Why We Removed Tallow — Even Though Everyone Says It’s Good for Your Skin

We’ve been asked why we removed tallow from our arsenal of skin goodness — and well, we think it’s time we talk about it.

Tallow has had its moment in the spotlight. From skincare influencers to ancestral wellness enthusiasts, rendered animal fat is being hailed as nature’s perfect moisturizer, full of skin-compatible lipids and old-world simplicity.

And while we respect the traditions behind it, here’s the truth:

We’ve moved on — and we believe your skin will thank you.

In this article, we’ll unpack why we chose to walk away from tallow, even when it’s trending. We’ll dig into what it actually does for skin, what it doesn’t do, and why we believe plants, not animals, offer the deeper nourishment your skin craves.

1. The Truth About “Biocompatibility” — It’s Not One-Size-Fits-All

Tallow is often described as “biocompatible” with human skin because it mimics our natural sebum. It’s rich in oleic acid, palmitic acid, and small amounts of fat-soluble vitamins.

But that similarity can be misleading. Most skin — especially modern skin affected by pollution, hormonal shifts, and chronic stress — does not need more oleic acid. In fact, acne-prone, inflamed, or sensitive skin is often deficient in linoleic acid, not oleic.

 Studies show that linoleic acid deficiency is associated with increased comedones and barrier dysfunction. Topical use of high-oleic substances like tallow can worsen these effects, especially for oily or acne-prone skin.

So while tallow may work for some dry skin types, it’s not universally beneficial,  and can even throw off balance in skin that looks “normal” on the surface.

2. "Normal" Skin Still Needs More Than Moisture

Even skin that feels balanced or “normal” is constantly adjusting to environmental stress, aging, seasonal shifts, diet, hydration, and hormones.

Tallow may soften skin, but it lacks the functional ingredients needed to support skin through these changes. In fact, because it forms a dense occlusive layer with no active properties, it may contribute to buildup, clogged pores, or dullness over time, especially if skin needs aren't being addressed underneath.

“Normal” skin still needs antioxidants to fight oxidative stress, anti-inflammatory compounds to reduce micro-irritation, and barrier-supportive lipids for long-term resilience. Tallow doesn’t deliver those, but plants do.

3. What Science Says: Tallow vs. Seed Oils & Butters

Here’s where it gets clear: plant-based oils and butters outperform tallow in nearly every meaningful category.

Oils like baobab, safflower, tamanu, and moringa are selected not just for feel, but for their real skin support functions like soothing, healing, regenerating, and protecting.

 Plant oils are more bioavailable, antioxidant-rich, and versatile, meaning they work with your skin — not just sit on top of it.

4. Tallow Doesn’t Heal — It Coats

There’s a difference between moisturizing and healing.

Tallow may leave skin feeling smooth, but it doesn’t actively fight inflammation, stimulate repair, improve skin tone or texture, or defend against environmental stress.

That’s why we prefer functional ingredients like tamanu oil for wound healing, calendula for inflammation relief, sea buckthorn for regeneration, and baobab oil for elasticity and barrier repair.

Tallow has none of those benefits. It’s just fat, with none of the function.

5. Sustainability & Ethics Matter — Deeply

Tallow is often promoted as “zero waste,” but unless it’s from a verified small-scale regenerative farm, it’s usually a byproduct of the industrial meat industry, with little transparency.

That raises major concerns: ethical sourcing, hormone/antibiotic residue in rendered fat, environmental costs of meat production, and lack of traceability.

We choose ingredients that are clear in purpose and clean in source. Always.

 

Why We Don’t Use Tallow (Even If It’s Trending):

✅ High oleic content may disrupt balance for acne-prone or sensitive skin

✅ No anti-inflammatory or antioxidant support — just moisture

✅ Can contribute to long-term dullness and clogged pores, even on “normal” skin

✅ Plant-based oils and butters do more,  with better nutrient density and skin compatibility

Our Skin Philosophy

Removing tallow was never about chasing trends — it was about choosing ingredients that align with our values, our science, and the needs of real skin.

We replaced it with: smart botanical oils, infused herbs that actively heal, thoughtfully chosen butters and actives that serve a purpose, and nothing that doesn’t belong.

Because real skincare doesn’t just coat the skin — it supports it.