What is beef tallow and why is it used in skincare?
Hearing for the first time that a skincare product is made from beef fat might seem a bit unexpected. In reality, however, using beef tallow for skincare is nothing new; it has been used for a very long time.
For Tallowmar, the key appeal of beef tallow lies above all in its simplicity. It allows for the creation of a rich, water-free skincare product without the need for an extensive list of ingredients.
What is tallow?
Tallow is rendered beef fat. Carefully purified fat is used in cosmetics to make products such as body butters and soaps.
Beef tallow consists primarily of various fatty acids, including oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids. It is this fatty acid composition that gives it a rich, softening feel on the skin.
Why do I like beef tallow in skincare?
1. Simple composition
No water or emulsifiers are required to produce an anhydrous balm. As a result, the product can have a short list of ingredients.
2. Pleasant for dry skin
Dry skin can feel rough, tight, and uncomfortable, especially in cold weather or after frequent washing. In such cases, I personally prefer a simple, rich skincare routine.
The tallow has a softening effect on the skin and helps reduce roughness caused by dryness. Since the balm is water-free, a very small amount is usually sufficient for the skin.
3. A small amount is enough.
Since body butter contains no water, it is concentrated. A very small amount is usually sufficient for the skin—and besides, you can always add more if needed.
4. Raw materials find a new use
Beef fat is an animal-derived raw material that, instead of being discarded, can be valorized and used to manufacture a new product.
What makes a water-free balm different?
In winter, dry skin often becomes more noticeable. Cold outdoor temperatures, drier indoor air, and fluctuating temperatures can all make the skin feel drier and rougher. During this time, I use a water-free balm, especially on my face, hands, and shins. Again, you don't need much - just a small amount on the skin, and I apply more if necessary.
But is beef tallow suitable for everyone?
As with any skincare product, suitability depends on the individual's skin and the specific product. What works very well for one person's skin may not be the best choice for another.
If you are trying a beef tallow-based product for the first time, start with a small amount and see how your skin reacts to it.
What makes a water-free balm different?
A standard cream typically contains water, oil or tallow, and an emulsifier to bind them together. A water-free balm, however, consists of fat-soluble ingredients and does not require an emulsifier to combine water and oil.
Therefore, the amount used also differs; a quite small quantity of the balm is usually sufficient for the skin.
Could beef tallow be a good fit for your skincare routine, too?
If you prefer skincare products with simple ingredients, you might want to start by trying the fragrance-free Galloway body butter. A small amount goes a long way! Let the butter melt from your body heat and gently massage it into your skin. It feels especially lovely when applied to slightly damp skin after washing. It’s as simple as that. 
