What’s the Beef?? Well, it turns out Tallow is incredibly beneficial for your skin, and when done right, is a very sustainable option for skin care. So before you automatically say no thank you to this skincare option, read this post.
When it comes to sustainability, every aspect of our daily routine matters, including the products we use on our skin. In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards natural and sustainable skincare products. One of the most promising ingredients in this regard is grass-fed beef tallow from regenerative farms.
Grass-fed beef tallow is a rendered fat derived from the suet of cows that have been raised on a grass-based diet. The fat is gently heated, filtered, and purified to create a pure, odorless, and creamy substance that is a rich source of essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.
Using grass-fed beef tallow in skincare products has numerous benefits for both the skin and the environment. Here are some of the key advantages of this ingredient:
- Sustainable and regenerative farming practices
Regenerative farming practices prioritize the health of the soil, the animals, and the environment. Cows raised on regenerative farms are free to graze on open pastures, which helps to sequester carbon and build soil health. This approach also helps to reduce the carbon footprint associated with animal agriculture by using less fossil fuel-intensive practices. Using tallow from regenerative farms supports farmers who are working to restore the land and promote biodiversity, while also providing a high-quality ingredient for skincare products.
- Nutrient-rich for the skin
Grass-fed beef tallow is an excellent source of nutrients for the skin. It contains a high concentration of essential fatty acids, including stearic, palmitic, and oleic acid, which help to nourish and protect the skin. These fatty acids are also easily absorbed into the skin, making tallow a great ingredient for hydrating and moisturizing dry, damaged skin. Tallow is also rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K, which provide antioxidant benefits and support healthy skin function.
- Soothes and heals the skin
Tallow has been used for centuries as a traditional remedy for skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne. The fatty acids in tallow help to soothe and repair damaged skin, while the anti-inflammatory properties of vitamins A and D help to reduce inflammation and redness. Tallow is also hypoallergenic, making it a great choice for people with sensitive skin.
- Environmentally friendly
Using tallow in skincare products is an environmentally friendly option compared to many synthetic ingredients. Tallow is a natural, renewable resource that can be sustainably sourced from regenerative farms. It also has a low carbon footprint, when it is produced locally and requires minimal processing. Additionally, tallow is biodegradable, which means that it will not contribute to pollution in waterways or landfills.
Grass-fed beef tallow from regenerative farms is a sustainable and beneficial ingredient for skincare products. Its nutrient-rich composition, combined with its environmentally friendly production and farming practices, make it a great choice for conscious consumers who are looking for natural and effective skincare products. By supporting regenerative farming practices and using natural ingredients like grass-fed beef tallow, we can take steps towards a more sustainable and healthy future for ourselves and the planet.
Wondering about the shelf life and stability of tallow-based products, especially in comparison to synthetic or plant-based ingredients?
Well, tallow has a relatively long shelf life, ranging from six months to a year or more, depending on how it is stored and used. It is important to keep tallow-based products in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat, as exposure to these elements can cause the tallow to spoil or become rancid.
Tallow-based skincare products can be stabilized with natural preservatives such as vitamin E, rosemary oil, or grapefruit seed extract, which can help to extend their shelf life and prevent oxidation. These preservatives can also enhance the antioxidant properties of the tallow, providing added benefits for the skin.
Tallow-based skincare products are typically well-tolerated by the skin and can be used on all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin. Tallow has a similar composition to the natural oils and sebum found in our skin, making it highly compatible and nourishing.
Additionally, tallow-based products can provide a protective barrier for the skin, helping to lock in moisture and prevent transepidermal water loss. This can be particularly beneficial for those with dry or mature skin, as well as those living in colder or drier climates (like me!)
I tried out three different tallow brands. All of them are free from synthetics GMOs, toxins, fillers, artificial colors or artificial fragrances, and all are from grass fed cows. Here are my impressions:
Toups & Co– A husband and wife team who sources their tallow from small, family owned farms who are sustainable, fair trade, transparent and ethical. Toups & Co carries other tallow based skincare and makeup items as well, which I have yet to try. This tallow was the most creamy of the three I have tried. My girls love the scent (almond and vanilla) and we have been using it on our dry hands. I like that it comes in a glass jar!
SUMMER SOLACE– I fell in love with this brand as it is BIPOC female founded, family owned and is truly dedicated to sustainability. Summer Solace partners with local California ranchers and farmers to source their regenerative, pasture-raised cattle suet from Northern California, local beeswax, and extra virgin olive oil. I mean, check out this blurb from their website:
More than organic, the ranches we work with practice beyond sustainable methods that draw carbon down from the atmosphere and directly assist in reversing the effects of climate change. These animals are responsibly raised and grazed on Northern California pastures within 60 miles of our Oakland studio, helping us minimize transportation’s impact, lower our carbon footprint, and maintain healthy relationships with our ranchers.
Our commitment to a fully traceable, locally-focused supply chain is unparalleled in the health and wellness industry. We are ceaselessly working to revitalize our ancestors’ wise traditional skin care practices by drawing these connections between ourselves, our community, and our local environment in all facets.
Summer Solace
That is like a love language to me. I got the scent masculin/Feminin and its has Frankincense in it. The smell is great, but putting it on my face stings a bit, so next order I will go for the unscented. I love the feel of it- more of a typical balm consistency (not as creamy as Toups & Co.). I LOVE that it from Oakland (I lived in Oakland when I was young and again for about 5 years with Casey.) Summer Solace also has candles, scrubs, soaps, even tallow based SPF! For me personally, this is the most sustainable option: glass jar and the farms used are in close proximity to where it is made and where I live. I also think the price point is incredible for what they provide. I will certainly be a repeat customer of Summer Solace! Use the code _wellhereweare for 10% off your first order.
Herbal Alchemy- This is the one I seem to be reaching for the most for using on my face. The balm comes in a plastic (ugh) roll up stick, and has been perfect for throwing into my swim bag ( my sister and I are training for a triathlon). I’ve consistently used it as part of my skincare routine for about a month now, and my skin has never been so soft. I found it harder to track down where they source their tallow from, although they do claim that it is from grass fed family owned farms that are sustainably and ethically managed. I reached out to ask if the farms were regenerative and organic and this is what they said: “Why We Are Proudly Not USDA Organic Certified-We would have to lower our standards to attain a government certification.” Which left me scratching my head a bit, as I do believe in third party certifications. I do wish there was a bit more transparency about how they find and vet their tallow sources, but I can say that their tallow feels amazing and is making my skin glow.
I hope you found this helpful! Thank you for considering to use my links!