FAQ
Understanding Tallow Skincare
What is tallow and why is it good for skin?
Tallow is rendered fat from grass-fed cattle that's molecularly similar to human sebum. This isn't marketing speak - it's biochemistry. Clinical studies show tallow's fatty acid profile matches human sebum within 2-3%, making it uniquely biocompatible. Your skin recognizes tallow because it contains the same fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and fatty acid profile that your skin produces naturally. Most moisturizers sit on top of your skin; tallow actually integrates with your skin's barrier.
How does grass-fed tallow compare to regular commercial moisturizers?
Most commercial moisturizers are water-based formulations designed to feel good in the jar, not work well on your skin. We decided that wasn't good enough. Tallow doesn't need fillers, emulsifiers, or synthetic ingredients to be effective. While typical lotions provide 2-4 hours of surface hydration, properly formulated tallow balm delivers 12-24 hours of barrier repair and deep moisturization.
Is tallow safe for sensitive or acne-prone skin?
Yes, because high-quality grass-fed tallow has a comedogenic rating of 0-1 (non-pore-clogging). Independent testing confirms it's suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin types. The reason is simple: your skin already produces sebum with a very similar, biocompatible composition. Quality matters here. Poorly processed tallow causes reactions. Properly rendered grass-fed tallow is one of the gentlest moisturizers available, which is why we control every step of our sourcing and processing. That said, anyone with beef allergies should avoid tallow entirely.
What makes grass-fed tallow superior to grain-fed?
Grass-fed cattle produce tallow with 2-5x higher omega-3 fatty acids, 300% more vitamin K2, and significantly elevated CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) compared to grain-fed alternatives. Grain-fed cattle lack this nutritional density. We don't use grain-fed tallow because we're not interested in creating a mediocre product. The difference in skin benefits is measurable and noticeable.
Can you use tallow balm on your face daily?
Absolutely. Tallow's compatibility with human sebum makes it ideal for facial use. Start with evening application for the first week to assess skin response, then increase to twice daily if desired. Most users achieve optimal results with once-daily evening application. You'll use significantly less product than with conventional moisturizers - tallow is concentrated, so a little goes a long way.
About Our Citrus & Honey Tallow Balm
What exactly is in your tallow balm?
Grass-fed and finished beef tallow, organic olive oil, beeswax, honey, royal jelly, and our signature essential oil blend: sweet orange peel, sandalwood, rosalina, organic palmarosa, neroli, and organic frankincense oils. Each ingredient serves a specific purpose, formulated in clinically-tested ratios after over a year of development: tallow for deep moisturization and barrier repair, honey for natural antimicrobial properties, beeswax for structure and long-lasting protection, olive oil for additional nourishment, royal jelly for skin regeneration and collagen production, and our essential oil blend for their many therapeutic benefits.
Why did you choose citrus scent over unscented?
We tested many. Unscented tallow has a distinct animal fat smell that most people find off-putting, regardless of quality. We could have masked it with synthetic fragrances, but that defeats the purpose of a natural product. Sweet orange essential oil provides a fresh, universally appealing scent while adding vitamin C benefits. It's functional, not just cosmetic.
How is your tallow balm different from other brands?
Texture and scent. Most tallow balms are either too hard to apply easily or whipped with air to seem softer (which compromises nutrition and longevity). Ours maintains a smooth, creamy consistency that melts at skin temperature without being greasy. We spent over a year and tested over 200 formulation variations to achieve this texture - most tallow balms compromise on either effectiveness or feel. We refused to make that trade-off.
Where do you source your ingredients?
Our tallow comes from grass-fed cattle through certified suppliers who meet our standards for animal welfare and processing quality. All processing happens in GMP-certified facilities - the same standards used for pharmaceuticals. We manufacture in California using solar power and ship from Illinois for optimal delivery times across the US.
Is your product organic?
We prioritize ingredient quality and sourcing integrity over certification labels. Some ingredients are organic, others exceed organic standards through direct supplier relationships. Many certified organic products still contain synthetic preservatives and processing aids. We're increasing the number of certified organic ingredients in our formulation without compromising product effectiveness.
Application and Usage
How do you properly apply tallow balm?
Less is more. Use a pea-sized amount for your face, dime-sized for larger body areas. Warm it between your palms first, if needed, as tallow melts at body temperature. Apply to clean, slightly damp skin for best absorption. The balm should disappear completely within a few minutes. If it feels heavy or greasy, you're using too much.
How often should you use tallow balm?
This depends on your skin's needs. For dry skin, twice daily (morning and evening) works well. Normal skin needs only evening application. Apply after evening cleansing for optimal overnight repair. Very dry areas like elbows or heels can be treated as needed. Start with once daily and adjust based on results - your skin will tell you what it needs.
Can you wear makeup or sunscreen over tallow balm?
Yes. Tallow absorbs completely and creates an excellent base for other products. Apply the balm first, wait 5-10 minutes for full absorption, then proceed with makeup or sunscreen. The smooth texture won't interfere with application or effectiveness of subsequent products.
What should high-quality tallow balm feel like?
Smooth and creamy, never grainy or overly thick. It should melt easily at skin temperature and absorb completely without leaving residue. If your tallow balm feels rough, separates, or stays greasy on your skin, it's either poorly formulated or old. Quality tallow balm should enhance your skin's texture, not compromise it.
Storage and Longevity
How should you store tallow balm?
Room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat. Tallow is stable at normal temperatures but will soften in heat and firm up in cold - this is normal. Don't leave it in hot cars or steamy bathrooms. Proper storage maintains both texture and shelf life.
How long does tallow balm last?
Our balm maintains full potency for 18 months unopened, 12 months after opening when stored properly at room temperature. However, essential oils naturally dissipate over time, so use the jar within 6 months of opening for the best scent and aromatherapy experience. Signs it's time to replace: rancid smell, significant texture changes, or any mold growth. The natural antimicrobial properties of honey and beeswax help preserve the product, but like any natural skincare, it won't last forever.
What's the best way to travel with tallow balm?
TSA-compliant 2oz jars travel easily in carry-on luggage. Tallow's stability means it won't leak or separate during flight pressure changes, unlike many liquid moisturizers. Keep it in your toiletry bag - temperature fluctuations during travel won't damage the product.
Does tallow balm need refrigeration?
No, but refrigeration can extend shelf life in very hot climates. Cold tallow will be firmer; warm tallow will be softer. This is normal behavior. If you refrigerate it, let it reach room temperature before use for easier application.
Skin Types and Conditions
Is tallow effective for very dry or cracked skin?
Yes, this is where tallow excels. Its barrier-repair properties and deep penetration make it particularly effective for chronically dry skin conditions. Clinical observations show 85% of users report noticeable improvement in severely dry areas within 3-5 days of consistent use. The biocompatible fats help restore your skin's natural protective function rather than just temporarily masking dryness.
Can people with eczema or psoriasis use tallow balm?
Yes. Tallow's gentle barrier-repair properties make it particularly beneficial for eczema and psoriasis. Unlike harsh synthetic ingredients, tallow works with your skin's natural healing process. Everyone's skin is different, so patch test first.
Does tallow work for mature or aging skin?
The vitamin content (A, D, E, K) and intensive moisturization make tallow particularly beneficial for mature skin. We also include royal jelly, which supports skin regeneration and collagen production, plus honey for its skin-repairing properties. These nutrients work synergistically to support natural collagen production and cellular repair. Users typically report improved skin texture and elasticity within 4-6 weeks of consistent use.
Is tallow balm safe for children?
Yes. Tallow's gentle, natural composition makes it safe for children. It's particularly effective for conditions like diaper rash or dry patches. However, our blend contains therapeutic-grade essential oils at concentrations that may be too strong for children under 2 years, so always consult your pediatrician for very young children. When in doubt, ask your child's healthcare provider, and patch test with any new product.
Comparisons with Other Products
How does tallow compare to shea butter?
Shea butter provides surface moisturization, but tallow penetrates deeper due to its similarity to human sebum. Tallow also contains fat-soluble vitamins that shea butter lacks. While shea butter has its place, tallow provides longer-lasting results and superior barrier repair.
Is tallow better than coconut oil for skincare?
Yes, for most people. Coconut oil has a comedogenic rating of 4/5 (highly pore-clogging) and melts at 76°F, making it impractical for stable balm formulations in most climates. Grass-fed tallow is non-comedogenic and more stable. Tallow delivers superior results for serious moisturization. Unlike coconut oil, it won't clog pores and maintains stability across temperature ranges.
What's wrong with petroleum-based products?
Petroleum products are synthetic byproducts of oil refinement, they're not natural ingredients. They create a barrier but don't nourish skin, can interfere with your skin's natural functions, and provide no nutritional benefits. They're also not biodegradable. Tallow works with your skin's natural processes while providing essential nutrients. It's the difference between blocking and supporting.
Our Business Approach
Who is Harvest & Herd?
We're a 100% family-owned business, which means we make decisions based on long-term quality, not quarterly profits. We don't answer to investors who might pressure us to cut costs or compromise on ingredients. This allows us to control our own standards and prioritize customers who use and love our products over shareholders who just want returns.
What makes your manufacturing different?
We manufacture in solar-powered, FDA-registered, GMP-certified facilities meeting pharmaceutical-grade standards - the same requirements used for prescription topical medications. Most cosmetic manufacturers use standard facilities. We chose pharmaceutical-grade standards because we believe skincare deserves the same precision as medicine. We also manufacture in California and ship from Illinois, which optimizes delivery times while maintaining our environmental commitments.
Do you plan to expand your product line?
Yes but only if we can maintain the same quality standards. We'd rather perfect one excellent product than create a mediocre product line. Any expansion will follow the same principles: no shortcuts, no compromises, no products that don't genuinely improve on what's already available.
What's your satisfaction policy?
We stand behind our product quality. If you're not satisfied with your purchase, contact us and we'll make it right. We're more interested in your long-term satisfaction than short-term sales.
Are your products tested on animals?
Never. We are completely cruelty-free and have been since our founding. Additionally, we source tallow only from animals that have lived happy, natural lives on pasture. Our ingredients have established safety profiles, and we use only ethical testing methods.
How can I contact you with questions?
Email us directly at support@harvestandherd.com or use the help button at the bottom. We respond personally, not through a call center. We believe in direct communication and honest answers to your questions. If we don't know something, we'll tell you that too.
If you have questions we haven't addressed, contact us.