Tallow vs. Plant-Based Oils: Which One for Your Skin?

Plant-based oils have dominated the natural skincare conversation for years — argan, jojoba, rosehip, squalane. But more recently, animal-derived ingredients like beef tallow are getting attention. At Nanay’s Soap, while we still produce vegan options, our bestseller remains our tallow-skincare line, and we believe there’s a strong reason for that. Let’s compare tallow to plant oils to help you decide what works best for your skin and lifestyle.

Composition & skin compatibility

• The ABC article notes that tallow is “a biological compound … with lots of fatty acids” and specifically mentions stearic and oleic acid with “skin softening, hydration [and] repair characteristics”. ABC
• The blog at Organic Beauty Lover adds that tallow is “composed of 50% saturated fat, 42% monounsaturated fat, and 4% polyunsaturated fat” and that its “composition closely mimics human skin oils (sebum)”. Organic Beauty Lover
• Plant-based oils vary widely in fatty acid profiles and absorption rates — they may be lighter and less occlusive but might require more frequent reapplication or layering during very dry conditions.

Performance under dry / harsh conditions

• In environments like Edmonton, where cold temperatures, wind and indoor heating strip away moisture, tallow’s heavier, occlusive nature can help form a barrier that retains underlying hydration. Healthline says tallow is often used by people to help “hydrate the skin” and notes its consistency (melted, then solid at room temp) is this balm-like texture. Healthline
• Plant oils may feel more comfortable for oily or combination skin, but may not hold up as well when the skin is extremely dry or the outdoor climate is severe.

Considerations & skin type suitability

• For very dry, normal, or mature skin: tallow is a strong candidate.
• For oily, acne-prone or sensitive skin: tallow might be too occlusive. For instance, Mamamia’s article quotes a dermal clinician saying that tallow “is indicated for dry skin only ... I would not recommend using it on acne-prone skin due to the risks”. Mamamia
• Plant oils can be more breathable and lightweight for everyday layering, especially for multi-step routines.
• Ethical/personal-value considerations: Because tallow is animal-derived, it may not fit vegan or vegetarian preferences — though those options remain in your vegan line, you’re focusing now on tallow for the target audience who are okay with animal-derived skincare.

When to choose tallow vs. plant oils

• If your skin feels tight, rough, dry patches persist, you live in a colder climate, or you prefer minimal layering → choose tallow (cream, balm).
• If your skin is oily/on-and-off dry, you prefer lighter textures, you’re layering lots of serums, or you’re avoiding animal-derived ingredients → opt plant oils.
• Many routines combine both: a lightweight oil or serum during the day + a rich tallow balm/cream at night or for targeted areas.

How Nanay’s Soap designs this well

• Our Tallow Cream: Rich, local beef tallow base, minimal extras, designed for dry-skin comfort.
• Our Tallow Balm: For extra-dry patches, neck, hands — heavy-duty comfort.
• Vegan line remains for those who prefer plant-based oils/ingredients — you’re just choosing to prioritise the tallow line for its niche strength.
• All products crafted in Edmonton, small-batch, transparent sourcing.

Wrap-up
There’s no one “best” oil or fat for all skin types, but if you’re someone who battles dryness, the Canadian climate, or just wants a skincare product that does heavy hydration with fewer steps, tallow deserves serious consideration. At Nanay’s Soap, we’re excited to bring the best of tallow to your routine — without abandoning our roots in handmade, local, ingredient-transparent skincare.