woman with tallow skincare on her skin

5 Myths About Tallow Skincare

Written by: Stacey Langford

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Published on

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Time to read 6 min

Tallow skincare is making waves in the beauty industry, but with its rise in popularity come a few myths that might give you pause. 


Let’s set the record straight and debunk the four most common myths about tallow skincare.

Common Myths About Tallow Skincare

Tallow Skincare Smells Bad

Tallow Skincare Can Make You Sick

Tallow Skincare is Greasy

Tallow Balm Will Clog Your Pores

Tallow Skincare is Outdated

Myths About Tallow #1: Tallow Skincare Smells Bad

The idea that tallow skincare will smell like beef is one of the most pervasive myths about tallow.


We get it—when you think of tallow, you might picture sizzling burgers on a grill. But rest assured, our tallow skincare products are nothing like that! 


We use a gentle rendering process, slowly heating the tallow over low temperatures to preserve its purity and freshness. This process, combined with a few farmer secrets, ensures that our tallow is clean and neutral in scent.


To go the extra mile, we triple-filter the tallow for the smoothest, cleanest product possible. It takes more time and care, but you're worth it. And while you might get a few extra kisses from your dog, you won’t smell like a burger—promise!

Shop Our Naturally Scented Tallow Balm

Myths About Tallow #2: Tallow Can Make You Sick

As far as myths about tallow go, this one is not only misleading but scientifically unfounded. Not gonna lie, as a farmer, when I saw multiple Dermatologists spreading these completely unfounded myths about tallow - I was so angry that I actually wrote the magazines in question to complain.


Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), also known as Mad Cow Disease, has been largely eradicated thanks to stringent farming and food safety practices. Moreover, BSE is caused by prions, which are found in nerve tissue, not in fat. Tallow is made from 100% fat, so there’s no risk of exposure.


Additionally, 100% grass-fed animals have an extremely low risk of BSE. That's because their diets contain no animal by-products or other unnatural ingredients. 


They eat what nature intended: grasses and other green plants.


We work closely with trusted farmers who adhere to the highest standards of animal health and safety, ensuring that our tallow is as pure and safe as it is effective.

skin made soft by tallow skincare

Myths About Tallow #3: Tallow Skincare Is Greasy

The idea that tallow leaves a greasy residue is one of the most persistent myths about tallow. 


In reality, tallow’s fatty acid profile closely resembles the natural oils found in human skin. This unique compatibility allows it to absorb deeply and quickly into the skin, leaving it hydrated and nourished without feeling greasy. 


Unlike synthetic creams that can sit on the surface, tallow works with your skin’s natural barrier to lock in moisture and restore balance. It’s a luxurious experience your skin will thank you for.

Myths About Tallow #4: Tallow Will Clog Your Pores

Another one of the common myths about tallow is that tallow will clog your pores. 


In truth, tallow is non-comedogenic, meaning it doesn’t block pores. 


Its natural composition can actually help balance oily skin and soothe acne-prone areas. Tallow’s ability to mimic the skin’s sebum makes it an excellent option for restoring harmony to your complexion. 


It nourishes deeply without causing congestion, making it a powerful ally in your skincare routine.

Myths About Tallow #5: Tallow Skincare Is Outdated

Some people dismiss tallow skincare as an old-fashioned remedy, but there’s a reason it’s been a trusted solution for centuries. 


This is one of the common myths about tallow because it serves the big beauty industry for you to believe that a simple, clean ingredient sourced from nature can't possibly take on their toxic skincare.

Ancestral Animal Fats are Not The Enemy

One of the biggest myths about tallow is rooted in the misguided belief that animal fats are not healthy.

We have been taught for decades to fear fat, especially traditional animal fats, in our diets and in our skincare. However, many of the things we replaced those nutrient-rich, sustainable fats with ended up being not so great for us or the planet. (Margarine and Palm Oil - I'm lookin' at you!)


Fat from grass-fed beef in particular is extremely nutrient-dense. It is especially high in fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E + K, which are often missing from the Standard American Diet.

grass-fed cows grazing pasture

Tallow is a Whole Food Ingredient Rooted in Nature, Not a Lab

The idea that lab-based skincare is somehow superior to ancestral skincare simply isn't true. As we reviewed in our piece on Non-Toxic Skincare, the industrial beauty industry doesn't always put your health and well-being first.


Don't forget - spreading myths about tallow helps them, not you or your health!


Modern science is now finally catching up, setting aside some of the myths about tallow and recognizing the benefits of nutrient-rich, natural fats for skin health. 


Tallow is packed with vitamins A, D, E, and K, as well as conjugated linoleic acid, which supports skin healing and elasticity. 


By blending traditional wisdom with contemporary methods, we’ve crafted a skincare line that combines the best of both worlds—timeless wisdom with modern effectiveness.

Discover the Truth About Tallow Skincare

Don’t let the myths about tallow keep you from experiencing the transformative benefits of tallow skincare.


With its nourishing properties, compatibility with your skin, and safe, fresh formulation, tallow is a natural powerhouse that deserves a place in your beauty routine. 


Try it for yourself and feel the difference—your skin (and your confidence) will thank you!

Common Questions about Tallow Skincare

Is tallow REALLY good for my skin??

Doesn't it feel greasy? Won't it make me break out?

  • Tallow is non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog your pores  or cause you to break out.
  • Tallow closely resembles the natural fatty-acids in our skin. This allows it to absorb fully + deeply into your skin to nourish it from the inside, out.
  • If your skin feels greasy after you have given it a change to soak in, chances are - you used too much. A pea-sized amount is plenty for your face or hands. A little goes a long way!

How do I know which one is right for me?

I'm new to tallow - will it work for my skintype?

  • Tallow is safe + effective for ALL skin types. It will hydrate dry skin, tone aging skin, brighten dull skin + even help regulate oil production for oily skin.
  • If you are NEW to tallow skincare, we recommend you start with our Tallow Whips. They are the lightest of our line + are great for hands, face + body.
  • Simply choose a scent you like + dive in!

Doesn't it smell . . . weird?

Seriously though, will I smell like a burger?

  • We have been perfecting the art of rendering lard + tallow for well over a decade. We have old-fashioned farmwife tricks up our sleeves that help reduce the smell in the rendered tallow.
  • Our unscented tallow has a mild savoury scent in the jar, however, once you get it on your skin, it will go away.
  • Our scented tallows have no beefy smell whatsoever.
stacey langford founder field & forage tallow

Stacey | Founder

For nearly 20 years, Stacey has been raising food regeneratively using deep organic practices, both in the city + on her family's farm. She's been a Certified Master Organic Gardener since 2008 + has taught holistic vegetable gardening to students across North America. She's been formulating all-natural ancestral skincare since 2014.