Let’s be honest: if you told your pre-crunchy self you’d one day be rubbing beef fat on your face, she would’ve laughed and handed you a Neutrogena sample.
But here we are. In a world of clay masks, 12-step routines, and serums that cost more than your weekly grocery shop, tallow face cream has emerged as the surprising underdog. It’s natural. It’s nutrient-dense. It’s old-school as hell. But… is it actually worth the hype—or are we all just getting a little too comfortable in our crunchy era?
Let’s break it down—cow-style.
So, What Is Tallow (And Should I Be Putting It on My Face)?
Tallow is rendered beef fat, typically from grass-fed cows. Once melted down and purified, it becomes a soft, creamy substance packed with skin-loving nutrients. Think of it as butter—but for your face. And yes, the idea of rubbing animal fat on your skin might sound a little “Little House on the Prairie,” but bear with me.
Because tallow isn’t just a throwback trend—it’s biologically similar to the oils our own skin produces, which makes it incredibly compatible with human skin. That means deep moisturising without clogging pores. No lab-made confusion. Just pure, whipped skin food.
Tallow vs Your $120 Moisturiser: The Breakdown
Here’s why tallow has gained cult status in the conscious skincare crowd:
✔️ Biocompatibility
Tallow’s structure closely mirrors our skin’s own sebum, making it easy for the skin to absorb. Your skin doesn’t fight it—it says, “Ah yes, I know what to do with this.”
✔️ Vitamins A, D, E & K
Unlike synthetic creams that require a chemist to decode, tallow is naturally rich in fat-soluble vitamins that help:
- Boost collagen
- Fight oxidative stress
- Support skin healing
- Calm inflammation
✔️ Fatty Acids That Nourish
Tallow is loaded with oleic acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid—aka the good fats. They help:
- Reinforce your skin barrier
- Lock in hydration
- Improve elasticity
Basically, it’s like a multivitamin smoothie for your face—minus the spinach and regret.
“Wait… Isn’t That Gross?”
Fair. You’re not alone in the internal debate between ‘Yay, nature!’ and ‘Did I just rub brisket on my cheek?’
The good news? Properly rendered tallow doesn’t smell like meat. At worst, it might have a very mild, earthy scent. Most modern formulations are whipped with essential oils like lavender, frankincense, or rose geranium, giving it a more luxurious vibe than a Sunday roast.
And once it’s on your face? It absorbs like a dream, leaving you with that “I drink three litres of water a day and have emotional boundaries” kind of glow.
Who’s Using Tallow?
- People with sensitive skin who react to commercial creams
- Mums on a low-tox journey ditching endocrine-disrupting ingredients
- Eczema warriors
- People trying to simplify their skincare to fewer, better products
- Ancient Egyptians, apparently. Tallow-based skincare has been around for centuries. So… we’re basically royalty now.
Tallow Isn’t for Everyone, Though
Before you start baptising your face in beef fat, a quick heads-up:
- If you’re vegan or vegetarian, this won’t be your jam.
- If you have oily/acne-prone skin, some tallow blends may feel too heavy—opt for whipped versions with added balancing oils.
- Patch test first. Always.
Can Food Affect Your Face More Than Creams?
Tallow fans love saying that “you are what you absorb.” But let’s not forget—you are also what you eat.
If you’re living off inflammatory oils, sugar-laced “health” snacks, and coffee on an empty stomach (hi, same), no skincare in the world will save you.
Skin is an organ—and your skincare routine starts in your gut.
Tallow works beautifully with a nourishing diet full of:
- Collagen-rich broths
- Omega-3s
- Hydration
- Whole, real foods
So yes, eat the avocado and rub the cow fat on your cheek. Balance, babe.
But Isn’t This Just TikTok Hype?
You know what? Yes, TikTok loves it. But this trend has legit roots in ancestral living.
Before the age of airless pumps and petrochemical preservatives, our ancestors used what they had. And what they had was… fat.
From Scandinavian cultures to traditional First Nations healing balms, rendered animal fat was prized for its protective, healing, and moisturising benefits.
Today’s tallow creams are just the modern, Instagrammable version. Same benefits. Slightly less leather pouch.
What Should You Look for in a Tallow Face Cream?
Not all tallow is created equal. Here’s your crunchy-but-informed checklist:
Grass-Fed, Organic Sourcing
The cow’s diet matters. You want clean, pasture-raised sources—because that affects the nutrient profile and purity of the fat.
No Fillers
Check for added oils (like jojoba, olive, or calendula), but avoid seed oils and synthetic preservatives.
Essential Oil Caution
Some blends include essential oils—great for scent, but double-check if your skin is sensitive.
Glass Jar Packaging
Better for the planet, and avoids plastic leaching. Plus, it just feels fancy.
Our Fave Aussie Brands Doing Tallow Right
Here’s where to get your glow on—with potential affiliate perks:
🥇 Pachamama Tallow
- Handmade in small batches, gorgeous texture, gentle enough for babies
- Affiliate available – apply on their website
🥈 Pure Tallow
- Rich, creamy balm with no nasties
- Affiliate info here
🥉 Tuttofare Skincare
- Whipped blends with nourishing botanical
Tip: Always check whether the tallow is whipped or solid. Whipped = easier to spread. Solid = like rubbing a stick of butter across your face. Choose your adventure.
How to Use It (Without Feeling Like a Roast Chicken)
A little goes a long way. Here’s how I use it:
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After cleansing, warm a pea-sized amount between your fingers.
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Gently press into your skin (don’t smear like sunscreen).
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Let it sink in—your skin will drink it up like your toddler drinks bathwater.
Great as a night cream, post-sun balm, or even nappy rash cream if you’re in a bind.
Final Verdict: Is Tallow Worth the Hype?
Honestly? Yes.
Tallow is like the skincare equivalent of bone broth: nutrient-rich, soothing, and criminally underrated. It’s not for everyone—but if you’re looking for a low-tox, high-impact moisturiser that won’t cost the earth (literally or figuratively), it’s absolutely worth trying.
So if you’re on the fence, consider this your nudge. Your pre-crunchy self might be side-eyeing you—but your skin? Glowing. Calm. Nourished.
Just don’t forget to tell your mates: “Yes, it’s beef fat. And yes, my face has never looked better.”
