Tallow: A Crash Course

What is beef tallow?

Beef tallow is a rich, nutrient-dense fat rendered primarily from the suet (fat surrounding the kidneys) of cattle — it’s especially powerful when it comes from grass-fed cows.

Why could tallow be good for my skin? Could tallow work for me?

Tallow is long revered in traditional skincare, and is making a clean, conscious comeback. Grass-fed beef tallow closely mirrors the biology of our own skin oils, making it deeply nourishing and bioavailable.

While tallow is a good fit for many people and works well with all skin types, it’s not a one-size-fits-all choice, as is the case with many skincare products. Bluebell Apothecary sells samples of the face cream and whipped body butter for individuals who are unsure if the product will be a good fit, and aren’t ready to purchase a full-sized container.

Why grass-fed tallow is a skin superfood.

Grass-fed beef tallow is rich in many nutrients, including fatty acids, fat-soluble vitamins, and conjugated linoleic acid.

Fatty Acids, Fat-Soluble Vitamins & Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)

Fatty acids that are present in grass-fed tallow, especially palmitic, stearic, and oleic acids, help maintain skin barrier integrity, lock in moisture, and support elasticity.

Vitamins A, D, E, K & B12, which are found in grass-fed tallow, are essential for skin cell regeneration, antioxidant defense, and healing.

CLA is a powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial compound that is present in grass-fed tallow .

Tallow is Sustainable & Ancestral

Grass-fed tallow is not only effective for many people — it’s ethical. By using a part of the animal that would otherwise go to waste, tallow-based skincare supports regenerative agriculture, reduces reliance on synthetic ingredients, and honors the entire animal.

From ancient cultures to our modern routines, tallow has long been trusted for dry, sensitive, and aging skin. It’s free of harmful, irritating and potentially endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and full of what your skin actually recognizes and needs.

Will using tallow products make me smell like beef?

The tallow used in Bluebell Apothecary’s products (sourced from Lady May Tallow in Ocean Springs, MS) is mild and has more of a neutral scent than a beefy scent. Scented products use natural essential oils, but there are unscented products available for individuals with more sensitive skin.