The Game-Changing Skin & Bodycare Ingredient to Add to Your Routine
It’s no secret- nourishing, healthy fats are one of the most impactful and important dietary additions one can make. But what about when it comes to your largest organ: your skin?
We’ve all experienced the not-so-satisfying feeling of applying a cream or lotion as a moisturizer, only for it to not absorb and just sit on top of the skin… decidedly not doing what it was supposed to. For this reason, it’s most beneficial to seek out moisturizing compounds that bear a strong resemblance to our body’s own self-made moisturizer: sebum.
The ingredient that I’m about to share is highly biocompatible with our own skin cells, and contains a similar balance of lipids and saturated fat, allowing for deep, nourishing absorption at a cellular level, fit for both dry and oily skin types (and every type in between). It’s rich in fat-soluble vitamins A, B12, E, K, and D, and contains antioxidants, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), palmitoleic acid (a natural anti-microbial) and stearic acid (an emollient that strengthens the skin barrier). Think of it as a healing and ultra-comforting topical multivitamin.
So… what’s the ingredient?
Beef Tallow.
Beef Tallow is highly versatile and has been utilized for thousands of years: as a healthy fat in cooking, for soapmaking, in candles, and as an ingredient in skin salves and balms. It can be used anywhere on the body and is safe for even the most sensitive skin due to its fat and triglyceride content that closely mimics the fat and triglyceride balance of our skin cells.
Important: Tallow sourced from grass-fed cattle has much higher levels of beneficial vitamins and nutrients- quality is key here. Any toxins an animal ingests are always stored within fat cells, so ensure you aren’t ingesting or topically applying tallow from conventionally raised cattle to minimize toxin exposure.
Other Benefits of Grass-Fed Tallow:
Because of its high level of absorption, it leaves skin looking radiant, not oily.
It’s ultra-rich and concentrated: ideal for dry or dehydrated skin in the colder months.
Tallow-containing products can be highly beneficial for acne-prone skin due to its anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and healing properties. And yes- it’s non-comedogenic.
Below are a few links to my absolute favorite tried-and-tested, high-quality tallow-containing skincare products. All are from small businesses and made in small batches by loving, happy hands ♡
Owners Andrea & Mike offer a broad range of hyper-nourishing tallow skin and body products. Their proprietary whipping process yields super creamy and fluffy results. I’m partial to their Rose C + E Anti-Aging cream, and the Power Duo C + E Mineral Sun Balm.
Like a warm, woodsy, comforting hug for your face- this is your holy grail product for those dry northeast winters. This repair balm is formulated by an herbalist who thoughtfully handcrafts her own extracts and natural ingredients native to Arizona.
This deodorant has a cult following, and for good reason: it’s gentle, truly non-toxic (seriously- the ingredient list is the stuff of dreams) and it actually works. Instead of being scented with artificial fragrance, it’s formulated with blue tansy and geranium essential oil, for a scent experience like no other deodorant you’ve tried.
For an ultra-hydrating full-body experience, try the Tallow Whips from Humble Hive Co. All formulated for luxurious & effective hydration with wildcrafted herbs or pharmaceutical-grade essential oils, there’s a scent for everyone- I’m partial to the Calendula + Rose.
