Tallow: An Ancient Beauty Balm

Tallow - Loved for centuries...

Tallow balms are soaring in popularity in the skincare world, and their usage through time is as rich as the product itself. Tallow—rendered fat from beef or sheep—has been used for centuries by ancient peoples for its beneficial properties, particularly in skincare. Ancient Egyptians utilised animal fats in their beauty rituals, while indigenous peoples across North America used tallow to protect their skin from the elements. In Europe, tallow was a common ingredient in soaps and ointments from the Middle Ages onward...

From a scientific perspective, the properties of tallow balms are quite compelling. Tallow is composed primarily of saturated and monounsaturated fats that closely resemble human sebum, the natural oil produced by our skin.

The presence of fat-soluble vitamins—particularly A, D, E, and K—adds to the nourishing effects of tallow. Vitamin A supports skin cell turnover and repair, while vitamins D and E serve as antioxidants, protecting against free radical damage. Vitamin K plays a role in wound healing, making tallow balms particularly beneficial for sensitive or irritated skin.

New Zealand tallow is unique and valuable: it is a product derived from grass-fed animals, primarily cattle and sheep, which are raised on our lush New Zealand pastures. This means that the animals are not only healthier, but this form of livestock production also contributes to the environment through soil carbon sequestration. Grass-fed livestock that graze throughout the year on pasture - this is a truly holistic farming approach. As a result, the tallow produced is extra rich in nutrients.

Tallow balms not only embody centuries of skincare wisdom but also offer scientifically backed benefits that make them a valuable addition to our skincare routines.