Why Tallow is the Super Skincare Ingredient You’re About to Fall in Lo

Ingredients

Why Tallow is the Super Skincare Ingredient You’re About to Fall in Love With

June 11, 2025

A lady putting tallow on her skin with beige background

There’s a new (old) hero ingredient in town - and it's giving dry, stressed-out winter skin the love it deserves. Say hello to tallow.

At Dermessa, we're all about rediscovering effective, skin-loving ingredients that have stood the test of time - and doing it the nasty-free way. So when we noticed the buzz building around tallow-based skincare, we had to dive in and give you the glow-down.

First Things First - What Is Tallow?

Tallow is a rendered form of beef (or sometimes lamb) fat - traditionally from grass-fed animals - that has been used for centuries in skincare, soap-making, and even medicine. Ancient Egyptians used animal fats in their salves and ointments, and European apothecaries regularly whipped it into healing balms. It’s not new - but like bone broth and ghee, tallow is having a very modern comeback.

Tallow from grass-fed animals is nutrient-rich and closely resembles our skin’s natural oils, making it super bioavailable (aka easily absorbed). Don’t let the word “fat” scare you - your skin will love it!

Why Tallow Deserves a Spot in Your Skincare Routine

Tallow is rich in fatty acids and skin-essential vitamins like:

Vitamin A – promotes cell turnover and helps reduce fine lines
Vitamin D – supports skin barrier function and improves elasticity
Vitamin E – an antioxidant that helps protect from environmental damage
Vitamin K – can assist in reducing dark circles and redness
CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) – anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties
Palmitic and stearic acid – natural emollients that soften and protect

These nutrients work together to nourish, calm, and repair the skin - without the synthetic additives you often find in commercial moisturisers.

Fun fact: Tallow’s fatty acid profile is incredibly similar to the sebum your skin naturally produces. That’s why it can be deeply moisturising without feeling greasy or heavy.

Who Is Tallow Good For?

Honestly, nearly everyone. But it especially works wonders for:

Dry or dehydrated skin – it locks in moisture like a boss
Sensitive or eczema-prone skin – thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties
Mature skin – those vitamins and essential fats help plump and firm
Barrier-damaged skin – restores and protects without irritation

If you’re someone who reacts badly to synthetic fragrances or preservatives, tallow is a gentle, nourishing alternative. Most tallow-based skincare is minimalist in formulation, making it perfect for nasty-free lovers like us.

But… Is It Comedogenic?

Great question. Tallow is generally non-comedogenic, especially when rendered from grass-fed sources and used in well-formulated products. It won’t clog your pores when used in moderation and combined with non-comedogenic oils. In fact, its similarity to skin’s natural oils can actually help balance sebum production rather than disrupt it.

For those dealing with breakouts, we recommend Tuttofare’s Roman Blue Tallow Balm, which is infused with blue tansy and chamomile - two botanical powerhouses known for their anti-inflammatory and calming effects. This blend is specially designed to soothe and repair acne-prone skin while helping to regulate oil levels without harsh actives.

As always, it’s wise to patch test first if you’re acne-prone or have highly reactive skin - just to be safe.

Why Tallow Is Perfect for Winter Skin (Especially in Sydney)

Let’s be real: Sydney’s recent combo of wind tunnel-worthy gusts and cold, dry air has left our skin screaming for help. Heavy central heating + icy mornings = the perfect storm for barrier breakdown.

Enter: tallow. It forms a breathable, nourishing layer that traps moisture in and keeps irritants out. It’s like a warm hug for your face, body, and even lips. And because it mimics skin’s natural lipid balance, it helps restore what the cold has stripped away.

Is Tallow Sustainable?

If you’re into low-waste, conscious skincare (we see you, Dermessa fam), tallow ticks the box. It's often sourced from parts of the animal that would otherwise go to waste - meaning you’re using a product that aligns with the nose-to-tail ethos of sustainable living.

Just make sure it’s ethically sourced and grass-fed - like the ones we feature in our collection. And yes, tallow is a natural animal-derived product, so it won’t suit vegan users - but it’s a beautiful option for those seeking ancestral skincare made modern.

Meet Our Favourite Tallow Brand: Tuttofare

We’re beyond excited to introduce Tuttofare, our clean, local brand partner that’s truly nailed the art of tallow-based skincare. From their silky balm to their nourishing body oils, Tuttofare products are formulated with grass-fed, ethically sourced tallow and boosted with nourishing plant oils.

Each jar is packed with skin-loving goodness and zero nasties - no parabens, synthetics, or fillers. Just pure, regenerative skincare that your skin will drink up.

Ready to try tallow the nasty-free way? Explore Tuttofare's range at Dermessa and wrap your skin in warmth and nourishment this winter.

Because ancient remedies + modern clean beauty = skincare that actually works.

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