We get asked this a lot — and it makes sense. When you're caring for a brand new human, you’re looking at everything through a different lens: food, fabric, air, noise… and skincare.
So, is tallow safe for babies?
The short answer? Yes.
The longer answer? Let’s dig into it.
Table of Content
Why Tallow Works So Well for Delicate Baby Skin
Gentle, Natural + Effective Skincare for Kids
Tallow is rendered animal fat — often from grass-fed cows — that’s rich in naturally occurring fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K. Unlike most modern skincare products designed for babies, which often contain petroleum byproducts, artificial fragrances, or stabilizers, tallow balm is a natural wonder.
Here’s why it’s so gentle:
Biocompatibility : Tallow closely mimics the makeup of human skin sebum, making it incredibly compatible with your baby’s natural barrier.
Nutrient density : Vitamins A, D, E, and K help repair and support developing skin.
Non-toxic : Pure, grass-fed tallow contains no synthetic fillers, preservatives, or allergens.
No essential oils : We recommend using unscented tallow balm for babies — even natural essential oils can be too strong for newborns and infants.
All-Natural Tallow Skincare for Babies + Kids
But Wait... Animal Fat? On My Baby?
We get it. It sounds old-school. Maybe even a little wild.
But before the age of chemical-laden creams and pastel-colored petroleum jars, animal fats were the default skincare — for everyone. Midwives, herbalists, and grandmothers used tallow for everything from diaper rash to cracked nipples.
We’ve just… forgotten.
And now, as more parents turn back to ancestral wisdom and whole ingredients , tallow is quietly making a comeback — not just in skincare, but in how we think about nourishment and protection.
Further Readings
→ Why Non-Toxic Skincare Matters : Nourish Your Skin, Protect Your Health
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication."
When to Use Tallow Balm for Babies
You don’t need a cupboard full of baby lotions.
You just need something that works — and that you trust.
Here’s when tallow balm shines:
Diaper rash (use after each change to protect and soothe)
Dry patches or flaking newborn skin
Cradle cap (massage gently onto the scalp and leave overnight before washing)
Windburn or cold-weather cheeks
Post-bath massage
Scratches, scrapes, or bites as they grow
You can also use it on yourself — especially if you’re postpartum.
One jar. Multiple generations. No drama.
Tallow vs. Commercial Baby Creams
Most mainstream baby creams are marketed as “gentle” — but flip over the tube, and you’ll find:
Mineral oil (a petroleum byproduct)
Artificial fragrance (a known skin irritant)
Preservatives, emulsifiers, and stabilizers
Compare that to our unscented, grass-fed tallow balm:
Simple, natural ingredients. Sourced with intention. Made in small batches.
No nasties. No noise.
Is Grass-Fed Tallow Better?
Yes — and this part matters. The quality of the fat makes a difference.
We only use 100% grass-fed, pasture-raised tallow from small Canadian farms practicing regenerative agriculture.
Why does that matter?
Grass-fed tallow is richer in CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) , known for its anti-inflammatory benefits.
It contains more Omega-3s , Vitamins A & E , and other skin-loving nutrients.
It supports farming practices that protect soil, water, and animal welfare — the kind of future we want to raise kids into.
This isn’t just skincare. It’s a quiet rebellion against the synthetic and the soulless.
How to Test for Sensitivities
NOTE : Our tallow balm contains ARGAN OIL. If your child has nut allergies - DO NOT USE.
As with anything new on your baby’s skin, try a patch test first:
Apply a tiny dab of unscented tallow balm to the inside of the baby’s wrist or ankle.
Wait 24 hours.
If there’s no redness or irritation, you’re good to go.
Reactions are extremely rare — but every baby is unique, and you know yours best.
From Belly to Baby: One Balm for All
One of the most beautiful things about tallow balm? It’s not just for babies.
You can use the same jar:
On your baby’s bum
On your postpartum belly
On cracked nipples (safe for nursing)
On your own wind-chapped hands
On stretch marks, scars, and sore spots
Because you don’t stop needing care just because the baby arrives.
Closing Thoughts: Trust Your Skin, and Theirs
Modern marketing will tell you your baby needs a dozen specialty creams.
But your intuition might be whispering something simpler.
Something older.
Something your grandmother (or great-grandmother) might have used.
Tallow is safe for babies. But more than that — it’s wise, whole, and time-tested.
Just like you.
If you want to buy tallow for babies, children and expectant mamas, you can check out more on our store
Products Featured In This Blog
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Related Readings
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.
