FAQs

What is Tallow?

Tallow is a purified form of animal fat, typically sourced from cattle or sheep, that has been gently rendered to create a stable, nutrient-rich substance. Traditionally used for skincare, cooking, and even candle-making, tallow is packed with essential fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) and beneficial fatty acids that deeply nourish and protect the skin. Unlike modern synthetic skincare ingredients, tallow is naturally compatible with human skin, making it an excellent moisturizer that promotes healing and overall skin health.

Tallow has been traditionally used for a variety of purposes, including:

• Skincare – Tallow is a deeply nourishing moisturizer that helps hydrate and protect the skin. It is rich in fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) and fatty acids that support skin health, making it a key ingredient in balms, lotions, and soaps.
• Cooking – As a heat-stable fat, tallow is excellent for frying, roasting, and sautéing. It was a staple in traditional diets and is valued for its rich flavor and high smoke point.
• Candle & Soap Making – Tallow has been used for centuries to make candles and soap due to its firm texture and long shelf life. It creates a hard, long-lasting bar of soap with a creamy lather.
• Leather Conditioning – It is commonly used to treat and condition leather goods, helping to keep them supple and water-resistant.
• Lubrication – Historically, tallow was used as a lubricant for machinery and tools before synthetic alternatives became common.

Its versatility and natural composition make tallow a valuable ingredient across multiple industries and applications.

Where is your Tallow from:

We source our tallow from high-quality, 100% grass-fed beef (happy cows) raised on Big Island, Hawaii. The cattle are pasture-raised in a natural,sustainable environment, ensuring a superior nutrient profile rich in vitamins and beneficial fatty acids. We carefully render the tallow ourselves using a low-heat, water-free method to preserve its purity, freshness, and skin-nourishing properties. By maintaining full control over the process, we ensure the highest quality, free from additives, pesticides, hormones, or synthetic chemicals.

Why do we include essential oils?

We include essential oils in our tallow products to enhance their therapeutic benefits, provide natural fragrance, and support overall skin health. Essential oils offer a range of properties, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and soothing effects, which complement tallow’s deep nourishment. Additionally, they add a light, natural aroma without relying on synthetic fragrances or chemicals. Each essential oil is carefully selected to work synergistically with tallow, enhancing its ability to hydrate, protect, and restore the skin while providing a luxurious sensory experience.

Is Hawaii Tallow greasy?

Hawaii Tallow is deeply nourishing but not overly greasy when applied correctly. Because it closely matches the natural oils in human skin, it absorbs efficiently, providing intense hydration without leaving a heavy or sticky residue. A small amount goes a long way—when gently massaged into the skin, it melts in smoothly, leaving your skin soft, supple, and well-moisturized. Unlike synthetic creams that sit on the surface, tallow penetrates deeply, delivering lasting hydration without clogging pores.

Is Hawaii Tallow organic?

Yes, Hawaii Tallow is organic. The beef used to produce the tallow comes from cattle that are raised on the Big Island of Hawaii, where they are grass-fed and pasture-raised in a natural, chemical-free environment. The cattle are not given pesticides, hormones, or antibiotics, ensuring that the tallow is as pure and organic as possible. This means that our tallow is free from synthetic chemicals, providing a natural and nourishing product for your skin.

Why does Hawaii Tallow vary in colors and consistency?

Our Tallow Balm can vary in color, consistency, and scent due to the natural and organic nature of the ingredients we use. These variations are influenced by several factors, including:

Source of Tallow: Since our tallow comes from grass-fed cattle raised in the natural environment of Hawaii, the diet and lifestyle of the animals can affect the color and texture of the fat. This leads to slight differences in the balm's hue and consistency.

Seasonal Changes: The tallow can change slightly depending on the time of year. For example, the fat content and quality of the suet may vary based on the seasons, which in turn affects the balm’s consistency.

Essential Oils: We carefully select natural essential oils for their therapeutic properties. Depending on the blend, the scent and color of the balm may change. Some essential oils may be darker in color or more potent in fragrance, creating subtle differences from batch to batch.

Natural, Unprocessed Ingredients: Unlike synthetic products, our tallow balm is free from stabilizers or artificial additives, which means the natural qualities of the ingredients can fluctuate. This ensures that every batch is pure and retains all of the healing benefits of the raw materials.

These natural variations are a sign of the authenticity and quality of our product, ensuring that each jar is made with care and the finest ingredients available.

Are your Tallow Balms gluten-free / wheat-free / soy-free / nut-free / peanut-free / egg-free / shellfish-free?

Yes, our Tallow Balms are completely free from gluten, wheat, soy, nuts, peanuts, eggs, and shellfish. We prioritize purity and safety in our ingredients, ensuring that our products are suitable for those with sensitivities or allergies to these common allergens. Our tallow balms are made with simple, natural ingredients—primarily tallow and essential oils—so you can trust that they are safe and nourishing for all skin types.

I have read that tallow balm is not approved by the FDA and that it even carries risks, including that of mad cow disease. Is this true?

It's true that the FDA does not specifically "approve" tallow balm as it would a pharmaceutical product. However, tallow is a traditional and widely used ingredient in skincare and personal care products, and its safety has been well-established through centuries of use. When produced and rendered properly, tallow is a safe and effective ingredient for skincare.

As for concerns like mad cow disease (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, or BSE), the risk is extremely low in high-quality tallow products. Mad cow disease primarily affects cattle that are fed contaminated feed, especially when animal by-products are included in their diet. Our tallow comes from cattle that are grass-fed and raised in a natural, clean environment without the use of harmful feed or practices. This significantly reduces any risk of BSE. Additionally, proper rendering methods, such as the low-heat, water-free process we use, ensure that the tallow remains pure and safe for use in skincare products.

It’s important to choose tallow from trusted sources that prioritize quality and ethical farming practices, like our grass-fed beef from the Big Island of Hawaii, to ensure both safety and effectiveness.