Why Naturopaths Recommend Tallow for Healthier Skin and Protection Against Endocrine Disruptors
Naturopathy is a medical system that uses natural remedies to help the whole body heal. It takes a holistic approach to healing the mind, body, and spirit. Naturopathy aims to heal the root causes of an illness and not just the symptoms. Many skincare brands are opting for traditional ingredients such as tallow, as a holistic approach to skincare.Â
Due to the numerous benefits of tallow skincare, naturopaths are now recommending more natural alternatives. In this article, we explain how ancient civilisations used tallow, its benefits, differences between tallow and modern moisturisers and how tallow shields your body against endocrine disruptors.Â
How Tallow Was Used for Skin Care in the Old Days
Alt: Rosemary, an essential oils mixed with tallow.Â
The first known use of animal fats (tallow) was in Egypt and Mesopotamia. Egyptians mixed tallow with essential oils and plant extracts to make balms to protect their skin against the harsh desert weather. The Romans and Greeks used tallow in medicinal salves, massage oils, and for skincare routines.Â
In Australia, tallow (primarily from cattle) made balms, soap, and special ointments to protect the skin against dryness or harsh weather. Ancient civilizations used tallow for skin restoration and healing. Australia is now a huge exporter of tallow reaching around 517,364t in the first 11 months of 2024.Â
Australian Aborigines would combine emu oil and tallow to treat dry, sun-burnt, wind-burnt, or inflamed skin. Known for their ceremonial body paint, Australian Aborigines mixed tallow with ochre, ash, and different clays.Â
Unfortunately, in the 20th century, synthetic ingredients took over, replacing traditional animal fats in most skincare products. Other skincare brands also started marketing vegetable-based products. However, most of these products require stabilisers and chemical processing.Â
What Makes Tallow So Beneficial?
Alt: Tallow cream with all its benefits.Â
The harsh chemicals in modern skincare products make consumers opt for simple, natural ingredients such as tallow. Tallo Skin offers skincare products without synthetic additives or artificial fragrances. Tallow structure is similar to the lipids in human skin, making it compatible.Â
The benefits of tallow skincare include:Â
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Tallow contains linoleic Acid (CLA) known for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties. Due to its soothing nature, tallow heals irritation and inflammation making it ideal for people with eczema, acne, and other sensitive skin conditions.Â
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Due to its deep moisturising and allergy-free properties, tallow can reduce skin irritation without clogging pores. Tallow is suitable for all skin types including dry, sensitive, oily and combination.Â
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The fatty acids in tallow create a barrier on the skin protecting it against harsh weather, ultra-violet (UV) and harmful substances.Â
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Packed with oleic acid and essential celamides, tallow locks in moisture. Tallow then sinks in effortlessly, resulting in a soft supple skin staying hydrated during all types of weather.Â
Tallow vs. Modern Moisturisers
The composition and hydration approach of tallow and modern moisturisers differ significantly. Choosing between the two depends on your concerns about sustainability, ingredients, skin type, and individual preferences.
However, we highlight the key differences in the table below.Â
Tallow |
Modern Moisturisers |
Highly absorbent and penetrates your skin deeply, as tallow mimics sebum ( the skin's natural oils). |
Not absorbent and usually sits on the surface, often irritating sensitive skin. |
Tallow contains natural vitamins, fatty acids, and nutrients that nourish and repair skin. |
Relies on petroleum-based ingredients such as mineral oils and chemical emulsifiers. Fillers dilute any beneficial ingredients. |
You can use natural preservatives such as rosemary or grapefruit extracts. Both are also natural antioxidants and usually add a light herbal scent. |
Synthetic preservatives are required to prevent microbial growth in the products due to their water content. |
Simpler ingredient lists, such as essential oils, honey, or beeswax. |
Contain water-based formulas with fragrances, silicones, synthetic preservatives, and compounds. |
Tallow lacks common endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as parabens and synthetic fragrances. |
Some contain hormone-disrupting compounds, which can affect your endocrine system over time. |
How Tallow Helps Shield the Skin from Endocrine Disruptors
Hormonally active agents, or endocrine disruptors, are natural or man-made chemicals that disrupt, mimic, or block a body’s hormones. Your body depends on hormones to carry out biological processes such as reproduction, fertility, and growth.Â
Interference with hormonal systems contributes to skin issues, fatigue, or long-term health problems. Unfortunately, endocrine disruptors (EDCs) are common in everyday products such as toys, food and beverage packaging, and skincare products.
Tallow shields the body from endocrine disruptors by providing a nutrient-rich, protective skin barrier. It contains natural fatty acids ( oleic and stearic) that seal in moisture and repel harmful substances. Acting like a second skin, tallow reduces how much your skin absorbs form chemical laden products.Â
Nutrients are one of the benefits of tallow skincare, nourishing the skin and promoting collagen production. The nutrients also protect the skin against environmental damage. Tallow also contains vitamins A, D, E, and K, for repairing the skin barrier and making it stronger.Â
Why Tallow Aligns with Holistic Healing Principles
Alt: Light scented and unscented tallow creams.Â
Tallow fits beautifully within the holistic approach because it is a natural remedy loaded with essential vitamins. Holistic healing values nutrient-dense ingredients such as tallow, that not only nourishes the skin but the whole body. High-quality tallow also hydrates and also offers healing properties to sensitive skin.Â
Holistic healing encourages simplicity while avoiding synthetic or harmful substances. High-quality tallow products from reputable brands such as Tallo Skin, use very few natural ingredients. We don’t include fillers, chemicals, or any other synthetic compounds.Â
Using tallow supports a no-waste lifestyle, which aligns with sustainability practices. Sourcing tallow from local farmers who priotise ethical and sustainable farming practices aligns with holistic principles of supporting small-scale producers.Â
Holistic healing often incorporates ancestral wisdom and traditional practices. Civilisations around the world have used animal fats (tallow) for centuries to heal, nourish, and protect the skin. Tallo Skin bridges the gap between ancient wisdom and modern wellness.Â
Incorporating Tallow into Your Skincare Routine Safely and Effectively
Modern skincare brands such as Tallo Skin offer chemical-free alternatives. Our products contain grass-fed pure tallow mixed with essential oils and natural preservatives. Through ethical sourcing, we ensure our tallow is from certified farmers who don’t feed animals chemicals.Â
While synthetic products have almost replaced it, tallow is now making a strong comeback. The benefits of tallow skincare are the reasons for the strong comeback. You can make your tallow products or buy from high-quality sources such as Tallo Skin.Â
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