Tallow: Is It Worth the Hype? A Science-Backed Look at This Ancient Skincare Staple
If you’ve spent time on wellness TikTok or clean beauty Instagram lately, you’ve probably seen glowing jars of tallow balm popping up everywhere. Often labeled as “ancestral skincare,” tallow is being praised for its ability to heal dry skin, calm inflammation, and replace a shelf full of synthetic creams.
But is tallow really worth the hype? Or is it just another trend in the natural beauty space?
In this post, we’ll explore what tallow is, why it’s gaining popularity, what the science says, and whether it deserves a place in your clean skincare routine.
What Is Tallow?
Tallow is a form of rendered animal fat, typically sourced from grass-fed beef suet (the hard fat around the kidneys). Once rendered, it becomes a soft, creamy balm rich in fat-soluble nutrients.
Tallow has been used for centuries—by various cultures—for cooking, wound healing, and skin nourishment. Today, it's making a modern comeback, particularly in the non-toxic skincare movement.
Why Tallow Is Gaining Popularity
Tallow lovers claim it can:
Heal dry, cracked, or irritated skin
Support the skin barrier and microbiome
Replace conventional moisturizers and steroid creams
Help with eczema, psoriasis, and acne-prone skin
Reduce the use of preservatives, fragrances, and fillers
The rise of tallow aligns with broader wellness trends like:
Ancestral living and regenerative farming
Low-tox skincare and avoiding endocrine disruptors
Microbiome-friendly beauty
Sustainable and waste-conscious practices
But do these claims hold up?
What the Science Says
While there aren’t many clinical trials specifically on tallow, we can look at its nutritional composition—and it’s impressive.
Key Skin-Supportive Nutrients in Grass-Fed Tallow:
Stearic Acid & Oleic Acid: These fatty acids support the skin’s natural barrier, improve elasticity, and help lock in moisture
Vitamins A, D, E & K (fat-soluble): Known for supporting skin healing, reducing inflammation, and promoting cellular repair
Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA): Has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties
Squalene (in small amounts): Naturally found in human sebum and aids in skin hydration and elasticity
Importantly, tallow is biocompatible with human skin. That means it closely resembles the structure of our own sebum, making it well tolerated—even by those with sensitive skin.
Common Skincare Ingredients Tallow Helps You Avoid
Tallow offers a way to simplify your skincare routine and avoid:
Fragrance (a common irritant and endocrine disruptor)
Preservatives like parabens or phenoxyethanol
Alcohol-based creams that dry the skin barrier
Synthetic emulsifiers or silicones that can clog pores
Plant oils that oxidize quickly or trigger sensitivity
For people with reactive, inflamed, or damaged skin, tallow can offer a nourishing, single-ingredient solution.
Is Tallow Right for Everyone?
Tallow may be worth trying if you:
Struggle with eczema, perioral dermatitis, or dry winter skin
Want a non-toxic, minimalist skincare option
Are sensitive to plant oils or synthetic ingredients
Prefer ancestral, whole-food-based self-care
It may not be ideal if you:
Prefer vegan or plant-based skincare (tallow is animal-derived)
Are allergic to beef or animal proteins (though rare with topical use)
Don’t enjoy the natural, earthy scent (some tallow balms are unscented or mixed with essential oils)
How to Use Tallow on Your Skin
Use a small amount, warmed between your fingers, as a face or body moisturizer
Apply at night as an occlusive balm after water-based serums
Try tallow balm on eczema patches, stretch marks, or cracked heels
Store in a cool, dark place to maintain freshness
Look for tallow from 100% grass-fed, pasture-raised cows, preferably from regenerative farms. You can even make it at home—or buy from small-batch makers on Etsy or Instagram.
Final Thoughts: Is Tallow Worth the Hype?
Yes—if you’re looking for simple, deeply nourishing, non-toxic skincare.
Tallow may not have a flashy brand campaign or clinical studies behind it yet, but its composition, history, and anecdotal success speak volumes. It's a powerful example of how going back to basics can sometimes be the most healing step forward.
Like all things in wellness, what works is personal. But if you’re seeking skincare that’s ancestral, sustainable, bioavailable, and effective, tallow just might be your skin’s new best friend.
At B.Well, I believe in science-backed simplicity. We’re here to help you create a skincare routine that aligns with your values, your biology, and your long-term health.
Follow along on Instagram @beringwellness for more holistic skin, hormone, and longevity tips.