Tallow basics
What Is Tallow Skincare? A Simple Guide
What tallow is, what it does for dry skin, how to use it, and where we use tallow and where we leave it out.
In this guide7 sections
Tallow skincare is moisturizer and balm made with tallow, and its job is simple: it moisturizes and nourishes dry skin. Ours is made with grass-fed beef tallow, whipped or blended into a rich, creamy base that leaves skin feeling soft and comfortable.
Here is what tallow is, what it does, how to use it, and why two of our products have none at all.
The short version
- Tallow skincare moisturizes and nourishes dry skin.
- Ours is made with grass-fed beef tallow, the rich, creamy base of Whipped Tallow and our balms.
- Use a little, massage it in and let it absorb. A little goes a long way.
- We don’t put tallow in everything. Nourishing Oil and Eye Serum are tallow-free, on purpose.
What tallow is
Tallow comes from beef. Ours is grass-fed beef tallow, and it is the first ingredient on every Tall Owl product made with tallow.
On its own, tallow is rich and creamy, which is what makes it a good base for a moisturizer or a balm. We whip it until it’s light and airy for Whipped Tallow, and pair it with beeswax and butters for our firmer balms.
What it does for your skin
Tallow skincare is about everyday comfort for dry skin. Here is what Whipped Tallow does:
- It moisturizes and nourishes dry skin on your face, hands and body.
- It deeply nourishes and softens skin.
- A little sinks in without feeling heavy or greasy.
- It leaves skin feeling soft and comfortable, with a smooth, healthy-looking finish.
Whipped Tallow is made without added water. Start with a small amount, then add more where you need it. For spots that feel drier, like heels, knees and elbows, our balms pair grass-fed tallow with beeswax and butters for a richer feel.
Where we use tallow, and where we don’t
We don’t put tallow in everything.
We use it where a product should feel rich, and leave it out where a lighter touch is better.
Made with grass-fed tallow
- Whipped Tallow: whipped until light and airy, for daily moisture on face, hands and body.
- Body Balm: a richer balm for everyday dry spots like knees and elbows.
- Freedom Balm: a rich, slow-melting balm for rough hands, heels and elbows.
- Lip Balm: daily care for soft, comfortable lips on the go.
- Baby Balm: a soft, cushiony balm for dry, delicate skin.
Tallow-free, on purpose
- Nourishing Oil: a lightweight, silky oil for face and body.
- Eye Serum: a silky oil-serum for dry-feeling under-eyes, with a stainless-steel roller.
If you’d rather skip tallow altogether, start with one of those two.
How to choose
Choose by where you’ll use it and how rich you want it to feel.
| If you want | Choose | How it feels |
|---|---|---|
| Daily moisture for face, hands and body | Whipped Tallow | Light in the jar. Soft on your skin. |
| Richer care for knees, elbows and heels | Body Balm | A firmer, richer balm |
| The richest care for rough hands and heels | Freedom Balm | Firm to the touch, melts in slowly |
| Soft, comfortable lips | Lip Balm | Creamy as it warms |
| A light, tallow-free layer | Nourishing Oil | Lightweight and silky |
| A light step for under-eyes | Eye Serum | Silky, with a roller |
| Whipped Tallow, Body Balm and Lip Balm together | Trio Bundle | One scent across all three |
Scent or no scent? Whipped Tallow comes in several scents and in Unscented. Unscented has no added scent. Ingredients vary by product and scent, so check the list for the exact jar you choose.
How to use Whipped Tallow
The directions on our jar are short:
- Use sparingly. A little goes a long way.
- Massage into skin and let it absorb for a smooth, hydrating finish.
- For best results, apply daily.
Warm a little between your fingers and it softens into a creamy moisturizer that leaves skin feeling soft and comfortable. Skin can respond differently from person to person. If your skin is reactive, consider an Unscented option and patch test first.
Where Tall Owl started
Tall Owl began in 2024 with Jack’s first batch: grass-fed tallow and jojoba oil infused with calendula flowers, whipped with a hand mixer. Calendula has been part of the Whipped Tallow recipe since that first batch.
Today, all five of us help with some part of making, packing and sending your order. Every Tall Owl product is made and packed by hand in Castle Pines, Colorado.
Our 30-day happiness guarantee
Your order is backed by our 30-day happiness guarantee. If it isn’t right for you, contact us within 30 days of delivery with the items you want refunded, and we’ll refund what you paid for them, plus applicable tax.
Not sure where to start? Read how whipped and balm textures differ, or follow our simple routine from lightest to richest.
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Whipped Tallow
Whipped until light and airy, for daily moisture on face, hands and body. A little goes a long way.
From $26
Your order is backed by our 30-day happiness guarantee.
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