I didn’t think I’d ever be the person rubbing beef fat on my face. Like, at all. But I kept seeing “pure tallow” everywhere. People swearing it fixed their dry skin, their texture, their flaking, their angry winter face, even their “nothing works on me” eczema-ish patches. And I was sitting there with a bathroom shelf full of half used moisturizers that either did nothing… or made me itch.
So I did it. I used a simple, unscented pure tallow balm for 30 days. Face, neck, and a few problem spots on my body. No fancy layering. No actives for the first week. Just to get a clean read.
This is my honest review. Not a miracle story. Not a “one product changed my DNA” thing. Just what actually happened, what surprised me, what annoyed me, and who I think it’s for.
Quick context. My skin type and what I was trying to fix
My skin is… inconsistent. It shifts.
- Cheeks get dry and tight, especially after cleansing.
- Nose and forehead can get a little shiny midday.
- I get random rough patches and texture that looks like tiny bumps when makeup sits on top.
- I’m sensitive to fragrance. Some essential oils make me red fast.
- In winter (or AC season), I can get that dull, papery look. Not cute.
What I wanted from tallow was simple:
- Less dryness and tightness
- Smoother texture
- Calm skin that doesn’t feel reactive
- A moisturizer that actually lasts more than 2 hours
What “pure tallow” actually is (in normal words)
Tallow is rendered animal fat, usually from cows. When people say “pure tallow” in skincare, they typically mean:
- Rendered and filtered fat
- Usually from grass fed cows (not always, but commonly marketed that way)
- Turned into a balm like texture you can scoop or glide
It’s not new, by the way. Humans have used animal fats on skin forever. We just forgot because modern skincare went the lab route. Which is fine. But yeah, this isn’t some trendy invention. It’s more like… a comeback.
The product I used (and what I looked for)
I’m not naming a specific brand here because “Pure Tallow” is often sold by small makers, and the formulas vary widely. Some Pure Tallow products are whipped, some are hard, and others may add ingredients like olive oil, essential oils, honey, or calendula.
I chose one that was:
- 100% tallow
- Unscented
- No essential oils
- No added oils
- In a simple jar
Because if I’m testing something, I want to know what’s doing what.
Texture wise, it was a balm. Solid in cooler weather, soft when warmed between fingers.
Smell. Let’s talk about the smell.
It didn’t smell like a burger. But it did have a faint “clean animal fat” scent if you stuck your nose in the jar. Once on the skin, it faded pretty fast. Still, if you’re expecting it to smell like vanilla frosting, no. This is not that.
How I used it for 30 days (my routine)
I kept it boring on purpose.
Morning
- Rinse with water or very gentle cleanser
- Pat dry, but not bone dry
- Tiny amount of tallow (like, smaller than a pea)
- Sunscreen after it soaked in (important, more on that later)
Night
- Gentle cleanse
- Tallow on slightly damp skin
- On dry patches, I used a slightly thicker layer
On body: elbows, shins, and one angry dry patch near my wrist.
I avoided using strong exfoliants the first 7 days. I wanted to see how my skin reacted without me messing it up then blaming the product.
Week by week results (the real part)
Days 1 to 3: “Oh. This is… heavy.”
First impression was honestly mixed.
It felt rich. Occlusive. Like it sat on top for a while. If you apply too much, you will look shiny. Not “glowy”. Shiny.
But the upside was immediate: my skin did not feel tight after cleansing. That was new for me. Usually I moisturize and still feel like my cheeks are quietly screaming. With tallow, that stopped.
No stinging. No redness. That was a relief.
Small annoyance: I had to learn the right amount. The first two nights I used too much and my pillowcase paid the price. So yeah, start tiny. Warm it in your fingers until it goes clear, then press it in.
Days 4 to 10: dryness improved, texture started shifting
This was when I started liking it.
My cheeks felt consistently comfortable. Like the baseline hydration was better. Not “wet”, not “plumped like filler”, just… normal skin. That sounds boring but it’s kind of the dream.
The rough texture on my cheekbones started feeling smoother when I washed my face. Not gone. But softened.
Also, my makeup sat better. Specifically around the sides of my mouth where I sometimes get flaky. It wasn’t doing that thing where foundation clings to invisible dryness.
One thing I noticed though. If I put tallow on and immediately put sunscreen, some sunscreens didn’t like it. They would pill. Not always. But enough that I started waiting 10 to 15 minutes before SPF.
Days 11 to 20: my skin looked calmer, but I had one small breakout
Here’s where I have to be honest.
Around day 14, I got two small clogged bumps on my chin. Not cystic. Not painful. Just those “hello, your pores are trying to communicate” bumps.
Was it tallow? Maybe. Chin is also where I break out when anything is too heavy. And tallow is, objectively, rich.
So I adjusted:
- I used less on my chin and nose
- I focused it more on cheeks and dry zones
- I made sure I wasn’t applying it over a soaking wet face (damp is good, dripping wet can make it slide and you use more)
The bumps went away within a few days. No lingering chaos.
But this is important: if you’re very acne prone, you should pay attention to this. Tallow can be amazing for barrier support, but if your pores clog easily, you may need to use it strategically, not slather everywhere.
By day 20, my skin looked less reactive overall. Less redness around the nose. Less “why is my face annoyed” vibes.
Days 21 to 30: the steady state. this is the part that matters
At the end of 30 days, here’s what I can say confidently.
What improved:
- Dryness and tightness: basically gone
- Flaking: gone
- Skin comfort: way up
- Overall texture: smoother, especially on cheeks
- My skin looked more even toned, in a subtle way
What didn’t magically change:
- I still have visible pores around my nose
- I still get occasional hormonal chin stuff
- It didn’t “erase” every bump or mark
What surprised me most: My skin felt more resilient. Like when I used cleanser, it didn’t immediately feel stripped. When the weather changed, my face didn’t freak out. That barrier support feeling is real.
The pros (what I genuinely liked)
1. It made my skin feel protected
Not greasy protected. More like… the moisture stayed in. My skin didn’t feel exposed.
2. Simple ingredient list
For sensitive skin people, that can be huge. No fragrance. No long list of plant extracts that sound nice but randomly irritate you.
3. A little goes a long way
Once I learned the amount, the jar barely moved. This can be cost effective depending on what you buy.
4. Great for dry patches on the body
Elbows and shins looked better fast. Also helped a rough patch near my wrist that usually needs constant lotion.
The cons (because yes, there are cons)
1. The texture can be a learning curve
If you hate balms, you might hate this. You need to warm it. You need to apply it right. If you apply too much, you’ll feel it.
2. Can be too heavy for oily or acne prone areas
It’s not automatically comedogenic for everyone, but it can clog some people. Especially if you use it like a lightweight gel moisturizer. It’s not that.
3. The smell is… natural
Even unscented has a faint smell. Some brands add essential oils to cover it, but that can irritate sensitive skin. So you pick your tradeoff.
4. Sunscreen compatibility
Some SPFs layer fine over it, some pill. Waiting helps. Using less helps. But it’s something to know.
Who I think pure tallow is best for
Based on my 30 days, I’d recommend trying pure tallow if you are:
- Dry or very dry
- Dehydrated and tight feeling after cleansing
- Sensitive to fragrance and overly complex formulas
- Dealing with flaking, barrier damage, or over exfoliation fallout
- In winter climate or you’re constantly in AC
And I’d be cautious if you are:
- Very acne prone, especially closed comedones
- Super oily and hate any feeling of product on your skin
- Using a lot of heavy products already (you may end up overdoing it)
Tips if you try it (so you don’t quit on day 2)
These are the things that made the difference for me.
- Start with a tiny amount. Like half a pea for the whole face.
- Warm it in your fingers until it turns clear, then press it in.
- Use it on damp skin not dripping wet.
- Spot apply if you’re acne prone. Cheeks only is totally fine.
- Wait before sunscreen. Give it 10 to 15 minutes.
- Don’t mix it with a bunch of new actives on week one. Let your skin settle first.
Final verdict after 30 days
Pure tallow did not “fix everything”. But it did something I care about more than trendy results.
It made my skin feel stable. Comfortable. Less reactive. And it consistently handled dryness better than most moisturizers I’ve tried, especially the ones that feel nice for 10 minutes then disappear.
Will I keep using it? Yes, but not always all over my face. I like it best as a night moisturizer and as a “cheeks and dry zones” product. In summer or on my chin, I’ll use less or skip.
If you’re someone whose skin barrier is tired and dramatic, pure tallow is worth a real test run. A full month. Small amount. Slow and steady.
FAQ: Pure Tallow for Skin
Is pure tallow good for your face?
It can be, especially for dry, sensitive, or barrier compromised skin. It’s rich and protective, so many people find it reduces tightness and flaking. If you’re acne prone, patch test and consider using it only on dry areas first. You might want to explore options like Purely Tallow, which offers high-quality tallow products.
Will tallow clog pores?
For some people, yes. For others, no. My chin reacted with a couple small clogged bumps when I used too much, but adjusting the amount fixed it. If you clog easily, start slow and avoid heavy application on problem zones.
How often should I use tallow moisturizer?
I used it once or twice daily. Many people prefer it at night only because it can feel heavy under daytime sunscreen and makeup. You can also spot use it on dry patches as needed.
Can I use tallow under sunscreen?
Yes, but give it time to absorb and use a small amount. Some sunscreens may pill if applied too quickly on top of a balm.
Does pure tallow help eczema or very dry patches?
It helped my dry patches a lot. For eczema specifically, some people love it because it’s simple and soothing, but eczema can be complicated. If you have diagnosed eczema, it’s smart to patch test and follow your dermatologist’s guidance.
What’s the difference between pure tallow and whipped tallow?
Pure tallow is usually a denser balm. Whipped tallow is aerated, lighter feeling, and spreads easier. Whipped versions sometimes include added oils, so check the ingredient list if you need something truly minimal.
How do I store tallow skincare?
Keep it in a cool, dry place with the lid closed. Heat can soften it a lot and make it messy, but it usually resolidifies without an issue.
Can I use pure tallow if I have oily skin?
You can, but you might prefer it only at night or only on dry areas. If your skin already produces a lot of oil, a heavy balm can feel too much.
How long does it take to see results?
For me, dryness relief was immediate, texture improvements showed up around week two, and the overall “calm skin” feeling was most obvious by the end of 30 days.
Readmore: purisia.com
