Tallow: The Traditional Skincare Ingredient Making a Modern Comeback
Tallow might sound old-fashioned, but this traditional, natural fat has been used to care for skin for centuries. At Howton Tallow, it is the heart of what we do and for good reason.
But what exactly is tallow? Where does it come from, how has it been used, and why does it still deserve a place in today’s skincare routines? Here’s a closer look.
What is Tallow?
Tallow is a rendered form of animal fat, most commonly from cows or sheep. It has a firm, balm-like texture and is packed with skin-compatible nutrients. At Howton Tallow, we use grass-fed beef tallow, carefully rendered and cleaned to form the nourishing base of our products.
Tallow contains a natural blend of fatty acids, including stearic acid, oleic acid and palmitic acid, which are all also found in human skin. This makes it highly compatible with our skin’s natural structure, helping it to absorb easily and provide long-lasting moisture.
A Natural Part of Skincare History
Tallow has been used for centuries in skincare, soapmaking and healing balms. Long before synthetic creams and petroleum-based lotions, people relied on what nature provided. In traditional communities across Europe and beyond, tallow was a household staple, valued for its ability to protect and restore skin in harsh conditions.
Even as far back as the 1600s, tallow was commonly used in soaps, salves and ointments. Its popularity persisted for generations thanks to its availability, shelf stability and natural moisturising properties.
Why Tallow Still Matters Today
Modern skincare often favours synthetic ingredients, but more and more people are now looking to return to simpler, natural solutions. Tallow offers a gentle, effective alternative to chemical-laden moisturisers, especially for people with dry, sensitive or overworked skin.
Some reasons we believe tallow deserves a place in today’s routines:
Skin compatibility. Its fatty acid profile is similar to that of our own skin, allowing it to absorb well without clogging pores.
Minimal processing. When rendered carefully, tallow requires no chemical alteration or artificial stabilisers.
Sustainable sourcing. We use tallow as a by-product of local, grass-fed farming, which helps reduce waste and supports circular practices.
Long-lasting moisture. Tallow creates a breathable barrier that helps lock in hydration without feeling greasy.
A Note on Scent and Sensitivity
Because tallow is a natural animal fat, it has a light, earthy scent that some people may notice. This is completely normal and simply part of what makes the ingredient so natural and unprocessed. Our scented blends offer a beautiful alternative if you prefer something lightly fragranced.
As always, we recommend a small patch test with any new skincare product to ensure it suits your skin.
Looking Ahead
At Howton Tallow, we are proud to bring this time-honoured ingredient back into the spotlight. With just a few carefully chosen additions like olive pomice oil and raw honey, we have created something that feels both traditional and beautifully modern. Shop our full product range today.
Sometimes, the old ways really do work best.