My Mom Thought I Was Crazy for Putting Tallow on My Face (Until She Tried It)
- Tricia Nicole Durban
- Jan 20
- 5 min read
It all started innocently enough—a jar of tallow balm sitting on my bathroom counter. My mom, ever curious and skeptical, picked it up and asked, “What’s this?”
When I told her it was a moisturizer made from beef tallow, the look on her face was priceless. “Wait. You’re putting beef fat on your face?” she asked, clearly baffled. I couldn’t blame her. The idea of using tallow in skincare is not exactly mainstream, despite its long-standing history.
But I had a secret weapon: my glowing skin. And while my mom initially laughed off the idea, it didn’t take long for her to become a believer. By the end of this blog, you’ll see why tallow skincare has become a game-changer for both of us—and why Canadians are rediscovering this ancestral beauty practice.

My Journey to Discovering Tallow Skincare
For years, I struggled with dry, sensitive skin, especially during the harsh Canadian winters. I’d tried every moisturizer under the sun—luxury creams, drugstore brands, natural oils—but nothing truly worked. My skin would always feel tight and flaky by midday, and no amount of layering products seemed to help.
Then, during a weekend trip to Vancouver Island, I stumbled upon a local market showcasing handmade tallow skincare products. The vendor explained that tallow was rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K, as well as essential fatty acids, and was known to mimic the natural oils our skin produces.
The label on the jar read: “Best Beef Tallow for Skin in Vancouver Island, Canada.” Intrigued and desperate, I decided to give it a try.
The Results Were Immediate
The first night I used the tallow balm, I was skeptical. It felt heavier than the water-based creams I was used to, but by morning, my skin looked plump, hydrated, and calm. Within a week, the dryness and flakiness were completely gone. I was hooked.
Convincing My Mom to Try Tallow
Naturally, I wanted to share this miracle product with my mom. But when I explained that tallow was rendered beef fat, she wrinkled her nose.
“Beef fat? On my face? No thanks,” she said with a laugh.
I understood her hesitation. Tallow doesn’t sound glamorous, and it certainly doesn’t align with the marketing of most skincare brands that promise “lightweight hydration” and “age-defying formulas.” But I knew that if she just gave it a try, she’d be amazed.
How I Got Her to Say Yes
Knowing my mom wouldn’t leap into putting tallow on her face, I started small. I handed her a tiny jar and suggested she try it on her hands or elbows, places she often complained were dry and rough.
Reluctantly, she agreed to give it a shot. A few days later, she called me and said, “Okay, I don’t know what’s in that stuff, but my hands feel amazing. Do you have more?”
Why Tallow Skincare Works
Tallow isn’t just effective—it’s uniquely suited to address a wide range of skin concerns. Its ancestral roots and natural composition make it one of the most powerful and sustainable skincare ingredients available.
1. Tallow Mimics Human Sebum
One of the reasons tallow works so well is that its fatty acid profile is remarkably similar to the oils naturally produced by our skin. This makes it deeply nourishing and easily absorbed, without clogging pores.
2. Rich in Nutrients
Tallow is loaded with skin-loving vitamins:
Vitamin A: Supports skin regeneration and reduces fine lines.
Vitamin D: Promotes healing and helps combat dryness.
Vitamin E: Protects against environmental damage.
Vitamin K: Reduces the appearance of scars and dark spots.
3. Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Tallow has natural anti-inflammatory compounds that help soothe irritated skin, making it a great choice for conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.
The Tallow Skincare Movement in Canada
In recent years, Canadians have been turning to tallow skin care Canada for its natural, sustainable, and effective benefits. On Vancouver Island, in particular, the movement has gained momentum as local artisans craft high-quality tallow products from grass-fed, ethically sourced beef.
Why Canadians Love Tallow
Perfect for Winter: The cold, dry winters in Canada wreak havoc on the skin. Tallow provides a natural barrier to lock in moisture and protect against the elements.
Eco-Friendly: Tallow is a byproduct of the meat industry, which means using it helps reduce waste. It’s the perfect skincare solution for those who value sustainability.
Backed by Ancestral Wisdom: Tallow has been used for centuries in skincare, long before synthetic creams took over the market. This connection to tradition resonates with Canadians looking to embrace more natural lifestyles.

How My Mom Became a Believer
After a week of using tallow on her hands, my mom decided to try it on her face—just to see what the fuss was about. She started applying it at night, and within days, she noticed a difference. Her skin, which was usually dry and flaky, felt soft and hydrated.
A month later, she was fully converted. She even started recommending beef tallow moisturizer to her friends, claiming it worked better than any cream she’d tried before.
Her favorite? A Rose Tallow Whip from a small artisan on Vancouver Island.
How to Start Your Tallow Skincare Journey
If you’re curious about trying tallow, here’s how to get started:
1. Find Quality Products
Not all tallow is created equal. Look for products made from grass-fed, sustainably sourced beef, like those offered by Lineage Natural Cosmetics. Their tallow products are handcrafted with care, ensuring you get the highest quality for your skin.
2. Start with Small Areas
If you’re hesitant, start by applying tallow to dry areas like your hands, elbows, or heels. You’ll quickly see how effective it is.
3. Incorporate It Into Your Routine
Tallow can be used as a daily moisturizer, a night cream, or even as a healing balm for irritated skin.
FAQs
1. Is beef tallow comedogenic?
Pure, properly rendered beef tallow has a low comedogenic rating and is unlikely to clog pores. However, as with any skincare product, individual responses may vary.
2. How long does tallow moisturizer last?
Properly stored tallow products typically last 6-12 months. Keep them in a cool, dark place and always use clean hands or applicators.
3. Why is tallow especially effective during winter?
In harsh winter climates, such as those in Canada, tallow forms a protective barrier on the skin to lock in moisture and shield against dryness caused by cold air and heating systems.
4. How do I convince someone skeptical about tallow skincare?
Start small! Encourage them to try it on dry areas like hands or elbows. The quick results—softer, more hydrated skin—can often be enough to convert skeptics into believers.
Does tallow help reduce scars or stretch marks?
Yes! Tallow contains vitamins A, E, and K, which promote skin regeneration and elasticity, helping to reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks over time.
Conclusion
What started as a skeptical experiment has turned into a skincare revolution for both me and my mom. Tallow’s ability to hydrate, heal, and protect the skin is unmatched, proving that sometimes the simplest ingredients are the most effective.
Final Note
If you’re ready to transform your skincare routine, consider giving tallow a try. Start with products from trusted brands like Lineage Natural Cosmetics, known for their ethically sourced, grass-fed tallow.
Who knows? You might just become a believer—and convert a skeptic or two along the way.
