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Ancestral tallow is a centuries-old secret that’s making a comeback, and today we’re pulling back the curtain on what really matters when it comes to what you put on your skin.

In this episode, I’m joined by my good friend Sara from Willow Moon Farm, who makes the only tallow I trust on my face. 

We’re getting real about:

• Why tallow is so controversial
• What makes it so special
• Why sourcing and transparency are everything

If you’ve ever wondered whether tallow is a miracle ingredient or just another fad, this conversation is for you.

We dig into the nitty-gritty of what “tallow” actually means in the skincare world (spoiler: it’s not as straightforward as you think). Sara shares her process for creating truly pure, nutrient-rich tallow—from hand-selecting beef suet at a regenerative farm to her meticulous rendering process. We talk about why most commercial tallow just doesn’t cut it, and how hidden toxins and lack of transparency can make all the difference in your skincare routine.

You’ll also hear about our personal rituals, favorite products, and why handmade, small-batch skincare feels so much more special. 

If you’re ready to rethink your skincare and get the inside scoop on what’s really in that jar, you’re in the right place!

In today’s episode, we’re chatting about:

• The real story behind tallow and why it’s so polarizing
• How to spot high-quality, truly clean tallow (and what to avoid)
• The importance of transparency and sourcing in skincare
• Our favorite ways to use tallow and other nourishing ingredients
• Why supporting regenerative, local farms matters for your skin—and the planet

What Makes Tallow So Special?

So if you don’t already know, tallow is a rendered fat from a red meat animal, typically a cow. It’s so compatible with our skin, and that’s why Sara loves it. 

When it comes from grass-finished animals, it’s full of nutrients our skin actually recognizes. It’s rich in conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which helps to keep the skin calm, moisturized, and protected from everyday stress. It also contains a naturally antimicrobial fatty acid, which actually supports healing and encourages collagen renewal. That will help with softening early signs of aging. 

Sara thinks it’s so special because it’s made of the same saturated fats as our own cell membranes. So that means it:

• Absorbs beautifully
• Supports a strong, healthy skin barrier
• Balances moisture
• Regulates oil production 
• Defends the skin from free radicals 

If you didn’t already know, our ancestors used animal fats for all things, but especially on their skin. It’s really all they used on their skin. It’s a part of that nose-to-tail philosophy—nothing goes to waste, and we honor the whole animal. 

That’s very important because in most of today’s food system, incredibly nutrient-dense fats are often discarded and overlooked.

Tallow is one of the most valuable parts of the animal, but most don’t even know about it.

Commercial vs. Ancestral Tallow

Tallow is rendered fat. Some companies, even small brands, may use beef fat trimming, the fat on the back of the cow, or other areas. It gets sticky when you buy tallow from an animal that was fed grain. It just adds more variables and concerns to that end product. 

Willow Moon Farm is a true ancestral tallow. It is made from beef suet, which is a very specific fat, and that’s it. All of that fat comes from around the organs of the animal. This is going to be the highest nutrient density fat on the animal and has the least amount of impurities. It will also have the least amount of that beefy scent that just naturally comes with the fat. Willow Moon Farm produces 100% pasture-raised, grass-fed, grass-finished tallow.

Something else that’s problematic with small skincare brands and even big brands is that many of them are buying pre-rendered tallow. We’re talking about a gallon of tallow shipped to your door. Was that cut with seed oils or another fat? You don’t know because you’re just getting that end product. 

Sara gets the beef suet from a friend’s regenerative grass fed, grass finished farm, about an hour away. She cuts it all up by hand and looks at every single piece. If there’s a piece with just a little bit of brown on it or something, Sara discards it. Only the best of the best from the highest-quality fat is being rendered into that pot. 

Purchasing High-Quality Tallow

As with several other skincare products, it’s important to purchase from a reputable brand. Willow Moon Farm invites people to tour their farm and see how they produce ancestral tallow and other products—with full transparency. 

Everything is handmade and quality-checked. That’s why I trust Willow Moon Farm . Shop my favorite Tallow products from Willow Moon Farm. Use code WENDY10 for 10% off.

FAQs About Ancestral Tallow

Is tallow actually good for your skin?

Tallow can be amazing for some people because it helps seal in moisture and is very soothing for dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin.

Why don’t dermatologists like beef tallow?

Dermatologists aren’t necessarily against using tallow, but they are cautious about it. Because it’s so new, there aren’t many studies on its effectiveness. There are also contamination concerns if it isn’t sourced and rendered properly. That’s why you should always purchase tallow products from a transparent grass fed, grass finished beef suet source, like Willow Moon Farm.

Can I use tallow on my face every day?

It depends on your skin type. If you have dry, eczema-prone skin, daily use is probably fine. If you have acne-prone or oily skin, tallow is likely to irritate it more. Apply a small amount near the jawline for 3–5 days and watch for breakouts or irritation. 

Is tallow better than retinol?

Tallow doesn’t replace retinol. It’s a moisturizer, but it doesn’t have any data to support boosting collagen or improving signs of aging, as retinol does.

Does tallow clog pores?

It can, especially for acne-prone skin. The purity and ingredients matter in how much it clogs pores. That’s why it’s so important to use a quality source when purchasing tallow products. If you’re trying tallow for the first time, apply it at night 2-3 times per week and see how your skin reacts.

Related Episodes:

Episode 61: Behind the Scenes of Farm Fresh Skin Care with Sara from Willow Moon Farm

Episode 120: Shark Attacks and Pool Damage: The Inside Scoop on Tallow Sunscreen