Is the secret to glowing skin hiding in the butcher shop? Tallow skincare has been stirring up chatter in the natural beauty world, with loyalists claiming it’s the ultimate skin saviour. For some, it’s a throwback to ancestral skincare wisdom; for others, it’s a hard pass—especially if you favour a lifestyle rooted in compassion, sustainability, and plants. So, is tallow a hydrating hero or just another moment in the spotlight? Let’s have a nosy.
From Farm to Face: The Return of Animal-Based Skincare
Animal-based skincare might sound like a bit... Victorian. But truth be told, these ingredients never truly disappeared. Today, ingredients like tallow, lanolin, and beeswax are enjoying a quiet revival in the modern world of natural and traditional skincare.
Tallow—also known as rendered beef or lamb fat—is especially beloved in handmade moisturisers and artisan soaps thanks to its uncanny resemblance to our own skin oils (or sebum, for the skincare purists). Making it highly absorbable and rich in fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K. It’s also joined by ingredients like lanolin and beeswax, which are staples in many mainstream products—from lip balms to body creams.
But here’s the catch: while undeniably nourishing, these ingredients aren’t vegan—and their resurgence raises important questions about ethics, sustainability, and animal welfare in beauty.
What Is Tallow, and Why the Fuss?
Tallow is made by slowly heating beef or lamb fat until it liquefies, then cooling it into a creamy balm. Historically used in skincare, candles, and even cooking, it’s experiencing a glow-up thanks to social media and DIY skincare trends.
Its composition does make it an effective emollient for dry or compromised skin—but whether it fits into a modern, conscious, ethical skincare routine is a different story.
The Claimed Benefits of Tallow Skincare
Supporters highlight its:
1. Deep Hydration for Dry Skin - Tallow is rich in fatty acids that mirror those in human skin, making it ideal for dry, flaky, or sensitive skin types.
2. Packed with Skin-Loving Vitamins - Naturally full of vitamins A, D, E, and K—essential for skin repair, elasticity, and glow.
3. Simple, Whole Ingredients - Most tallow face balms are made without synthetic additives, parabens, or preservatives.
4. Low Waste (In Theory) – Some argue tallow makes use of byproducts from the meat industry.
But Let’s Talk Honestly: The Ethical Elephant in the Room
Here’s where values come into play:
1. Let’s keep it real - it’s not for everyone:
2. Not Vegan-Friendly – As a plant-based brand, we believe skincare should do no harm. Tallow, by nature, comes from animals.
3. Thick Texture and Meaty Scent - Some people find the texture too heavy or the scent too... Sunday roast.
4. Quality Matters - Look for grass-fed, ethically sourced tallow to get the skin benefits without compromise.
5. Pore Concerns – Rich balms can sometimes clog pores, particularly for oily or acne-prone skin.
6. Environmental Concerns - While tallow can be sustainable when small-scale and local, large-scale livestock farming has its environmental downsides (emissions, water usage, land impact).
7. Accessibility & Cost – Artisan tallow balms aren’t always easy to find—and often come with a high price tag.
So, Is Tallow Skincare for You?
It depends on what you prioritise. If you’re looking for whole, natural ingredients and don’t mind animal-derived components, tallow might be your go-to. But if you're like us committed to compassionate beauty that respects the planet, animals, and your skin you’ll probably want to skip the beef and stick to botanical alternatives.
A Plant-Based Alternative That Loves Your Skin (and the Planet)
There’s no need to dip into the butcher’s bowl to get that dewy, nourished glow. Our Eternal Face Cream is proof that you don’t need animal fat to achieve deep, nourishing hydration. Packed with antioxidant-rich plant oils, skin-repairing extracts, and no animal byproducts in sight, it’s gentle on your skin and even gentler on your conscience.
Think of it as your skin’s daily dose of leafy greens—hydrating, healing, and utterly delicious (figuratively speaking).
Final Thoughts on Tallow in Beauty Products
Tallow may work wonders for some skin types, but it’s not the only answer to dry or sensitive skin—and it certainly isn’t the most ethical one. At Olive & Joyce, we believe skincare should be as kind as it is effective. Whether you're shopping for glow, hydration, or peace of mind, plant-powered beauty can offer it all—without compromise.
Product Mention: Eternal Face Cream by Olive & Joyce
Looking for a deeply hydrating, plant-powered moisturiser without the moo? Our Eternal Face Cream is packed with botanical goodness and designed to work in harmony with your skin’s natural balance. It is here to hydrate, soothe, and nourish minus the animal ingredients. 100% vegan. 100% gorgeous.