By Angelina Cappiello

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Beef tallow has been used in skincare for centuries, and it is experiencing a resurgence due to its natural and nutrient-rich properties. Recently, viral videos and celebrity influencers have praised this ingredient for its ability to make skin appear flawless and smooth—no filter needed!
   Preferred Health Magazine spoke with Judy Kemps, the founder of Tallow & Beeswax, to learn more about the buzz surrounding beef tallow and its benefits. 
   Kemps began her research into beef tallow as a way to alleviate her eczema symptoms. Although she identifies as a vegan, she decided to try tallow on her skin, and this experience has profoundly changed her life, helping to moisturize and soothe her irritating skin condition.

PHM: So, what is beef tallow, and how is it made?
JK: Beef tallow is beef fat that has been rendered to remove impurities. 

PHM:  How does beef tallow compare to other natural skincare ingredients like shea butter or coconut oil?
JK: Plants contain compounds that people can react to. Tallow is very similar to human sebum and very well tolerated. For me, it was the only product that worked to heal and soothe my skin. Everything else made my skin worse. I couldn’t tolerate any plant oils. 

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PHM: How does beef tallow support the skin’s natural barrier?
JK: I add beeswax to my tallow balm as it helps create a protective barrier around the skin to keep environmental pollutants out. This also makes the balm great for diaper rash. 

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PHM: Can beef tallow be used on all skin types, including oily or sensitive skin?
JK: Tallow balm can help heal, soothe and moisturize problematic skin without irritating it like other products might. Not all products are created equal so the tallow should be smooth, not abrasive to sensitive skin. Skin conditions are very often caused by underlying internal issues that need to be resolved. The tallow balm will not cure any illness. 

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PHM: What role do the vitamins in beef tallow (A, D, E, and K) play in skin health?
JK: These vitamins are fat soluble so tallow is an excellent way to get them into your skin. They help to moisturize, reduce inflammation, protect against sun damage, and promote the skin’s regeneration. 

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PHM: How should beef tallow be incorporated into a skincare routine?
JK: It does wonders for dry feet and legs. The mistake many people make is by using too much. It is very rich and a very little goes a long way. You don’t even have to use it every day, only when needed. 

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PHM: Can beef tallow be used on all skin types, including oily or sensitive skin?
JK: Tallow is great for sensitive skin. Only if you have an allergy to beef fat you shouldn’t use it. For oily skin and acne I would do oil cleansing rather than applying the tallow balm and leaving it on for a long time. That way your skin is always moisturized and there is no greasy residue left on your face. You can simply put tallow balm on your face after you have washed it and leave it on for about twenty minutes. Then wipe it off with a warm damp soft cloth. You can do this several times a week before you shower as needed. 

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PHM: Is there a specific way to store or preserve beef tallow for skincare use?
JK: My tallow balm will keep for at least 12 months out of the fridge and longer when refrigerated. I do not whip my tallow balm as this reduces the shelf life. 

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Sustainability and Ethics:
PHM: How is your beef tallow sourced?
JK: My suppliers practice holistic management and regenerative agriculture. 

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PHM: Is beef tallow a sustainable and eco-friendly skincare option?
JK: 100 % grass-fed tallow that is sustainably sourced helps to improve the land quality for future use. Improved soil health, increased biodiversity, and reduced soil erosion are some of the benefits of regenerative agriculture. 

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PHM: What should consumers look for when purchasing high-quality tallow-based skincare products?
JK: Look for 100 % grass-fed tallow and check which other ingredients are in the products. Sometimes scents are added to mask the smell of beef if the tallow is not well rendered. I add organic, raw food-grade beeswax to create an extra smooth texture that helps to regenerate the skin as well as reduce itchiness from mosquito bites and eczema. It also speeds up wound healing including burns. Tallow Balm can be used as a nose and paw balm for pets, too. Mine has no essential oils. It moisturizes dry and itchy noses and protect pads.

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Myths and Misconceptions:
PHM: Some people may worry about applying animal fats to their skin. How do you address those
concerns?
JK: Tallow is what our ancestors used. But since I was vegetarian and vegan for a large part of my life I understand the apprehension. However, nothing else helped heal my sensitive and irritated rashy skin so I just had to try it and I am very happy I did. 

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PHM: Is there a risk of beef tallow clogging pores or causing breakouts?
JK: There is no risk of that when using tallow as a foot balm or body balm. Just remember that a little goes a long way. You can always add more when needed or wipe the excess off with a cloth. Also, make sure the tallow is pure and well rendered so that you don’t add impurities into your skin. For skin that is oily with breakouts I would do oil cleansing instead. 

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PHM: How does beef tallow compare to synthetic skincare ingredients in terms of effectiveness and safety?
JK: Tallow Balm does not irritate your skin unless you have a beef allergy or with my balms a bee allergy. For eczema I have been told that my tallow balm works as well as the over the counter topical corticosteroids creams. But the stronger creams that you get prescribed by the dermatologist are more effective for a very bad flare up. Even if the tallow balm can greatly reduce your need for the prescription that helps you because there are no side effects to the tallow balm. You can safely use it until you have healed your insides and you no longer suffer from eczema.

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