Why Tallow?

Historically, tallow was a major staple in skincare, soap making, and other personal care products.

However, toward the end of the 19th century, and into the 20th, industrial plant based oils grew in popularity as alternatives to tallow. These industrial oils were able to be cheaply mass-produced and hydrogenated to mimic the stability of animal fats.

In addition to the industrialization of plant based oils, the rise in synthetic chemistry introduced petroleum-based ingredients — such as mineral oil, paraffins, emulsifiers, and surfactants. I.e. forever chemicals.

The shift in marketing in the early 20th century shamed tallow as being “old fashioned” and promoted the industrial and synthetic alternatives as “modern”, “pure”, and “scientific”…

Fast forward a hundred years, and we’re discovering that the industrial plant oil and forever chemicals aren’t that great for us! We’re just beginning to rediscover what our ancestors knew all along — Tallow is AMAZING!

There is simply no better alternative to the simple, natural, and renewable resource of Tallow!

Not All Tallow is Created Equal

At Western Montana Tallow Co we take great lengths to ensure we’re producing the finest quality tallow without sacrificing its nutritional value — for this, we believe that every stage of our process matters!

  • While other brands may use industrially produced tallow as their base, we render our own!
    We source our suet locally from 100% grass-fed and finished beef!
    Like with grass-fed meat, grass-fed tallow has a higher nutrition value, and a stronger fatty acid profile than it’s commercially raised grain-fed cousin. All of our tallow is sourced locally from the Missoula valley and surrounding ranches in Western Montana.

    Grass-fed tallow is nutritionally superior:

    • Higher in omega-3s and CLA, promoting anti-inflammatory benefits.

    • Richer in Vitamins: Contains more vitamins A, D, E, and K.

    • Antioxidant Properties: More antioxidants extend shelf life and provide added health benefits.

  • Second, we render only the hard inner fat that surrounds the kidneys - the suet. Other tallow brands may use a combination fat and suet or simply render fat trimmings alone. While rendered fat trimmings are great for cooking and frying, we don’t recommend using it in your skin products! The kidney fat contains a higher nutritional value than fat trimmings - it also is mostly free of meat, so it results in a cleaner, higher quality tallow than products rendered fat trimmings.

  • There are two basic ways to render tallow - the fist is the dry method which involves simply cooking down the fat with no water added - then the fried solids are filtered out and the result is what is typically sold as cooking tallow. The wet method is more involved, but results in a harder, more pure tallow.

    We’ve found that the best way to render our tallow is using the “wet” method. First we trim out any meaty bits and glands from the suet that can add an unpleasant fragrance, then we boil the suet with kosher salt and water until the oil is released. The tallow is then skimmed from the top and cooled; we repeat this process twice to remove as many impurities as possible. After the tallow is rendered, we then heat it on a low temperature just until all of the moisture is evaporated. This method keeps the nutritional integrity of the tallow and results in a very pure product with only a mild tallow scent. By far, this is not the quickest way to render tallow, but we think it’s the best!

All-natural and health-beneficial Ingredients

We consider the health benefit to every additional ingredient in our products. Some of the ingredients are necessary to make the tallow more useable as a skin product, and some are added specifically for their health property — but whatever we blend with our gorgeous tallow is done so while taking care to only add healthy attributes!

We’ve listed out most of our ingredients here, with their primary health benefit. Ingredients will also be found in the product description for each item.

Soft Oils

We blend soft oils into some of our products to create a softer, more malleable product. This is especially desirable in our balms and salves. We’ve chosen to use castor and/or jojoba oil because of their beneficial properties.

    1. Moisturizing and Hydrating:

      • Castor oil is a thick, viscous oil that acts as a natural humectant, helping to lock in moisture.

      • Its fatty acids penetrate the skin, providing deep hydration, which is especially beneficial for dry or flaky skin.

      • It can be used as a standalone moisturizer or mixed with lighter oils (like jojoba or almond oil) for easier application.

    2. Anti-Inflammatory Properties:

      • The ricinoleic acid in castor oil has anti-inflammatory effects, which can help soothe irritated or inflamed skin.

      • It may be helpful for conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or sunburn, though you should consult a dermatologist before using it on sensitive or compromised skin.

    3. Antimicrobial and Antibacterial Effects:

      • Castor oil has antimicrobial properties that can help prevent bacterial or fungal infections on the skin.

      • It may be useful for treating minor cuts, scrapes, or acne-prone skin by reducing the growth of acne-causing bacteria.

    4. Promotes Wound Healing:

      • Due to its moisturizing and antimicrobial properties, castor oil can support the healing of minor wounds, cuts, or abrasions.

      • It creates a protective barrier on the skin, which helps prevent infection and keeps the area hydrated.

    5. Reduces Acne and Breakouts:

      • While castor oil is heavy and may clog pores for some people, its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce acne in others.

      • It is often used in the "oil cleansing method" (combined with lighter oils) to dissolve excess sebum and impurities.

    6. Improves Skin Texture and Tone:

      • Regular use of castor oil may help soften rough or uneven skin due to its emollient properties.

      • Its vitamin E content may also support skin repair and reduce the appearance of scars or stretch marks over time.

    7. May Reduce the Appearance of Fine Lines and Wrinkles:

      • The fatty acids in castor oil can help plump the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

      • Its antioxidant properties (from vitamin E) may protect against free radical damage, which contributes to premature aging.

    8. Soothes Chapped Lips:

      • Castor oil is a common ingredient in lip balms because of its thick, hydrating texture.

      • It can help repair dry, cracked lips and provide a protective barrier against harsh weather condition.

    9. May Help with Hyperpigmentation:

  • Jojoba oil is extracted from the seeds of the jojoba plant (Simmondsia chinensis), a shrub native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Unlike most plant oils, jojoba oil is technically a liquid wax ester, which closely resembles the natural sebum produced by human skin. This unique composition makes it a popular choice in skincare. Below are the key benefits of using jojoba oil on the skin, along with tips for use and precautions.

    Benefits of Jojoba Oil for Skin

    1. Moisturizing and Hydrating:

      • Jojoba oil is an excellent emollient that mimics the skin's natural oils, helping to balance moisture levels.

      • It penetrates deeply without leaving a greasy residue, making it suitable for both dry and oily skin types.

      • It helps prevent transepidermal water loss, keeping skin soft and hydrated.

    2. Non-Comedogenic (Low Risk of Clogging Pores):

      • Jojoba oil has a low comedogenic rating, meaning it is unlikely to clog pores for most people.

      • This makes it a great option for acne-prone or combination skin, as it hydrates without exacerbating breakouts.

    3. Regulates Sebum Production:

      • Because jojoba oil is similar to human sebum, it can "trick" the skin into producing less oil, helping to balance oily skin.

      • This can reduce shine and prevent excess oil buildup, which may contribute to acne.

    4. Anti-Inflammatory Properties:

      • Jojoba oil contains anti-inflammatory compounds that can soothe irritated or inflamed skin.

      • It may help reduce redness and swelling associated with conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea.

    5. Rich in Antioxidants:

      • Jojoba oil is naturally rich in vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from free radical damage.

      • This can help slow down signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles, and protect against environmental stressors like UV damage and pollution.

    6. Antibacterial and Antimicrobial Effects:

      • Jojoba oil has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, which can help prevent infections on the skin.

      • It may be beneficial for treating acne, as it can reduce the growth of acne-causing bacteria like Propionibacterium acnes.

    7. Promotes Wound Healing:

      • Jojoba oil supports skin repair and regeneration, making it useful for healing minor cuts, scrapes, or burns.

      • Its antimicrobial properties help prevent infection, while its moisturizing effects keep the area hydrated for faster recovery.

    8. Reduces Acne and Breakouts:

      • By balancing oil production, reducing inflammation, and fighting bacteria, jojoba oil can help prevent and treat acne.

      • It is often used in the oil cleansing method to dissolve excess sebum, makeup, and impurities without stripping the skin.


Essential Oils

While our rendering process results in a very mild, faint tallow smell, we understand that some of our customers like a nice natural fragrance in their product. We use only essential oils to add fragrance - no synthetic or mystery fragrances!

  • Frankincense, derived from the resin of the Boswellia tree, has been used for centuries for its healing and rejuvenating properties on the skin. Here are some of the top benefits:

    1. Anti-Aging Properties:

      • Frankincense oil is known to help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots by promoting cell regeneration and improving skin elasticity due to its astringent properties.

    2. Fights Acne:

      • Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties can help reduce acne by killing bacteria that cause breakouts and calming skin inflammation.

    3. Reduces Scars and Blemishes:

      • The oil is believed to promote healing and can minimize the appearance of scars, stretch marks, and other blemishes by encouraging skin regeneration.

    4. Hydration and Moisture Retention:

      • Frankincense helps in balancing skin's oil production and maintaining hydration, which can be beneficial for both dry and oily skin types.

    5. Improves Skin Tone:

      • Regular use can lead to a more even skin tone, reducing hyperpigmentation and giving the skin a brighter, more youthful appearance.

    6. Anti-Inflammatory:

      • It can soothe irritated skin, reducing redness and inflammation, which is beneficial for conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea.

    7. Promotes Wound Healing:

      • With its antiseptic properties, frankincense can aid in faster wound healing, helping to prevent infection and promote new tissue growth.

    1. Soothes Irritation and Inflammation:

      • Lavender has strong anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe irritated skin, reducing redness, swelling, and inflammation associated with various skin conditions like eczema or dermatitis.

    2. Promotes Healing of Cuts and Burns:

      • Its antiseptic and healing properties aid in the faster recovery of minor wounds, cuts, scrapes, and burns. It can help prevent infection and promote new tissue growth.

    3. Acne Treatment:

      • Due to its antibacterial properties, lavender oil can help in fighting acne-causing bacteria. It also helps in regulating sebum production, which can prevent new breakouts.

    4. Calms Skin Allergies and Sensitivities:

      • Its calming properties can be beneficial for those with sensitive or allergic skin, helping to reduce symptoms like itching and rashes.

    5. Improves Sleep Quality, Benefiting Skin Health:

      • Lavender's calming scent can improve sleep quality, which is crucial for skin repair and regeneration during the night.

  • Citrus essential oils, including those from lemon, orange, and grapefruit used in our citrus blend, offer several benefits in skincare due to their unique properties:


    1. Antioxidant Rich:

      • Citrus oils are packed with antioxidants like Vitamin C, which can help combat free radical damage, thus slowing down the aging process and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

    2. Brightens Skin Tone:

      • They are known for their skin-lightening effects, helping to fade hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and even out skin tone for a brighter complexion.

    3. Oil Control:

      • Citrus oils can regulate sebum production, making them beneficial for those with oily or acne-prone skin. They help in reducing excess oil, which can lead to fewer breakouts.

    4. Exfoliation:

      • Many citrus oils contain natural AHA (alpha hydroxy acids), which gently exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells to reveal fresher, smoother skin underneath.

    5. Antimicrobial Properties:

      • These oils have antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help in treating and preventing acne by killing bacteria on the skin's surface.

    6. Promotes Collagen Production:

      • The vitamin C content in citrus oils supports collagen synthesis, which is crucial for maintaining skin's elasticity and firmness.

    7. Deodorizing and Refreshing:

      • They provide a natural fragrance that can deodorize and freshen up the skin, making them popular in cleansers, toners, and body mists.

    8. Anti-Inflammatory:

      • Some citrus oils have anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe irritated skin, reduce redness, and calm conditions like rosacea or dermatitis.

    9. Circulation Booster:

      • When massaged into the skin, citrus oils can improve blood circulation, giving the skin a healthy glow and aiding in detoxification through better lymphatic drainage.

  • We use eucalyptus in our Bite balm.

    1. Antibacterial Properties:

      • Eucalyptus oil has strong antibacterial effects, making it useful in fighting acne-causing bacteria. It can help prevent new breakouts and treat existing ones.

    2. Anti-inflammatory:

      • Its anti-inflammatory properties can soothe irritated skin, reducing redness, swelling, and inflammation. This makes it beneficial for conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or after exposure to irritants.

Minerals

We incorporate naturally occurring minerals into some of our products to add even more benefits.

  • Non-Nano Zinc Oxide: Naturally sourced, this form of zinc oxide ensures broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection without the risk of nanoparticle penetration into the skin.

    • Zinc possesses natural anti-inflammatory properties which can help soothe irritated skin, reduce redness, and calm conditions like acne, rosacea, and eczema. Products with zinc can help manage flare-ups and decrease overall skin inflammation.

    • It's gentle enough for sensitive skin, offering a physical barrier against sun exposure while soothing and calming irritated skin.

    • Zinc plays a key role in cell proliferation, protein synthesis, and the maintenance of skin integrity, which are essential for wound healing. Topical zinc can promote faster healing of skin lesions, cuts, and burns by aiding in tissue regeneration.

  • Known for its muscle-relaxing properties, magnesium helps to soothe sore muscles, reduce stress, and promote a sense of calm. It's an ideal post-workout treatment or nightly ritual to aid in relaxation and recovery.

    1. Adsorption of Toxins: Activated charcoal is known for its strong adsorption properties. It can bind to toxins from insect bites or stings, potentially reducing the effects of venom or other irritants introduced into the skin.

    2. Reduces Swelling: By absorbing toxins, activated charcoal might help in reducing inflammation and swelling at the site of the bite or sting, offering some relief from discomfort.

By choosing our tallow, you're choosing a healthy, natural, and sustainable product, and at the same time supporting local regenerative ranching which benefits both the environment and our community!

Thank you, and enjoy!!