The Origins and History of Tallow Balm
What is beef tallow?
Tallow is a refined (rendered) animal fat derived from cattle, sheep and other animals.
In particular, the fat around the kidneys (sweat) is considered to contain few impurities and to be highly nutritious and stable, and has been valued for a long time.
Since prehistoric times
In fact, the history of tallow goes back a very long way; traces of its use in cooking and food preservation have been found at archaeological sites dating back to prehistoric times when people lived as hunter-gatherers.
Furthermore, in the Mesopotamian civilisation—the world’s oldest urban civilisation—recipes for soap made from animal fat (the precursor to tallow) have been recorded on clay tablets.
In ancient Egyptian civilisation, recipes for cosmetic creams made from ‘animal fat and vegetable oil’ were recorded on wall paintings and papyrus.
In the Middle Ages, medicinal balms combining herbs and tallow were also produced in monasteries and households, serving as a sort of ‘home medicine cabinet’.
Indigenous peoples around the world also use animal fats for skincare.
They were instinctively chosen as the fats ‘most similar to the skin’.
Why did it disappear?
Tallow, which has been used since prehistoric times in everything from skincare and soap to lighting and medicine, began to fall rapidly out of favour in the 20th century, as it was replaced by petroleum-derived chemical products such as inexpensive petroleum jelly, and as industrialisation progressed.
Due to the aggressive campaigns by vegetable oil companies portraying animal-derived products as ‘unhealthy’, and the conditioning by petroleum-based chemical companies that animal-derived products were ‘old-fashioned’, ‘smelly’ and ‘outdated’, tallow has all but disappeared from the public eye over the past century.
A modern re-evaluation
However, in recent years, as the ‘low-tox’ and ‘back-to-basics’ lifestyles have gained popularity, particularly in the West, Tallow has been rediscovered.
Despite its natural and simple ingredients, it has attracted attention as a skincare solution for sensitive skin, babies and dry skin, reviving the ancient wisdom and reassurance it offers for the modern world.
Tallow is a material that has endured throughout human history as a means of protecting the skin. And now, we are bringing its benefits to modern life.
‘A return to our roots’ rather than ‘something new’
Tallow balm is the oldest skincare product known to humankind
Tallóra's Tallow
Tallóra’s tallow is an organic ingredient made exclusively from the fat of grass-fed cattle raised freely in Australia.
It is refined from ‘sweat’, a rare, high-quality fat, which is easily absorbed by the skin and envelops it like a natural protective barrier.
With a stable composition centred on saturated fatty acids, it is resistant to oxidation.
As its composition is similar to that of human sebum, it is easily absorbed by the skin and is rich in the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K.
Furthermore, most of the other ingredients used in the balms are certified organic.
We primarily use organic beeswax, jojoba oil and essential oils, ensuring the products are gentle on the skin and safe to use (some essential oils are not certified).
We use no plastic whatsoever in the manufacturing process, relying solely on medical-grade silicone, glass and stainless steel.
We carefully select both the ingredients and the production methods to ensure that the benefits of nature are delivered directly to your skin.
Tallow is recommended for people like this
Who is it good for?
For dry and sensitive skin
Tallow has a fatty acid profile similar to human sebum, allowing it to absorb easily into the skin and lock in moisture. It’s ideal for hydrating dry or sensitive skin.
For babies and children’s skin concerns
Free from additives, tallow has traditionally been used to help soothe conditions like baby eczema and diaper rash. It is gentle enough for delicate baby and children’s skin.
For eczema-prone or irritated skin
Its composition closely resembles the skin’s natural barrier, helping support barrier function, protect against external irritants, and promote healthier skin.
For damaged or sun-exposed skin
Naturally rich in nutrients that support skin repair and provide antioxidant benefits, making it suitable for after-sun care and stressed or reactive skin.
For adult anti-aging care
Packed with saturated fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins, it helps improve skin firmness and suppleness, and is beneficial for fine lines and uneven texture caused by dryness.
For dry hands and rough heels
Deeply moisturizes hands prone to dryness from frequent washing and helps soften rough, hardened heels, leaving the skin smooth and nourished.
