Is Beef Tallow the Magical Moisturizer Everyone Claims It Is? My Honest Thoughts as a Sensitive-Skin Mama

Hi Mamas,

Let’s talk about something that took me by surprise not too long ago. A big, bold line across my neck. Yep. Just like that, one morning I woke up and there it was, a horizontal line staring back at me in the mirror. Now, I still think of myself as a young mama. I’m barely into my thirties and chasing around a one-year-old, so I wasn’t quite ready to see that line. Honestly, it felt like it showed up overnight.

That discovery sent me down a rabbit hole of research. I’ve been using the same clean skincare for over a year now - pregnancy-safe, no-fuss, and I had bulk-ordered it because… well, new mom life. But as I scraped the bottom of those jars, I decided it was time to find a more nourishing, non-toxic, and holistic moisturizer. I wanted something that could really support my skin as I head into this new season of motherhood and aging. That’s when I circled back to something I’d heard about before but never tried: beef tallow.

So what is beef tallow?

If you’ve never heard of beef tallow before, don’t worry. I hadn’t really looked into it much either until recently. Tallow is a smooth, creamy kind of fat that comes from cows. When it’s gently cooked and cleaned, it turns into a soft balm that feels like butter for your skin. It’s full of special vitamins like A, D, E, and K. These help your skin stay healthy, stretchy, and strong. Just like fruits and veggies help your body feel good, tallow helps your skin feel calm and happy.

I ordered the whipped version, which has a lighter, fluffier texture than the solid form. You can also whip it yourself at home if you’re into that kind of thing. I love a good DIY beauty project, but this time I opted for convenience.

Tallow made from grass-fed cows is considered more nutrient-dense than conventional tallow. I found this interesting because while you can make tallow from other animals like buffalo, goats, or deer, grass-fed beef seems to be the most widely available and popular option. Maybe it’s because we see more grass-fed beef in the market in general?

Why I decided to try it

Tallow has been popping up in holistic skincare circles a lot lately. It’s praised for being remarkably similar to the natural oils our skin produces, which makes it a gentle option for restoring the skin barrier, fighting off environmental stress, and replenishing lost moisture. And for mamas like me with sensitive skin, that sounded pretty amazing.

I also love that tallow is a way to use parts of the animal that might otherwise go to waste. There’s something satisfying about skincare that’s not only nourishing but sustainable too.

Did it live up to the hype?

Let’s be honest. I really wanted to love it. And in some ways, I do. I’ve been using it on my neck and chest and have genuinely enjoyed how soft and supported my skin feels there. It doesn’t irritate me at all, and I only need a tiny amount to cover those areas.

But I haven’t had the same magical experience everywhere. On my legs, it just kind of sits on top. It doesn’t feel like it absorbs into my skin the way a good moisturizer should. My face is somewhere in the middle - it feels better than my legs, but still not as absorbent as I’d hoped. It’s almost like using a protective balm rather than a deep moisturizer.

What about collagen?

One of the reasons I started researching tallow was because I kept seeing it mentioned alongside collagen. As a postpartum mama, I’ve become so much more aware of how important collagen is for our skin and overall recovery. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, our bodies use up a lot of collagen to support both baby and mama. It’s a major component in our skin, joints, muscles, and connective tissues. And as we age, our natural collagen production slows down.

While tallow doesn’t directly boost collagen, it does contain vitamins A and E. These vitamins help support your body’s natural ability to produce and protect collagen, especially when applied consistently to the skin. That alone makes it a helpful addition to a postpartum skincare routine.

There are also everyday ways to support your body’s collagen naturally. Eating foods rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, getting enough protein, sipping bone broth, and protecting your skin from the sun are all gentle and effective ways to nurture your skin and body from the inside out.

Is tallow really non-toxic?

I always check the EWG’s Skin Deep database before trying anything new. When I looked up “beef tallow,” I was surprised to only find one result: Hallowed Homestead Pure Beef Tallow. That’s it. One. I expected to see more since it seems to be everywhere on social media. But it was reassuring to see at least one option reviewed and rated.

That doesn’t mean other tallow products aren’t safe, just that they haven’t all gone through EWG’s process yet.

So, is tallow worth trying?

Here’s what I’ll say. I’m glad I tried it. It feels good to know I’m using something nourishing, simple, and grounded in real tradition. I love that it doesn’t irritate my skin and that it can support my skin barrier in such a natural way. I’ll definitely keep using it for certain areas like my neck and chest.

But I probably won’t be slathering it on from head to toe anytime soon. At least not on my legs.

If you’re a sensitive-skin mama, tallow might be a great addition to your routine. Just go slowly, patch test, and see how your skin responds. Look for products made from grass-fed beef and with minimal ingredients.

And if you’ve found a moisturizer that actually feels like a warm hug for your skin, let me know. Because this journey of motherhood has taught me a lot, but one thing stands out - our bodies deserve care, respect, and gentle love. Every stretch mark, fine line, and change tells a story. And I want mine to be one of nourishment.

With love,
The Untamed Mama