What Is Tallow Cream Made From? (Hint: It’s Not Weird, It’s Genius!)

If you’ve never heard of tallow cream before, you might be thinking, Wait… isn’t tallow just animal fat? And yes, you’d be right! But before you get grossed out, hear me out—our ancestors have been using tallow for skincare for thousands of years, and they had some seriously great skin. Long before chemical-laden lotions took over the shelves, people used whipped tallow mixed with natural oils to keep their skin soft, hydrated, and youthful. It wasn’t until the 1920s—when mass-produced, petroleum-based skincare became the norm—that tallow fell out of fashion. But guess what? Grandma was onto something, because tallow is one of the most effective, skin-loving moisturizers out there!

So, what exactly is in tallow cream? Pure, grass-fed beef tallow, which is rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K—all essential for healthy, glowing skin. Unlike commercial lotions filled with synthetic chemicals and water (which evaporates, leaving your skin dry again in no time), tallow deeply nourishes and locks in moisture for hours. Most tallow creams are blended with a carrier oil and fragrance for scent.

But the best tallow creams are a blend of high-quality carrier oils like moringa, jojoba or olive oil and other highly targeted natural ingredients and essential oils for a light, pleasant scent. The result? A luxuriously rich, ultra-moisturizing cream that mimics your skin’s natural oils better than any lab-made formula ever could.

Beyond being amazing for your skin, tallow cream is also one of the most sustainable skincare products out there. Think about it—tallow is a byproduct that would otherwise go to waste, so instead of tossing it, we’re putting it to good use. Unlike conventional lotions made with palm oil (hello, deforestation) or synthetic chemicals (yikes, microplastics), tallow is a natural, zero-waste alternative that actually benefits the planet. So if you’re looking for a skincare routine that’s effective, all-natural, and eco-friendly, tallow cream is the ultimate win-win. Plus, you get to feel a little smug knowing you’re following in the footsteps of history’s most radiant-skinned ancestors.