Why We Use Tallow in Our Soaps (And Why It’s Not Just a Trend)

Pure Tallow

If you’ve spent any time exploring traditional soapmaking or natural skincare, you’ve probably noticed tallow making a strong comeback. For us at Nicole’s Natural Soaps, tallow isn’t a trend, it’s a time-tested ingredient we intentionally choose for its performance, skin benefits, and sustainability.

Here’s why tallow has earned a permanent place in our soap recipes.

Udderly Clean

What Is Tallow, Exactly? Tallow is rendered beef fat that has been gently purified and cleaned, making it ideal for skincare. When properly rendered, it’s odorless, shelf-stable, and incredibly nourishing. Long before commercial detergents existed, tallow was one of the most common ingredients used in soapmaking, and for good reason.

Jasmine Silk

What Tallow Does in Soap

Tallow brings a unique balance to soap that’s difficult to replicate with plant oils alone:

• Creates a hard, long-lasting barTallow produces a firm soap that doesn’t dissolve quickly in the shower, meaning your bar lasts longer.

• Produces a creamy, stable latherInstead of big, fluffy bubbles that disappear fast, tallow creates a rich, lotion-like lather that feels luxurious on the skin.

• Adds natural conditioningTallow helps maintain the skin’s natural moisture barrier, leaving skin feeling soft, not tight or stripped.

• Improves overall bar performanceIt balances cleansing, conditioning, and durability in a way that makes a truly well-rounded soap.

Eclipse

Why People Love Tallow for Skin

One of the reasons tallow is so beloved in skincare is how closely it mimics our own skin’s natural oils.

• Highly compatible with human skinThe fatty acid profile of tallow is very similar to sebum, which helps it absorb easily without feeling greasy.

• Gentle and supportiveMany people with dry or sensitive skin find tallow-based soaps less drying than commercial cleansers.

• Naturally nourishingTallow supports soft, supple skin while still providing an effective cleanse.

(As always, our soaps are cosmetic products and not intended to diagnose or treat skin conditions.)

Playing in the Mud

Vitamins Naturally Found in Tallow

Tallow contains fat-soluble vitamins that are beneficial for skin health:

• Vitamin A - Supports skin renewal and overall skin vitality

• Vitamin D - Helps support the skin’s natural barrier

• Vitamin E - Known for its antioxidant properties

• Vitamin K - Associated with skin resilience and balance

These vitamins remain present through traditional soapmaking and contribute to tallow’s reputation as a deeply nourishing ingredient.

Eucalyptus Breeze

Using a Byproduct Is Better for the Environment

One of the most important reasons we use tallow is sustainability.

Tallow is a byproduct of the food industry, using it means we are:

• Reducing waste

• Respecting the whole animal

• Choosing a resource that already exists rather than creating demand for new monocrops

Unlike some plant oils that require heavy land use, irrigation, and long-distance shipping, responsibly sourced tallow makes use of materials that would otherwise go unused. This aligns with our commitment to thoughtful, low-waste craftsmanship.

Herb Garden

Tallow Isn’t a Trend, It’s a Return to What Works

While tallow may feel “new” on social media, it has been used in soapmaking for centuries. What we’re seeing now isn’t a fad, it’s a return to traditional ingredients that simply perform better.

As more people seek:

• Fewer ingredients

• More transparency

• Time-tested methods

• Sustainable choices

This isn’t about trends, it’s about craftsmanship, intention, and making soap the way it’s always been meant to be made.