By: Travis Hutton

When you think about skincare, tallow probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But surprisingly, people have been using it for ages, not just in cooking, but also as a go-to for keeping their skin soft and healthy. Recently, it’s been making a bit of a comeback, particularly among those who prefer simpler and more natural products. That said, not all tallow is the same. How it’s made, and where it comes from, can really make a difference.

What Is Tallow, Anyway?

Simply put, tallow is animal fat—usually from cows—that’s slowly melted and purified. After rendering, it turns into a creamy, shelf-stable fat that’s surprisingly versatile. Beyond cooking, it’s actually considered beneficial for skincare because it’s packed with healthy fats and vitamins that can nourish your skin, without the need for synthetic chemicals commonly found in many store-bought creams.

How Do You Render Tallow the Old-School Way?

Rendering tallow isn’t overly complicated, but doing it well requires patience and care. Here’s how it’s typically done:

• Start With Good Fat

You want fat from cows that have been raised on pasture and fed grass. This fat, known as suet, comes from around the kidneys and is especially nutrient-dense.

• Cut It Up and Melt It Slowly

The fat is chopped into small pieces and gently heated over low heat. The key is to melt it slowly, not to fry it. Too much heat can break down the beneficial components inside.

• Skim and Strain Out the Bits

As the fat melts, leftover tissue rises to the top, where it’s skimmed off or strained out. What remains is clean, golden liquid fat.

• Let It Cool

Once cooled, the fat solidifies into a smooth, creamy tallow that has a long shelf life.

Rendered Gold follows this slow-and-careful method, using only grass-fed fat. It takes longer, but the extra time results in a cleaner, more nourishing product. You can explore more about their process at www.renderedgold.com.

Why Does Grass-Fed Fat Matter So Much?

Not all fat is created equal. A lot depends on how the animal is raised. Cows that graze on grass produce fat that’s richer in vitamins A, D, E, and K, along with healthy Omega-3 fats. These nutrients are believed to help soothe and nourish the skin, especially for those with dry or sensitive skin.

In contrast, fat from grain-fed cows, typically raised in feedlots, tends to have fewer nutrients and more Omega-6 fats. Excessive Omega-6 can sometimes disrupt the balance of your skin and may contribute to irritation.

That’s why Rendered Gold uses fat exclusively from 100% grass-fed, pasture-raised cows. It’s not just a marketing term—they focus on ensuring the tallow is as nutrient-dense and skin-friendly as possible.

The Way It’s Made Changes Everything

Those vitamins in tallow? They’re sensitive to heat. If heated too quickly or too much, they begin to break down. This is why the slow, gentle rendering process is important—it helps preserve those beneficial components, allowing your skin to potentially enjoy all of their benefits.

Well-rendered tallow maintains its anti-inflammatory and healing properties, which is why it’s so well-regarded as a skincare ingredient.

Rendered Gold keeps things simple: high-quality fat, slow rendering, no shortcuts. If you’re curious, you can see what they’re up to on Instagram (@renderedgold) or Facebook (Rendered Gold) for a closer look behind the scenes.

What Tallow Can Do for Your Skin

Tallow works particularly well for dry or sensitive skin because its fatty acids are similar to the natural oils your skin produces. This similarity allows tallow to absorb well and, importantly, not clog pores (noncomedogenic).

Here’s what it can help with:

• Repairing and supporting your skin’s natural barrier

• Soothing redness and irritation

• Locking in moisture without feeling greasy

• Providing antioxidant support

It’s especially popular during colder months when skin tends to dry out, but people use it year-round for its hydrating benefits.

Bottom Line

Rendered tallow isn’t just a fleeting trend. It’s a time-tested, simple ingredient that, when produced properly, can offer real benefits for your skin and the environment.

The process matters. That’s why companies like Rendered Gold focus on doing things the right way—with care and transparency. Curious? Head to www.renderedgold.com or find them on Instagram (@renderedgold) and Facebook (Rendered Gold) to learn more.

 

Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice. Individual skincare results may vary, and it’s always advisable to consult with a healthcare provider or dermatologist before making changes to your skincare routine, especially if you have specific skin concerns.