If you care about what goes into your skincare—and where it comes from—you’ve probably wondered: Is tallow ethical? Is it sustainable? These are important questions, and the answer might surprise you.
Tallow is a byproduct of the meat industry, specifically the fat that would otherwise be discarded after the animal is processed for food. Instead of letting it go to waste, this fat can be rendered into nutrient-rich tallow, which has been used for centuries in everything from cooking to skincare. That makes tallow a zero-waste, upcycled ingredient—one that repurposes something already available, rather than requiring additional environmental impact to produce.
When sourced from grass-fed, responsibly raised cattle, tallow becomes even more aligned with sustainable values. Grass-fed farming typically involves rotational grazing, which can support healthier soil, reduced erosion, and more balanced ecosystems. Plus, animals raised without hormones or unnecessary antibiotics help support a cleaner agricultural system overall.
Ethically, it’s worth noting that tallow is only collected after the animal has already been processed for food. No animal is harmed solely for skincare purposes. For many people who already consume animal products or leather goods, using tallow is a way to honor the whole animal and reduce waste—rather than relying on synthetic ingredients made from petroleum or other industrial chemicals.
If you're trying to live more consciously, tallow skincare offers a rare combination: minimal ingredient lists, low waste, and a deep connection to traditional, natural practices. And when compared to the energy and waste required to produce many plant oils or lab-made actives, tallow is surprisingly low impact—especially when locally and responsibly sourced.
At Teton Skincare, we proudly use 100% American grass-fed tallow, supporting regenerative ranchers who care about their land, their animals, and the quality of what they produce. We believe skincare should be clean—not just for your body, but for the planet too.
🛒 Explore our sustainable tallow skincare collection now at Teton Skincare »