What is Tallow and What are its Benefits? [Definition]

You know my reasons for becoming a fan of tallow and tallow balm if you read my last post. Now, I will answer what tallow is, what are it’s benefits and what does this mean for you.

What is Tallow?

Tallow is the rendered fat of cattle, buffalo, sheep or other ruminants. It has been used by traditional people around the world for complete skin care.

Suet is another name, often used interchangeably with tallow. Suet is specifically the fat from around the kidneys and organs of the animal (called leaf-lard in pigs).

Mother Makings uses the suet because it renders a creamier and less “beefy” smelling tallow. This tallow/suet is made up of 70-80% saturated fat*, with almost all of the other fats being monounsaturated. 

Tallow most closely resembles our own skin’s sebum; “sebum” even means “tallow” in Latin. 

What are the Benefits of 100% Grass-Fed Beef Tallow?

Tallow is a whole food ingredient that is packed full of important fat soluble vitamins such as A, D, K and E. When applied topically these nourishing vitamins are absorbed directly into the skin.

Our own skin cell membranes are made up of 50% saturated fat and that makes tallow ideal for nourishing our skin. It absorbs more easily into the skin than any other fat or oil and visibly tones the skin.

Tallow contains naturally occurring palmitoleic acid, which is in our own skin’s sebum and has been found to be antimicrobial.

Grass-fed tallow also contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) which has been found to be anti-inflammatory and cancer reducing. 

• *Source: https://www.westonaprice.org/health-topics/know-your-fats/the-skinny-on-fats/)

What this Means for You

• Tallow is a nourishing whole food for your skin which supplies your body with beneficial nutrients.
• Tallow absorbs easily into your skin* and does not sit greasily on top like coconut oil and olive oil skin care products can.
• If you suffer from a dry skin condition or eczema in your hands and feet tallow is the #1 ingredient to have in order to soothe and help to control the symptoms of these conditions. For a step by step guide download my FREE PDF How to Handle an Eczema Flare Up + DIY Hand Soap Recipe.

*Note: If your skin is already well moisturized and balanced naturally then anything that you put on your skin will likely not absorb because you do not need it. If that is the case Congratulations! Perhaps a long-lasting tallow lip balm would be more your speed.

Now that you know how I was introduced to tallow, what tallow is and how it benefits I will next tell you about Mother Makings tallow products. If you are already interested to find out more visit my Etsy Shop to see them.

Did you ever hear about tallow from your grandparents or other family members?

How did they use it?