A close-up image of aging skin with a smooth smear of creamy tallow balm applied to the surface, highlighting the balm’s rich texture and the skin’s natural lines and texture.

Is Tallow Good For Aging Skin?

Does tallow get rid of wrinkles?

If you’d told me a year ago I’d be putting beef fat on my face, I probably would’ve laughed and reached for my hyaluronic acid; now I’m totally convinced that beef tallow is one of the best natural moisturizers for aging skin.

Especially when it comes to aging skin.

So, let’s talk about it: is tallow actually good for aging skin? Here’s what I’ve learned and seen firsthand.

A Surprising Skincare Secret

What Is tallow, anyway?

Tallow is rendered fat from cows—specifically from the suet around the kidneys of grass-fed cattle. While it might sound a little intense to the uninitiated, our ancestors knew what they were doing. They used it to make everything from soap to healing salves, and yes, for skincare long before shelf-stable synthetics took over.

What makes tallow so special is how closely it resembles the natural oils (sebum) our skin produces. That similarity is what makes it such a great match for restoring balance, particularly for mature or aging skin.

Nutrients Your Skin Will Thank You For

What vitamins and minerals are in tallow?

Beef tallow isn’t just a moisturizer, it’s a nutrient-dense skincare whole food. When sourced from grass-fed cattle, it’s naturally rich in bioavailable vitamins and essential fatty acids that your skin can readily absorb and use.

  • Vitamin A helps stimulate collagen production and supports healthy cell turnover
  • Vitamin D aids in skin repair and strengthens the skin’s immune response
  • Vitamin E acts as a powerful antioxidant, helping to neutralize free radicals and reduce visible signs of aging
  • Vitamin K promotes skin elasticity and may diminish the appearance of dark circles
  • Fatty acids like oleic, palmitic, stearic, and linoleic acids deeply moisturize, fortify the skin barrier, and improve texture and resilience

What makes tallow especially effective is its similarity to human sebum. This compatibility allows it to absorb easily into the skin, delivering nutrients deep into the dermis for optimal hydration, nourishment, and long-term skin health. The vitamins and antioxidants present in beef tallow may help combat oxidative stress, a key contributor to skin aging. By neutralizing free radicals, these nutrients can potentially reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, the moisturizing properties of beef tallow help maintain skin elasticity and suppleness.

Alt text:

An illustrated flat lay showing a creamy smear of tallow at the center, surrounded by icons and labels for Vitamin A (carrot), Vitamin D (sun), Vitamin E (leaf), Vitamin K (avocado), and Fatty Acids (glass oil-filled bottle), representing the skin-nourishing nutrients found in tallow.

Why Tallow Is a Win for Aging Skin
Does tallow get rid of wrinkles?

As we age, our skin starts to lose its natural oils and elasticity. Cue the dryness, dullness, and fine lines.

Tallow steps in as a natural, anti-aging solution:

  • It deeply hydrates: Unlike water-based creams that evaporate, tallow sinks in and stays, giving your skin a lasting dewy glow
  • It supports your barrier: A strong skin barrier is key to preventing moisture loss and protecting against environmental stressors (sun, wind, pollution, etc.)
  • It calms inflammation: Redness, irritation, and rough patches? Tallow soothes them all.
  • It fights oxidative stress: Thanks to vitamins A and E, tallow can help fend off the free radicals responsible for premature aging.

In a recent 2020 study, researchers evaluated a natural complex material (NCM 1921) containing fats including tallow and found significant benefits in reducing inflammation and supporting skin barrier function [PMC7019988].

The results were compelling: the topical mixture significantly improved skin thickness, reduced inflammation, and helped restore skin barrier function in a model of dermatitis. While the study focused on a multi-ingredient formula, researchers highlighted beef tallow’s contribution to the anti-inflammatory and barrier-repairing effects—both of which are critical in aging skin.

As we age, our skin becomes thinner, less elastic, and more prone to inflammation and moisture loss. Tallow, with its bioavailable fatty acids and antioxidant-rich vitamins, offers a natural way to counteract these changes. It supports skin structure, reduces irritation, and locks in deep hydration—all of which can help soften the appearance of fine lines and support a more youthful complexion.

While more direct research on tallow itself is still emerging, this points to what our ancestors knew for ages, use tallow for skin that feels stronger, calmer, and visibly healthier.

Any Downsides? Let's Be Honest.
What are the disadvantages of tallow for skin?

Like any skincare product, tallow isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. If you have very acne-prone skin, spot test cautiously. Some folks find it too rich, especially if it’s not balanced with other ingredients like the beeswax and honey we use in all our Reliefscape Tallow Balms.

Also, not all tallow is created equal. For best results, always go for grass-fed, minimally processed tallow—like the kind we use in every single balm here at Reliefscape. You’ll avoid unwanted toxins and get the full nutritional benefits your skin deserves.

Final Thoughts

As we age, our skin becomes thinner, less elastic, and more prone to inflammation and moisture loss. Tallow, with its bioavailable fatty acids and antioxidant-rich vitamins, offers a natural way to counteract these changes. It supports skin structure, reduces irritation, and locks in deep hydration—all of which can help soften the appearance of fine lines and maintain a more youthful, resilient complexion.

Beef tallow might sound like a throwback, but the results speak for themselves. If your skin feels dry, tired, or just not as radiant as it used to, this simple, nourishing balm might be exactly what you’ve been missing.

Sometimes, the best skincare isn’t found in a lab—it’s found in nature. In conclusion, beef tallow is good for aging skin, offering deep moisturization and potential anti-aging benefits thanks to its unique composition that mimics our skin’s own oils.

For aging skin, try our Reliefscape Tallow Balms, carefully blended with raw honey and yellow beeswax and beautifully whipped to enhance absorption and balance richness, making them ideal for sensitive or mature skin.


References:

  • Lee YS et al. (2020). NCM 1921, a mixture of fatty acids and choline, attenuates atopic dermatitis in treated mice. Nutrients, 12(1), 165. PMCID: PMC7019988
  • Russell MF, Sandhu M, Vail M, Haran C, Batool U, Leo J. (2024). Tallow, Rendered Animal Fat, and Its Biocompatibility With Skin: A Scoping Review. Cureus, 16(5), e60981. PMCID: PMC11193910
Back to blog