Tallow

Tallow is rendered suet, a hard, white fat that comes from the kidneys or loins of ruminate animals (typically cows and lambs). Long used as a multi-purpose oil (with applications from cooking to fuel to candle making to skin care), it has recently gained interest as a natural moisturizer. It’s commonly referred to as beef tallow; however, tallow can also be mutton derived. Is tallow a good option when it comes to adding moisture back to skin, especially dry and dehydrated skin types? The answer isn’t definitive. On the positive side, tallow’s skin benefits can include moisturization due to its triglycerides. Tallow also contains vitamins and omega fatty acids – all wonderful skin-beneficial components. When it comes to claims about healing skin and even clearing up acne, however, the evidence is less substantial, and even contradictory, meaning more research is needed. Studies have shown that high amounts of tallow (70% or higher, meaning pure tallow) have the potential to cause skin irritation, since its large concentration of the fatty acid oleic acid can cause barrier disruption. Oleic acid is also found in high amounts in pure olive oil, which is why we advise against using this seemingly innocuous oil in 100% concentration (olive oil is just fine when blended with other non-fragrant oils and emollients). [br] [br] In the end, if you want to select a natural skin care ingredient that provides moisturizing and anti-aging benefits, there are many plant-based oils to choose from that have years and years of research backing their efficacy. Tallow is also off the table if you’re vegan or prefer cosmetics made without animal-derived ingredients.

Related ingredients: Sodium Tallowate