FAQ
Answers to the most common questions.
Why use Tallow?
Tallow has been used for thousands of years for its moisturizing, protective, & healing properties. While tallow lost popularity with the industrialization of the skincare industry, we couldn't be more passionate to get "back to our roots". We are harnessing the traditional & natural approach of clean products that actually work. Tallow Me Pretty was founded by two mommas on a search for eczema relief for their kids. Discovering the benefits of tallow they went to work to find the best of the best ingredients in each of our formulations. From the medicinal properties of the ingredients; the type and source of tallow- USDA organic, grass-fed grass finished suet, USDA organic essentials oils, we take caution in using non-phytotoxic oils. We use the proper dilution. The herbs we infused are local farmer grown whenever possible as well as our raw honey, our extensive rendering process: dry rendering only, we truly believe we have formulated the best Tallow skincare products.
What exactly is Tallow? Plainly stated, it is rendered beef fat. Historically Tallow has been used for skincare for centuries! Tallow actually mimics your skin natural composition, we are animals, not plants. Tallow is naturally full of vitamins: A, D, E & K and essential fatty acids. These vitamins play crucial roles in skin health. Vitamin A, for example, is known for its potential to promote skin cell turnover and repair. It also has a high concentration of fatty acids, which are similar to the oils produced by human skin. Tallow's composition is so similar to the natural lipids found in the skin which allows it to be easily absorbed and helps in restoring the skin's natural lipid barrier. The fatty acids in tallow also contribute to its moisturizing properties. They can help hydrate the skin, making it softer and more supple.
Dry rendering: We don’t wet render. Wet rendering is a process that incorporates a mix of salt and water (brine) to the fat and is cooked down to “pull out impurities” and eliminate any beefy smell. Although you get a nice white, semi-odorless tallow, you shift the fatty acid profile and lessen the nutrients that provide the skin with so many benefits. We figure if you’re already smearing beef fat on your skin, you want the most nutrient-dense tallow!
Stainless Steel Equipment Only: We render, infused and mix all our tallow in stainless steel equipment, this ensures that there are no heavy metals are leeched from any of our equipment (some ceramic cookware/equipment can leech heavy metals like lead).
Low temperatures: All of our tallow is rendered, infused at very specific temperatures in order to maintain the most robust nutrient panel. We incorporate essential oils at very specific temperatures, as well, in order to maintain their efficacious nature.
In it for the long haul: The full time process of rendering, setting, infusing, and pouring our tallow is about a 2 to 3 day process. We believe that tallow skincare is not only a science but an art as well, which is why we do not rush any part of the process in order to maintain the most nutrient dense and smoothest tallow possible.
Locally Sourced: We locally source whenever possible. Our raw materials include: suet, honey, beeswax, herbs. Our ingredients are dependent on the season, harvest and the local organic farm supply. We use multiple, high quality, transparent sources for each of these ingredients.
Suet only: We only use the interior fat from the cow, called suet. Suet is the fat surrounding the kidneys and is a cleaner fat, more nutrient dense and contains less poly unsaturated fatty acids.
Independent Lab Tested: By obtaining independent lab testing we are able to see robust array of fatty acids and vitamins present in our tallow.
You’ll notice that we have products that are labeled Cloud Creams and products that are Balms. The difference between the two is simply the texture. Our Cloud Creams are whipped and therefore have a fluffy texture and the Balms are firmer texture. The balms offer 20% more product as we can fit more inside so they tend to last longer. If you are looking for that lightweight Cloud Nine feel you’ll want to stick with our Cloud Creams.
Anti-aging Cloud Cream- This gentle yet effective moisturizer will help to combat the signs of aging. This is our best selling facial moisturizer that can be used day and/or night.
Gentle cloud Cream- This formula is specifically made without any essential oils. We infuse herbs in our tallow during the rendering process. This Cloud Cream can essentially be used for anyone but specifically made in mind
Tallow & Honey Balm- A multi-use balm formulated with beeswax to add a protective layer. This balm can be used for eczema, rashes, bug bites and more!
Lavender Cloud Cream- Our most versatile product for face or body, soothing and calming to all the senses!
Firming Body Cloud Cream- Got a problem areas? Dimples to dark spots our Firming Cloud Cream does the job.
Our Tallow Balm's unique characteristics are a testament to its natural origin and handcrafted process. Unlike chemically engineered products, variations in color, consistency, and scent are normal, reflecting the natural ingredients directly sourced from nature, not a laboratory. Each batch might differ slightly due to variations in tallow, influenced by factors like season, the animal's diet, and environmental conditions. Handmade rather than machine-produced, the balm's texture can change with temperature; it becomes firmer when cool and softer when warm. Even if melted and re-solidified, its effectiveness remains unaltered. These variations highlight the authenticity of our Tallow as a truly natural skincare product.
Given the raw and natural composition of our ingredients, you might occasionally observe small specks in your tallow products. These specks are typically derived from the natural crystals in raw honey or from the herbs used in our infusion process. While we employ thorough filtration techniques to ensure purity, there may be rare instances where minute particles remain. This occurrence is infrequent and does not impact the quality or efficacy of our tallow.
Storing your Tallow & Shelf Life
Keeping your tallow out of direct sunlight and at room temperature is best. Limit exposure to water and humidity as well. Because tallow is shelf stable without a chemical preservative, it is important to not incorporate water into your tallow. The water can harbor bacteria thus compromising the tallow itself.
The shelf life of our tallow is 12 months and best if used within 6 months of opening. Keeping your product tightly sealed will also help prolong the shelf life of your product.
Being a wholly natural product, its consistency can vary with each batch. While we ensure it’s smooth when it leaves our facility, external factors like temperature changes can affect its texture. Changes in temperature too hot or too cold can cause the essential fatty acids to clump back together. Raw materials without any preservatives, emulsifiers or chemicals to prevent this from happening. Know that this will not affect the results of using the product. Leaving it at room temperature can resolve this issue. If your balm is still grainy try warming it between your palms to restore smoothness before applying. If this doesn't resolve the issue, please don't hesitate to contact us for further assistance.
Safety
In our formulations, we use proper dilution ratios to ensure our products are non-phototoxic. For example, our lemon we used a steam distilled essential oil which is non-phototoxic.
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
We have undergone independent lab testing to make sure our products are safe without a concern for environmental pathogenetic growth.
Patch test, like any skincare, there is potential for allergies. Do not use if you have an allergy to any of the listed ingredients.
Is tallow gluten free: yes, but are not made in a certified GF facility.
Where can I find Tallow Me Pretty
All of our products are made in Washington, MI.
We have several retailers across the country. Please visit our Instagram to see our retailer highlight.
Shipping & Returns
We currently only ship within the US, but have plans for expansion.