Debunking Myths About Using Animal Fats on Skin

When we tell people we use beef fat in our skincare, reactions usually go in one of two directions. Some raise their eyebrows, intrigued by the ancestral link and old-world simplicity. Others recoil slightly, unsure why anyone would smear animal fat on their face in an age of hyaluronic acid and lab-made serums.

We understand. After all, most of us have been taught to avoid fats in food, in beauty, in life. But what if we told you that animal fats, particularly grass-fed tallow, have quietly supported skin health for generations? What if what your skin really needs is not more synthetic innovation but a return to something radically simple and deeply nourishing?

In this blog, we're clearing up the biggest myths surrounding tallow and its place in skincare. We're also diving into the reasons why it’s one of the most powerful, bioavailable ingredients you can use to support your skin barrier, hydration, and overall health.

Myth 1: “Animal fat is greasy and will clog your pores.”

Let’s start with one of the most common concerns: texture. People often assume that animal fat will feel heavy, greasy, or waxy on the skin. But grass-fed tallow is uniquely compatible with human skin because it closely mimics our own sebum. This means it absorbs easily without leaving a greasy film.

Unlike mineral oils or synthetic emollients that sit on the surface and trap debris, tallow works with your skin to balance oil production and strengthen the moisture barrier. In fact, many people find that switching to tallow-based skincare actually helps with breakouts, dryness, and irritation because it brings the skin back to balance.

Myth 2: “Using animal fat on your skin is outdated.”

While it might sound old-fashioned, tallow is far from irrelevant. It was once a skincare staple in cultures all around the world from European cold creams to African healing salves. Our ancestors relied on animal fats to protect and nourish their skin in the absence of modern pharmaceuticals or synthetic products.

We’ve only moved away from tallow because the beauty industry shifted towards mass production, cheaper fillers, and long shelf lives. Petrochemicals and emulsifiers became the new norm, pushing out the traditional ingredients that actually worked.

We’re not interested in trendy science-backed jargon for the sake of it. We're interested in results in resilient, healthy skin. And if that means going back to nature, we’re all in.

Myth 3: “Tallow is just fat, it doesn’t do anything.”

Tallow is not an empty fat. Especially when sourced from healthy, grass-fed animals, it’s packed with vitamins A, D, E, and K, along with a rich profile of fatty acids like palmitic acid, stearic acid, and oleic acid. These compounds support collagen production, reduce inflammation, and encourage cell regeneration.

Tallow provides the raw materials your skin needs to repair and replenish itself. It helps calm redness, reduce dryness, and lock in moisture. It feeds your skin in a way that no water-based lotion or silicone-heavy cream can replicate.

Myth 4: “It’s not hygienic or safe.”

This is a common worry, especially from people who are new to natural skincare. But just like with food, it all comes down to sourcing and preparation. Our tallow is sourced from UK farms that raise animals on pasture. It is rendered in small batches, filtered, and stored with care just like any cosmetic-grade fat would be.

Our tallow goes through a slow rendering process that ensures it’s clean, shelf-stable, and free from impurities. It's a single, natural ingredient with no need for preservatives or chemical stabilisers. We treat it with the same reverence as a high-quality oil or butter. Because that's what it is.

Myth 5: “It’s unethical to use animal products in skincare.”

We respect that everyone has different values. For some, a plant-based approach is the only path that feels right. But for those who are open to animal products, we believe there’s an ethical and regenerative way to do it.

Tallow is a byproduct of the meat industry. When sourced from farms that practise holistic grazing and animal welfare, using tallow becomes a way of respecting the whole animal not letting any part go to waste.

We work with UK farmers who raise animals in a way that supports soil health, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration. For us, this is a full-circle approach to skincare rooted in tradition, sustainability, and honesty.

The Science of Tallow: Why It Works

Our skin needs lipids. It needs fat to function, heal, and protect itself. The outer layer of the skin, the stratum corneum is made up of fatty acids, ceramides, and cholesterol. When we strip it with harsh cleansers or try to “moisturise” with water-heavy lotions, we end up disturbing its natural balance.

Tallow supports the skin’s lipid barrier because it shares a similar composition. Unlike synthetic moisturisers that sit on top of the skin, tallow absorbs into the deeper layers. It doesn’t just mask dryness, it helps your skin regenerate from within.

Here’s what makes tallow such a powerful skincare ally:

Vitamin A supports cell turnover and can help with acne, fine lines, and dullness.
Vitamin D plays a role in barrier function and wound healing.
Vitamin E is a well-known antioxidant that supports skin resilience.
Vitamin K may reduce redness and support even skin tone.
Stearic and palmitic acid help reinforce the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss.
Oleic acid nourishes and softens dry, inflamed skin.

Who Benefits from Tallow?

Tallow is suitable for all skin types, but it's especially beneficial for:

Dry or mature skin that needs intense nourishment.
Sensitive or reactive skin looking for simplicity.
Acne-prone skin seeking non-comedogenic hydration.
Postpartum or healing skin needing gentle support.
Anyone reducing toxin exposure through skincare.

We’ve seen it support everything from chapped lips and windburn to eczema and rosacea flare-ups. And because it’s so compatible with the skin, you don’t need a long routine. Just a small amount of tallow balm can replace multiple products.

How We Use It

With us, tallow is the foundation of our skincare. We use it in our balms, tints, and soap bars. Its purity and versatility make it the ideal base nourishing, stable, and incredibly gentle.

Unlike moisturisers that require preservatives, emulsifiers, and fillers to stay shelf-stable, tallow balms don’t need any of that. You get full potency in every jar, without compromise.

Our customers often tell us that once they switch to tallow, they don’t go back. Their skin finally feels seen, supported, and balanced.

Real Skin, Real Results

One of the most powerful things about tallow is how quickly you see results. Skin that has been irritated or out of balance starts to repair itself. Redness fades. Texture smooths out. It’s not a miracle. It’s just what happens when you give your skin what it actually needs.

We’ve seen people use tallow for:

Soothing eczema-prone skin
Calming post-shave irritation
Healing dry, cracked lips and cuticles
Supporting baby skin and pregnancy care
Replacing petroleum-based balms entirely

This is what skincare is supposed to be simple, effective, and healing.

Clean Beauty vs. Real Beauty

There’s a lot of noise in the clean beauty space. Brands shout about being natural while still using seed oils, artificial fragrance, and synthetic colours. We think it’s time to raise the bar.

For us, clean beauty means something deeper:

Nothing unnecessary
No chemicals you can’t pronounce
No hidden fragrance
No long-winded lab experiments

Just ingredients from the earth, prepared with intention, and designed to support skin health from the inside out.

We understand why people are hesitant about using animal fats in skincare. But we believe tallow is one of the most under-appreciated ingredients in modern beauty. It works with your biology, not against it. It nourishes, heals, and protects in a way that synthetic alternatives simply cannot.

Tallow is not just fat. It’s a skin superfood with roots in our ancestry and relevance in today’s wellness world. And it has a role to play in restoring not just skin health, but our connection to nature, simplicity, and regenerative living.

If you're curious about what skincare could feel like without compromise, without fillers, without the fluff try tallow. Your skin will tell you the truth.