There’s no doubt about it: Tallow is on trend.
While we are thrilled to see the ancestral skincare world growing by leaps and bounds we do want to offer a couple words of caution. It seems like every crunchy mom and skincare start-up is cooking up tallow in their kitchens. Our own kitchens are where most of our original recipes were formulated, but we’ve been doing this since 2018 and being no spring chickens we might have some beef with a few of the things we are seeing:
- Using any old fat, namely trimmings and butcher discards. While this seems like an awesome way to use up the whole cow, it really isn’t the ideal thing for your skin. Not only is it less nutrient-dense it is also more likely to have residual proteins and can go rancid more quickly. It is important to know the source and quality of your tallow.
- Using essential oils to cover up poor-quality fat or a low-quality rendering. How does your tallow smell without adding anything to it? It should have very little smell if any. Also if you do decide to go the route of essential oils we recommend working with a trained aromatherapist to determine safe vs. toxic amounts instead of just going by how you want it to smell.
- Using “purifying” rendering protocols. Many processes tout certain rendering protocols that supposedly purify the tallow but that may introduce bacteria into the finished product. After capping the jar and leaving it at room temperature it provides the ideal environment for bacteria to grow. Not a good combination for skincare.
- Creating formulas based on other popular companies or your favorite smells. We research our formulations. We love courses by Herbalist and Midwife Aviva Romm, MD, the Herbal Academy, and Susun Weed. Be sure to do your research before mixing up your formulas!
- Using exotic added ingredients. Though they sound exciting and may boast some amazing benefits often simple can be best. Your skin is enduring the elements of your present environment and climate not one another continent away. What herbs are growing around you in response to that same environment- what oils are more suited to your climate? Plus knowing your local herbs, oils and tallow sources can go a long way in ensuring you have tallow for the long-term.
Read more about the Texas Tallow difference on our Home Page. We’re delighted to be your trusted source of Herbal-Infused Tallow since 2018.
