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The Guide

Why Tallow?

Tallow is one of the oldest skincare ingredients there is, and it is having a quiet comeback for good reason. Here is the simple version of what it is and why it works.

What tallow actually is

Tallow is rendered beef fat, gently purified down to a clean, creamy base. What makes it special for skin is how familiar it is: its make-up is close to the natural oils (sebum) our own skin produces. That is why it tends to absorb well and feel comforting rather than sitting on the surface.

The nutrients skin recognises

Grass-fed tallow is naturally rich in fatty acids and the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. These are the same kinds of building blocks skin uses to stay supple and protected, which is why tallow has been used in traditional skincare for generations, long before modern lab-made creams.

Why we choose grass-fed Irish tallow

Not all tallow is equal. Tallow from grass-fed, pasture-raised animals is generally higher in nutrients than grain-fed. Living in Co. Kerry, we are surrounded by exactly that kind of farming, so we use grass-fed Irish tallow and keep our sourcing close to home. It means we know what is in every batch.

How to use it

For balms, warm a small amount between clean fingers and massage into dry skin, morning or night. For soaps, lather with warm water and rinse. As with any new skincare, patch-test on a small area first. A little goes a long way, so one jar or bar lasts longer than you would think.

Grass-fed cow grazing in a green Irish field

Grass-fed, naturally

It starts in the field. Our tallow comes from grass-fed Irish cattle, raised on Kerry's rich green pasture.

Common Questions

Tallow skincare, answered

What is tallow skincare?

Tallow skincare uses rendered beef fat (tallow) as the base for balms, creams, and soaps. Tallow is close in make-up to the natural oils human skin produces, so it absorbs well and is traditionally valued for nourishing and protecting the skin.

Is tallow good for your skin?

Tallow is rich in fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) that skin recognises easily. Many people find it deeply moisturising and comforting for dry or tight skin. As with any skincare, results vary from person to person, so we always suggest patch-testing first.

Why grass-fed Irish tallow?

Tallow from grass-fed animals tends to be higher in certain nutrients than grain-fed tallow. We use grass-fed Irish tallow because Ireland's pasture-raised farming produces a clean, high-quality fat, and sourcing it close to home means we know where it comes from.

Will a tallow balm feel greasy?

A little goes a long way. Warmed between the fingers, our balms melt and sink in rather than sitting on top of the skin. Our lighter Tallow Body Cream absorbs faster again if you prefer a non-heavy finish.

Does tallow skincare have a smell?

Our unscented balm has no added fragrance at all. Where we do add scent, like our Tallow & Essential Oil Soap, it comes from pure essential oils rather than synthetic fragrance, so it stays natural and gentle.

Is tallow skincare natural?

Ours is built around a short list of simple, natural ingredients, with grass-fed tallow at the heart and no synthetic fragrances or fillers. Everything is handmade in small batches in Castleisland, Co. Kerry.

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