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Your clean tallow sunscreen could be attracting sharks and damaging pool filtration systems.

In today’s Ask Me Anything episode, I’m answering a question that’s been flooding my DMs:

“Hi, Wendy. I saw your story last week when you were at the beach in San Diego talking about tallow-based sunscreens and shark attacks. Can you elaborate more on that? You also mentioned you should never wear tallow sunscreen in chlorine swimming pools, and I’m just wondering why.”

This is such a great question and I’m excited to talk about it!

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

• Why sharks are attracted to animal fats and when this matters most.
• How tallow sunscreens can damage pool filtration systems and piping.
• The difference between regenerative organic tallow and commercial tallow.
• When tallow-based sunscreens are actually perfect.
• Why sourcing matters when choosing animal fat-based skincare products.

2 Places to Never Wear Tallow Sunscreen

While I absolutely love Primally Pure’s new regenerative, organic tallow-based SPF for hiking and outdoor activities, there are two specific situations where you should never use this type of sunscreen.

The Ocean

First, let’s talk about the ocean. Sharks have an incredible sense of smell, especially when it comes to animal fats. 

During shark season, when great whites migrate past the California coast, the last thing I want to do is slather myself in tallow and go surfing at dawn or dusk when attacks are more likely. 

Yes, shark attacks are rare, but why take an unnecessary risk when there are plenty of other clean mineral sunscreen options?

Chlorinated Pools

The second issue is chlorinated pools. Tallow is not water-soluble, so it separates from pool water, floats on top, and accumulates in filtration systems and piping, just like pouring cooking oil down your drain. 

This can seriously damage pool equipment and interfere with chlorine’s ability to sanitize the water, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. 

Whether it’s a public pool or your own backyard, tallow sunscreens and chlorinated water don’t mix.

When It’s Okay to Use Tallow-Based Sunscreen

The ocean and pool are two scenarios in which a lot of people use sunscreen. So where else can you wear tallow sunscreen? Here are a few ideas:

• Hiking or walking outside
• Laying out
• Gardening or yard work
• Lakes or reservoirs
• Playing at the park
• Camping (just don’t cook with it, or it will attract animals)

Regeneratively Sourced Tallow

This conversation started when I shared Primally Pure’s new SPF. I love it because the tallow is regeneratively, so we know it’s organically pastured from a healthy source. 

Some of the major toxins that we’re worried about accumulate in fat. If tallow comes from a cow that isn’t pastured and full of hormones, then the tallow that comes from that animal is probably gonna be fine.

But commercialized tallow coming from the fats of animals that are not absolutely the healthiest possible is likely full of toxins. 

Primarily Pure is very careful to ensure that all its products are regenerative and organic. Its sourcing is absolutely impeccable. Its tallow sunscreen is smooth and isn’t greasy.

I hope this cleared up your questions about tallow sunscreen. It’s a great product, but you need to be careful about when you use it!

Want to ask me a question to get answered on the podcast? Leave me a voice message here.

FAQs About Tallow Sunscreen

Is tallow sunscreen effective?

Tallow alone isn’t great, but it has SPF protection when formulated with non-nano zinc oxide.

Is it reef-safe?

Yes, but as I mentioned in this episode, be careful about wearing it in the ocean.

What is the healthiest sunscreen to use?

I always prefer mineral sunscreens. You can shop my Toxin Free Shopping Guide to find all my favorites!

Related Episodes:

Episode 16: The Truth About Sun Exposure and Sunscreen: Finding the Middle Ground

Episode 21: How to Heal a Sunburn Without the Toxic Green Slime

Episode 119: The Mineral Sunscreen Ingredient That’s Causing Your Sun Care to Be Less Clean Than You Think