Dr. Berg's Best Remedy for Dry Skin and Wrinkles," he explains that tallow is packed with vitamins and healthy fats that help repair and nourish the skin.

He loves how tallow is almost identical to our skin's natural oils, making it super absorbable and effective.

Not every doctor may jump on the tallow bandwagon, but Dr. Berg’s support shows that this isn’t just some old-timey remedy—it’s got modern health experts nodding their heads in agreement!

What’s the Best Tallow Moisturizer?

Of course I'm biased (I mean I've been doing this for well over a decade), but honestly, I have to say that our tallow moisturizers at Nefertem are the best.

Here’s why: we use only GRASS-FED tallow, meaning it’s free from hormones and antibiotics—just cows living their best lives.

Plus, our proprietary Triple-Filter & Cure™ process sets us apart.

We meticulously filter our tallow to ensure it’s the cleanest on the market, and this process also means it has the least "beefy" scent compared to other brands.

No fillers, no synthetic junk—just pure, nutrient-rich tallow and a blend of organic plant oils for a rich, creamy texture.

If you’re trying tallow for the first time, I highly recommend starting with our Purity Unscented Tallow Moisturizer.

It's gentle enough for infants and those with the most sensitive skin, so you know it’s going to be kind to your face.

Or if you like a gentle, floral scent with herbs and oils known for soothing the skin, try our Transform Tallow Moisturizer with calendula, lavender, orange, chamomile, helichrysum and vetiver. 

Wrapping It Up

So, can you use tallow as a moisturizer?

Absolutely!

It’s a simple, effective, and natural way to nourish your skin deeply.

Sure, it might not be everyone’s go-to (yet) due to its origins, but its benefits are hard to ignore.

If you’re looking to give tallow a try, Nefertem’s Purity Unscented Tallow Moisturizer is a fantastic place to start.

We take the time to source our tallow from local, Midwest, grass-fed cows and go through a meticulous process to ensure you’re getting the cleanest, most nourishing product possible.

Got more questions?

Let’s keep this kitchen table chat going. Shoot me a message —I’m always here to help you on your skincare journey.

Cheers to simple, effective skincare!

Brittany, Founder of Nefertem
Established 2012 ✌️