Why Tallow Skincare Matters & How to Make It Work for You

Whether you’re facing dry Alberta winters, looking for a natural skincare moment, or simply curious about something new — tallow skincare is quietly gaining a following. At Nanay’s Soap, our small-batch tallow-based products are handmade in Edmonton using beef tallow (in our case, from carefully sourced local suppliers) and designed for skin that needs rich, “locking in moisture” care without stepping into heavy medical promises.

What is tallow skincare?Tallow is rendered beef fat that has been melted down, cleared of impurities and used in skincare in recent years. According to a 2025 article from ABC News, beef tallow is “a biological compound with lots of fatty acids” and contains stearic acid and oleic acid which “have got skin softening, hydration [and] repair characteristics”. ABC
Similarly, a feature in Healthline describes beef tallow as “simply cow fat that has been melted down and then set at room temperature until it becomes solid” and notes that it “contains several essential nutrients, such as vitamins A, D, and B12.” Healthline

Why it’s a good fit for dry, Canadian-winter skin

• The fatty acids in tallow closely mimic human sebum and skin-barrier oils, making it feel familiar and rich on the skin. For example, the review at Organic Beauty Lover says that tallow “composed of … packed with fatty acids including oleic, palmitic, stearic… high in vitamin A, D, E, and K” and that its composition “closely mimics human skin oils”. Organic Beauty Lover
• In a climate like Edmonton’s, where indoor heating and outdoor cold strip the skin of moisture, tallow’s “lock-in moisture” property reported by ABC becomes very relevant: “a natural emollient, meaning it helps to lock in moisture” (via Dr Tan in the article). ABC
• Because it’s a dense, rich base, tallow cream or balm can serve as a top-layer on skin after cleansing + lightweight serums, helping seal in everything underneath and protect against dehydration.

How to use it

• After cleansing (our tallow soap bar is a perfect entry), apply a lightweight hydrating serum or toner (optional), then apply your tallow cream as the final step in the evening routine.
• Use a smaller amount than you might expect — because tallow is rich, a little goes a long way.
• For day time: Consider a lighter version like a tallow-based lotion or a smaller size balm used just on dry patches (cheeks, ears, neck).
• Patch test first. The ABC article warns that though tallow is promising, raw tallow or unformulated products “can have impurities or contaminants that may cause irritation or infection”. ABC
• If your skin is oily or acne-prone, proceed cautiously: Healthline notes that “tallow may block pores” and that “very little research… has been done”. Healthline

Selecting quality tallow skincare (why our Nanay’s line stands out)

• Check the sourcing of the tallow: Is it clearly described? Is the cattle’s diet and farm explained? The Organic Beauty Lover article emphasises that many tallow brands don’t know their source. Organic Beauty Lover
• Check the rendering method: Dry-rendered is preferred for purity and nutrient density (rather than wet-rendered or whipped with heavy fillers). Organic Beauty Lover
• Product formulation: although tallow is key, it shouldn’t be the only thing — good skincare formulation ensures proper texture, spreadability and product stability. ABC mentions that commercial tallow skincare is “generally tested for safety and stability” which is important. ABC

If you’re ready to give tallow skincare a purposeful place in your routine, look for rich-texture products, use them as the final step, and keep expectations grounded: rich hydration and skin-comfort, not miracle transformations. At Nanay’s Soap (Edmonton-based, handcrafted, ingredient-transparent), our tallow cream and balm are ideal for those cold months and for skin that wants something more deeply comforting.

Want to explore our full tallow line? Check out our Tallow Skincare collection.