What Is Tallow? A Plain Guide to a Traditional Skincare Ingredient

What is tallow, exactly? You may be seeing the word more and more in skincare, yet few people know what it actually is. In this guide we explain it calmly: where it comes from, how it is made, how it feels on your skin and who it may suit.

What is tallow? A short explanation

Tallow is melted and purified beef fat. That may not sound like something you want to put on your face, but bear with us. Once it has been melted and purified, what remains is a soft, white to cream-coloured fat. It is firm at room temperature and softens under your fingertips.

Tallow naturally contains fatty acids that also occur in our own skin, as well as naturally present fat-soluble vitamins. That is one of the reasons it has been used as a nourishing ingredient for so long. We say this carefully on purpose: tallow is not a miracle product. It is a simple, rich ingredient that many people enjoy using.

A traditional ingredient

Tallow is nothing new. Long before shelves were filled with jars carrying long ingredient lists, people used animal fat to care for their skin, to make soap and to burn candles. Very little went to waste, and fat was a valuable product.

As plant oils and synthetic ingredients became popular, tallow faded into the background of skincare. In recent years it has made a clear comeback. More and more people are looking for products with fewer ingredients and want to know exactly what they are putting on their skin. Tallow fits that wish well.

How is tallow made?

At its core, the process is simple. The fat is slowly melted and then purified, leaving a clean, even fat. At Cocovayé we work with grass-fed tallow: fat from cattle that eat grass. We whip that tallow into a light, soft cream.

In short, it goes like this:

1. Melting: the beef fat is gently heated until it turns liquid.
2. Purifying: the fat is purified so that a clean base remains.
3. Blending: depending on the cream, we add a few ingredients such as MCT oil, coconut oil or vitamin E.
4. Whipping: the blend is whipped into a cream that feels lighter than pure tallow.

How does a tallow cream feel?

Pure tallow is fairly firm. Whipping gives our creams an airy, almost mousse-like texture. You only need a little. Take a small amount, warm it between your fingertips for a moment and gently press it into your skin.

The first time, it may feel richer than you are used to. Give your skin a few minutes. Many people find that the cream absorbs well and that their skin feels soft and supple afterwards. Start with too little rather than too much. You can always add more.

Who is tallow suitable for?

Tallow is a rich ingredient, which is why people with normal to dry skin often enjoy it, especially in the colder months. If you like short, clear ingredient lists, tallow may suit you too. Does this sound familiar?

• Your skin quickly feels tight or dry.
• You want to use fewer products.
• You want to know exactly what is in your cream.
• You like a rich cream in the evening, or just a thin layer during the day.

Every skin is different and individual reactions vary. So try a new cream on a small patch of skin first, for example on the inside of your wrist. A patch test gives you peace of mind before you use the cream on your face. Good to know: because tallow comes from cattle, our creams are not vegan.

Which tallow cream suits you?

Would you like to try tallow for yourself? These two creams are a great place to start.

The Original - Day Cream is our classic, with a tropical tiaré scent. It contains grass-fed tallow, coconut oil, tiaré flower, vitamin E and fragrance. Lovely if you enjoy a warm, summery scent.

The Natural - Sensitive Skin is fragrance-free and has just three ingredients: grass-fed tallow, MCT oil and vitamin E. A calm choice if you have sensitive skin or prefer no added scent.

Both creams come in 60 ml and cost €24.95. Curious about the other scents? Browse all products. Still unsure? Take the skin quiz: five questions and personal advice in under a minute.

Frequently asked questions

Does tallow smell like fat?

Purified tallow has a mild scent of its own. In our scented creams you mainly notice the added scent, such as tiaré or lavender. The Natural has no added scent, so you only notice the mild natural scent of its ingredients.

Can I use tallow cream on sensitive skin?

Many people with sensitive skin choose The Natural because it is fragrance-free and contains only three ingredients. Even so, every skin reacts differently. Always do a patch test first and stop using the cream if your skin does not respond well to it.

How much cream do I need?

Less than you think. A small amount is often enough for your whole face. Warm it between your fingers and press it gently into your skin. If your skin still feels dry, simply add a little more.

Not sure which cream is right for you yet? Take the skin quiz and discover your favourite in less than a minute.