Defining Clean Beauty: Where Does Beef Tallow Fit?

By Julie Wyche

Published: Monday, October 13, 2025

Small jar of grass-fed tallow balm on linen beside bone broth and herbs.

Ever feel like modern skincare forgot about your skin's real needs?

If you've spent decades caring for your skin, you already know that fewer ingredients often mean better results.

While beauty brands churn out complex serums with even more complex promises, many women over 50 are turning to something simpler and surprisingly familiar.

Why Beef Tallow Is Back and What That Means for You

Let's be honest: the phrase "beef tallow" might sound better suited for a cookbook than your moisturizer. But this old-school ingredient is getting a second look, and for good reason. Tallow is rendered animal fat, rich in skin-loving lipids that mimic your body's natural oils.

It's part of a growing shift toward cleaner, more transparent formulas.

The clean beauty movement is about more than ditching harsh chemicals; it's about trusting what touches your skin. If you've adopted whole foods like bone broth and grass-fed butter, incorporating beef tallow into your skincare routine might seem like a natural next step.

Learn More: Beef Tallow for Skin Care: What You Need To

Close-up of whipped tallow balm with soft peaks on a spatula.

Clean Beauty, Redefined

So what does "clean" really mean? Here's the truth: there's no single definition. Retailers each have their own banned lists and standards.

What matters most is how a product works with your values, your skin, and your results.

Beef tallow often checks three big, clean beauty boxes:

Simplicity: One core ingredient, no mystery additives.
Compatibility: Its fatty acid profile closely matches your skin's, helping it soothe and nourish without disruption.
Tradition: It's been used for generations to protect and hydrate.

Start your healthy skin routine

How It Works for Mature Skin

You may have noticed your skin feels drier or thinner than it did ten years ago. That's normal which also means you need ingredients that cushion and replenish, not strip or irritate. Here's how tallow supports mature skin:

Seals in moisture without feeling sticky
Calms dryness and visible irritation
Contains natural vitamins A, D, E, and K

Pro Tip: Apply a small amount of tallow balm over damp skin at night—it helps lock in hydration while you sleep.

What to Look For in a Tallow Product

Hydration and barrier support

Not all tallow is created equal. To ensure you're getting the cleanest, safest option:

Choose products made from grass-fed, hormone-free animals
Look for brands that explain their rendering process
Avoid tallow mixed with synthetic fragrances or preservatives

If sustainability matters to you, seek out companies using tallow as a byproduct—making use of the whole animal, not creating demand for more.

Ethical Questions? You're Not Alone

You care about your skin but also about where your products come from, so ethical sourcing and animal welfare matter.

Brands that align with clean beauty values usually:

Share their partnerships with ranchers
Offer third-party certifications like Certified Humane®
Provide transparent, complete ingredient lists

How to Try It for Yourself

If you're curious but hesitant, start small:

Step 01: Perform a patch test behind your ear or along your jawline. Wait 24–48 hours.

Step 02: Use it on drier areas, such as the cheeks, elbows, or décolletage.

Step 03: Apply as a nighttime balm after your favorite water-based serum.

Step 04: Monitor how your skin responds; adjust the frequency as needed.

Pro Tip: Blend with a drop of rosehip or jojoba oil for a lighter texture.

Start your healthy skin routine

Final Thoughts

Beef tallow might not be for everyone—but it's worth exploring if you crave transparency, nourishment, and simplicity. Aging skin doesn't need to be "fixed." It needs to be supported.