The Power of Tallow: Unlocking the Health Benefits of Animal-Based Skincare
In a world dominated by synthetic skincare products filled with chemicals and artificial fragrances, a quiet revolution is taking place—one that looks to the past for inspiration
Animal-based skincare, particularly the use of tallow, is gaining traction among health-conscious individuals seeking natural, nourishing alternatives. Tallow, a rendered form of animal fat (typically from beef or lamb), has been used for centuries as a healing balm and moisturiser. Today, modern science and traditional wisdom are converging to reveal why this ancient remedy is making a powerful comeback. In this article, we’ll explore the remarkable health benefits of tallow for skincare and introduce you to a practitioner graduate from our program who is harnessing its potential.
What is Tallow, and Why Does it Benefit me?
Tallow is the fat derived from animals, most commonly cattle or sheep, that has been gently heated and purified to remove impurities. Historically, it was a staple in households for cooking, soap-making, and skincare. Unlike modern skincare ingredients that often rely on plant-based oils or synthetic compounds, tallow stands out for its unique composition, which closely mirrors the natural oils produced by human skin.
Rich in fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K, as well as essential fatty acids, tallow offers a nutrient-dense profile that feeds the skin at a cellular level. Its stability and compatibility with our biology make it a standout choice for those looking to heal, hydrate, and protect their skin naturally.
The Health Benefits of Tallow in Skincare
Deep Moisturisation and Skin Compatibility
Tallow’s fatty acid profile—rich in stearic, oleic, and palmitic acids—closely resembles the sebum (natural oil) produced by our skin. This similarity allows tallow to penetrate deeply, providing long-lasting hydration without clogging pores. Unlike many commercial moisturisers that sit on the surface or evaporate quickly, tallow nourishes the skin from within, leaving it soft and supple.
Healing and Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Packed with vitamins and nutrients, tallow is a powerhouse for repairing damaged skin. Vitamin E, a potent antioxidant, helps combat oxidative stress, while vitamin A supports cell turnover and regeneration. These properties make tallow especially effective for soothing conditions like eczema, psoriasis, acne, and minor burns. Its anti-inflammatory nature also calms redness and irritation, offering relief to sensitive skin.
Anti-Aging Benefits
The combination of vitamins and fatty acids in tallow works synergistically to promote collagen production and improve skin elasticity. Regular use can reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots, giving the skin a youthful, radiant glow. Unlike synthetic anti-aging creams that often rely on harsh chemicals, tallow delivers these benefits gently and naturally.
Protection Against Environmental Damage
Tallow forms a protective barrier on the skin, shielding it from environmental stressors like pollution, wind, and UV radiation. Its stability—due to a lack of unstable double bonds—means it doesn’t oxidize easily, making it a reliable choice for long-term skin health.
Nutrient-Rich and Chemical-Free
In addition to vitamins A, D, E, and K, tallow contains trace amounts of B12, choline, and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), all of which contribute to skin vitality. Best of all, when sourced from grass-fed animals and minimally processed, tallow is free from the synthetic additives, preservatives, and fragrances found in most commercial skincare products.
A Practitioner’s Journey with Tallow: Irina from Nourishing Works
We’re proud to spotlight a graduate of our program who has taken the principles of natural health and applied them to create something truly special.
A graduate from the inaugural FNTP class in New Zealand in 2018, Irina Itskovich lives on a homestead in the South Island of New Zealand where she lives connected to nature, eating simple but nutrient dense whole foods.
It was through her own personal health challenges that she took her health into her own hands, and learnt about her own body and how our environment - including what we eat and put on our skin - influences every aspect of our health.
Irina aims to share her knowledge to empower others to heal themselves. She wants to make difference in people’s lives so they can take charge of their own health and vitality through common-sense tools of nourishment, self-care and self-love. Part of this self-care and common sense approach led Irina to develop her own range of tallow-based skincare products designed to heal, hydrate, and rejuvenate the skin using nature’s finest ingredients.
Inspired by the ancestral wisdom of using animal fats and the science-backed benefits of tallow, she crafted a range of Tallow creams that prioritises purity and potency. As with her food, Irina ensures she sources tallow from grass-fed/finished and regeneratively raised animals, resulting in tallow products that are rich in nutrients and free from harmful additives.
Irina is also a practicing Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, seeing clients one on one both in person and online. As an FNTP she uses specific investigative and clinical tools for assessing the body’s nutritional deficiencies using the body’s innate intelligence. We address those weaknesses through a properly prepared, whole food diet, supplementation, and lifestyle changes.
Why Tallow is a Game-Changer
The resurgence of tallow in skincare reflects a broader shift toward simplicity and sustainability. For too long, we’ve been sold the idea that complex, multi-step routines with synthetic ingredients are the key to healthy skin. Yet, many are discovering that less is more—and that nature often holds the answers we’ve been searching for. Tallow’s ability to support skin ailments, hydrate deeply, and protect against aging without relying on chemicals is a testament to its timeless value.
How to Incorporate Tallow into Your Routine
Ready to experience the benefits of tallow for yourself? Start by choosing a high-quality product, ideally from grass-fed & finished sources to maximize nutrient content. Apply a small amount to clean skin, massaging it in until absorbed. It’s versatile enough for use on your face, hands, body, or even as a lip balm.
More than a Skincare Trend
Tallow is more than just a skincare trend—it’s a return to a time-tested, biologically harmonious way of caring for our bodies. Its health benefits, from deep hydration to anti-aging and healing, make it a standout in the world of animal-based skincare. Thanks to dedicated practitioners like Irina, you can experience these benefits firsthand through thoughtfully crafted products that honor both nature and science.
If you would like to explore the Tallow offerings from Nourishing Works, Irina is offering 15% off to all readers - use the code IRINA15 at checkout.
Article by Lead Instructor and Program Director Leanne Scott, FNTP.