Free Shipping on all US orders over $75

  • Face Care
  • Body Care
  • Blog
Ancient Tallow
00

Make the switch

Sign up for the Ancient newsletter to get 15% off your first order and jump start your transition to optimal skin health!

Get 15% off your first order!
ancienttallow2025-01-20T22:03:54-05:00
The history of tallow skincare

The history of tallow skincare

The history of tallow skincare

The history of tallow skincare

Generations of nourishment

Tallow has an enduring legacy in skincare that stretches across millennia. From ancient Egypt to today’s natural skincare movement, rendered animal fats have provided nourishment, protection, and healing to generations of people.

But how did it evolve into a cherished skincare essential?

Ancient beginnings

The earliest recorded use of tallow for skincare dates back to ancient civilizations. The Egyptians, known for their meticulous beauty rituals, used tallow-based ointments to combat the harsh desert climate. Meanwhile, the Babylonians and Mesopotamians used tallow in healing balms, utilizing its anti-inflammatory properties to treat burns and scrapes.

Roman innovations

The Roman Empire brought tallow into their famous bathhouses, applying it after cleansing to moisturize and protect the skin. They also used it in their primitive soaps, often pairing it with fragrant herbs to create luxurious balms for the elite.

Medieval endurance

During the Middle Ages, tallow’s versatility was celebrated. European households used it in soaps and balms to combat the effects of cold winters. Its affordability made it accessible, ensuring that even the less affluent could enjoy its benefits.

Colonial and pioneer days

In early America, tallow was a common ingredient in homemade soaps and balms. Pioneer women, often grandmothers, passed down tallow-based skincare remedies through generations, sharing their knowledge of how to use this versatile ingredient to protect and heal skin in the face of harsh conditions.

The Industrial Revolution and Victorian Era

Tallow continued to be a vital component in cosmetics and skincare during the 1800s. It was commonly blended with floral oils and essences, creating luxurious lotions and creams that not only moisturized but also provided pleasing fragrances. In fact, tallow’s use in skin and beauty products remained remarkably consistent from ancient times until the early to mid-1900s.

The temporary decline of tallow

After World War II, tallow skincare faded as mass-produced, synthetic products became popular. The focus shifted to modern innovations, and tallow was seen as old-fashioned. As the ’80s and ’90s brought a strong dislike of fats, tallow was pushed aside in both food and beauty products. Tallow’s natural fat content made it less appealing during this time, and it took a backseat to newer alternatives that were then decidedly “healthier” but have turned out to do more harm than good.

The modern renaissance of tallow skincare

With increasing awareness of the health risks posed by synthetic ingredients, people are returning to natural skincare options. Tallow, once a staple in beauty routines, is making a strong comeback. As people embrace transparency in what they put on their skin, tallow is reclaiming its place as a trusted ingredient in modern skincare.

Tallow is timeless

From its humble beginnings to its polished modern form, tallow has proven its worth as a timeless skincare solution. Whether you’re looking for hydration, healing, or sustainability, this age-old ingredient offers a blend of tradition and innovation that continues to captivate glow seekers worldwide.

An ancient gift from nature

Ancient Tallow Face Balm

Restorative Tallow Face Balm

$44.99 — or subscribe and save 10%

Shop now

Join the tribe: we'll send more keys to unlocking your ancestral glow + a code for 10% off your first order!

*Limit once per customer

More from the Ancient Blog

Think Before You Rub

Think Before You Rub

If you’re moisturizing multiple times a day, you probably believe you have “abnormally” dry skin… But your skin is a highly permeable and complex system....

Read Now
Tallow as a luxurious experience - no animal fat smell or grease

Tallow as a luxurious experience – no animal fat smell or grease

100% grass-fed and finished beef tallow has been a trusted ingredient in skincare for centuries. Packed with vitamins like A, D, E, and K, tallow...

Read Now
Bioavailability and why it matters

What is bioavailability and why it matters

In skincare, bioavailability measures how well the compounds of an ingredient achieve their desired effect based on the chemistry between the ingredient and your skin....

Read Now

How to restore your ancestral glow

Your ancestral glow is when you radiate health and vitality. We call it ancestral because it is inherent in us to feel that way. Our...

Read Now
Why a heavier moisturizer is best in winter

Why a heavier moisturizer is the key to winter comfort

During winter, cold air, low humidity, and indoor heating draw moisture away from the skin, leaving it dry and vulnerable to irritation. Incorporating a heavier...

Read Now
Why tallow

Why Tallow?

Beef fat for skincare? I know, it sounds crazy—trust me, that’s what I thought at first, but it turns out, it’s not crazy at all....

Read Now
contact us

Questions about tallow or your skincare journey?

Contact us

Related Posts

Why tallow
16OctOctober 16, 2024

Why Tallow?

Beef fat for skincare? I know, it sounds crazy—trust me, that’s what I thought at first, but it turns out,... read more
Why a heavier moisturizer is best in winter
15DecDecember 15, 2024

Why a heavier moisturizer is the key to winter comfort

During winter, cold air, low humidity, and indoor heating draw moisture away from the skin, leaving it dry and vulnerable... read more
11JanJanuary 11, 2025

How to restore your ancestral glow

Your ancestral glow is when you radiate health and vitality. We call it ancestral because it is inherent in us... read more
Bioavailability and why it matters
20JanJanuary 20, 2025

What is bioavailability and why it matters

In skincare, bioavailability measures how well the compounds of an ingredient achieve their desired effect based on the chemistry between... read more
Tallow as a luxurious experience - no animal fat smell or grease
20JanJanuary 20, 2025

Tallow as a luxurious experience – no animal fat smell or grease

100% grass-fed and finished beef tallow has been a trusted ingredient in skincare for centuries. Packed with vitamins like A,... read more
Think Before You Rub
22MayMay 22, 2025

Think Before You Rub

If you’re moisturizing multiple times a day, you probably believe you have “abnormally” dry skin… But your skin is a... read more
Ancient Tallow - regenerative, 100% grass-fed tallow skin care
  • Shop
  • My account
  • Get in touch
  • About
  • FAQs
  • Return policy

Stay nourished with tallow stories, insights and promos!

* indicates required

© 2024 Ancient Tallow | Privacy policy | Terms of service

  • Face Care
  • Body Care
  • All Products
  • Ancient Blog
  • About us
  • Reach out
  • My account