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The Origins of Soap: How Tallow Shaped Traditional Skincare

At Resting Beef Face, we believe in going back to basics when it comes to skincare. And if you dig into the history of soap, you’ll find that tallow was there from the very beginning. Long before synthetic detergents and chemical-laden cleansers took over store shelves, people relied on natural animal fats like tallow to keep their skin clean and healthy.

So, how did soapmaking start, and why was tallow the go-to ingredient for centuries? Let’s take a look.

The Ancient Roots of Tallow Soap

The first recorded evidence of soap dates back to 2800 BCE in Babylon, where early soap makers combined animal fats, wood ash, and water to create a primitive form of soap. The ancient Egyptians and Romans also embraced soapmaking, using similar recipes that often included tallow or other animal fats as the base.

Why? Because tallow’s composition made it perfect for soapmaking:

  • It created a hard, long-lasting bar that didn’t dissolve quickly.
  • It produced a rich, creamy lather for effective cleansing.
  • It contained natural moisturizing properties, helping to prevent dry, cracked skin.

Tallow in Traditional Soapmaking

For centuries, tallow remained the foundation of soapmaking across Europe and beyond. Families rendered beef fat in their kitchens, using the purified tallow to craft bars of soap that were used for everything—from personal hygiene to laundry and household cleaning.

Even famous soap makers, like those in Marseille, France, used animal fats before olive oil became more accessible in Mediterranean regions. The method was simple, sustainable, and practical.

The Shift to Commercial and Synthetic Soaps

With the rise of industrial soap production in the 19th and 20th centuries, manufacturers began looking for cheaper, mass-produced alternatives. This led to the widespread use of plant-based oils (like palm and coconut) and synthetic detergents, which were easier to scale but often lacked the rich, nourishing properties of traditional tallow soap.

Many modern soaps on the market today are not actually soap—they’re detergents. These synthetic formulas strip the skin of its natural oils, often leading to dryness and irritation.

Why Tallow Soap is Making a Comeback

As people move away from chemical-heavy skincare and embrace natural alternatives, tallow-based soap is regaining popularity. Why? Because it’s:

✅ Moisturizing – Tallow is rich in skin-loving fatty acids that nourish the skin.
✅ Long-Lasting – Tallow soap bars don’t melt away quickly like some plant-based soaps.
✅ Sustainable – Using ethically sourced Alberta Beef tallow reduces waste and makes use of every part of the animal.
✅ Time-Tested – If it worked for thousands of years, why mess with a good thing?

Experience the Tradition with Resting Beef Face

At Resting Beef Face, we embrace the heritage of traditional soapmaking by crafting our tallow-based skincare products with pure, high-quality Alberta Beef tallow. No synthetic fillers, no unnecessary additives—just simple, effective skincare the way it was meant to be.

Want to experience the difference? Make the switch to tallow-based soap and rediscover the original way to cleanse, nourish, and protect your skin.

Tallow for Hair? Why This Traditional Ingredient Works for More Than Just Skin

Tallow has long been praised for its ability to deeply nourish and protect the skin, but did you know it can do the same for your hair? While modern hair care is dominated by silicones, sulfates, and synthetic moisturizers, traditional ingredients like tallow offer a natural, time-tested solution for strong, healthy hair.

At Resting Beef Face, we love simple, effective skincare—and it turns out, tallow-based hair care is just as beneficial. From scalp health to hydrated, frizz-free locks, let’s explore why tallow belongs in your hair care routine.

 

1. Why Your Hair Needs More Than Just Conditioner

Many hair products promise hydration and repair, but they often fall short. Here’s why:

  • Sulfates & Detergents Strip Natural Oils – Many shampoos contain harsh cleansers that leave hair dry and brittle.
  • Silicones Create a False Sense of Smoothness – Instead of actually nourishing hair, silicones coat strands with a temporary shine that washes away with the next shampoo.
  • Water-Based Conditioners Don’t Provide Lasting Moisture – Like lotions, they often evaporate quickly, leaving hair feeling dry again.

✅ Tallow works differently—it mimics the natural oils that keep hair soft, strong, and healthy.

2. Tallow Supports a Healthy Scalp

A healthy scalp is the foundation of healthy hair. Many scalp issues—like dandruff, itchiness, and irritation—are caused by products that strip natural moisture or contain irritating synthetic ingredients.

Tallow is:
✔ Rich in nutrients – Supports scalp hydration and cell renewal.
✔ Anti-Inflammatory – Helps calm redness, irritation, and dryness.
✔ Free of Harsh Chemicals – No sulfates, parabens, or synthetic fragrances.

Using a tallow-based scalp treatment or shampoo bar can rebalance your scalp naturally, reducing irritation while nourishing hair from the roots.

3. Tallow Deeply Hydrates Without Greasiness

Unlike heavy oils that sit on the hair or synthetic ingredients that only coat strands, tallow absorbs deeply into the hair shaft.

➡ The Problem with Many Hair Oils: Some natural oils, like argan oil, are too light and don’t provide lasting hydration.

✅ Tallow is perfectly balanced—it provides deep moisture without weighing hair down, making it an ideal leave-in conditioner or styling balm.

4. Strengthens and Protects Hair

Hair can become weakened by heat, coloring, or environmental damage. Many modern conditioners temporarily soften hair but don’t actually restore strength.

Tallow contains essential fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins that:
✔ Repair damage and split ends
✔ Improve elasticity and prevent breakage
✔ Protect hair from environmental stressors

Regular use of tallow-based treatments can help hair become stronger, shinier, and more resilient over time.

5. How to Use Tallow for Hair Care

Want to try tallow-based hair care for yourself? Here are a few ways to incorporate it into your routine:

1. Tallow Shampoo Bars

A tallow-based shampoo bar gently cleanses while moisturizing both hair and scalp. Unlike commercial shampoos, it won’t strip away natural oils, leaving hair soft and balanced. Our Golden Strand Tallow Shampoo Bar is the perfect combination for your hair.

2. Tallow Scalp Treatment

Massage a small amount of pure tallow balm into your scalp before bed and rinse in the morning. This is especially helpful for dry, flaky, or irritated scalps.

3. Leave-In Tallow Conditioner

Apply a tiny amount of tallow to damp ends after washing to lock in moisture and prevent frizz. A little goes a long way!

4. Tallow Hair Mask

For deep hydration, melt a small amount of tallow, apply it to your hair, and leave it on for 30–60 minutes before washing out with a gentle shampoo.

Make the Switch to Tallow-Based Hair Care

Tired of hair that’s dry, dull, or constantly in need of more product? It’s time to ditch the chemical-laden shampoos and conditioners and switch to nutrient-rich tallow.

At Resting Beef Face, we believe in skincare (and hair care!) that’s simple, effective, and powered by nature. That’s why we use ethically sourced Alberta Beef tallow to create products that work with your body—not against it.

Ready to see the difference? Try tallow for hair today.

Why Your Moisturizer Isn’t Working (And Why Tallow Might Be the Answer)

Have you ever applied your moisturizer only to feel dry again an hour later? Or maybe you’ve switched brands countless times, hoping to find one that actually works—yet your skin still feels tight, flaky, or irritated. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

Most conventional moisturizers aren’t actually helping your skin the way you think they are. The good news? There’s a simple, natural solution that actually works—and it’s been used for centuries: tallow.

Let’s break down why your moisturizer might be failing you and why tallow-based skincare is the better alternative.

1. Most Moisturizers Contain Too Much Water

Pick up a bottle of lotion and check the ingredients. You’ll probably see water (aqua) as the first ingredient. While that might sound hydrating, it actually does the opposite.

➡ The Problem: Water-based lotions evaporate quickly, leaving your skin dry again in no time. To compensate, companies add synthetic emulsifiers and preservatives that can irritate your skin and disrupt it’s natural barrier.

✅ The Tallow Solution: Tallow is 100% fat-based, meaning it deeply hydrates without relying on water. It mimics the natural oils in your skin, providing long-lasting moisture without constant reapplication.

2. Many Moisturizers Contain Harsh Chemicals

Even “gentle” or “natural” moisturizers often contain synthetic ingredients that can do more harm than good. Look out for:

  • Fragrances & Perfumes – Common irritants that can cause redness and breakouts.
  • Alcohols & Preservatives – These strip your skin’s natural oils, leading to more dryness over time.
  • Silicones & Fillers – They make lotions feel silky but don’t actually nourish your skin.

✅ The Tallow Solution: Our Resting Beef Face tallow-based skincare is made with pure, whole ingredients—no fillers, no irritants. Just deep, natural hydration that your skin can actually use.

3. Your Moisturizer Isn’t Nourishing Your Skin

Your skin needs more than just hydration—it needs essential nutrients to stay healthy. But most commercial moisturizers are stripped of natural vitamins and minerals.

✅ Tallow is packed with skin-loving fatty acids, that include these benefits:

  • Supports skin cell regeneration and fights dryness.
  • Helps reduce inflammation and strengthen the skin barrier.
  • A powerful antioxidant that protects against damage.
  • Helps reduce redness and irritation.

Unlike synthetic creams, tallow delivers real nutrition to your skin—helping it repair, strengthen, and glow naturally.

4. Plant-Based Oils Might Not Be Enough

Many natural skincare brands use plant-based oils like soybean, rice bran or sunflower oil. Not only are these oils mass produced through a very highly oxidative process,  they also never provide the right balance of fatty acids for human skin.

➡ The Problem: Some plant oils are too heavy, clogging pores, while others are too light, not providing lasting moisture.

✅ The Tallow Solution: Tallow is biologically compatible with our skin—it contains the perfect blend of saturated and monounsaturated fats, just like the natural oils our skin produces. This makes it highly absorbable, deeply moisturizing, and non-greasy.

5. Your Skin Needs a Stronger Barrier

Your skin’s moisture barrier is what keeps hydration locked in. When it’s weak or damaged (from chemicals, over-cleansing, or harsh weather), moisture escapes too quickly—leading to constant dryness.

✅ Tallow strengthens the skin’s barrier naturally by replenishing lost fats and lipids. With regular use, your skin becomes more resilient, balanced, and hydrated—without the need for constant reapplication.

Make the Switch to Tallow-Based Skincare

If you’re tired of moisturizers that just don’t work, it’s time to go back to basics.

At Resting Beef Face, we make simple, effective tallow-based skincare using ethically sourced Alberta Beef tallow. No synthetic fillers, no unnecessary ingredients (or ingredients you can’t pronounce) —just pure, deep hydration the way nature intended.

Your skin deserves better. Make the switch to tallow today.

Why You Should Switch to Tallow Skincare | Resting Beef Face

A jar of creamy tallow-based skincare from Resting Beef Face, placed on a rustic wooden surface with natural ingredients, highlighting its rich texture and purity.

At Resting Beef Face, we believe skincare should be simple, effective, and free from unnecessary chemicals. If you’re tired of complicated ingredient lists, synthetic fillers, and products that overpromise but underdeliver, it’s time to consider making the switch to tallow skincare.

Sourced from high-quality Alberta Beef, our tallow-based products offer a natural, deeply nourishing alternative that works with your skin—not against it.

The Problem with Conventional Skincare

Most skincare products on the market today are filled with:

  • Artificial Preservatives & Emulsifiers – Designed to extend shelf life, but often irritating to the skin.
  • Water-Based Formulas – These feel lightweight but evaporate quickly, leaving your skin needing constant reapplication.
  • Synthetic Fragrances & Fillers – Can trigger sensitivities and don’t contribute to real skin nourishment.

With tallow skincare, we eliminate the fluff and focus on what actually works.

Why Switch to Tallow?

Tallow has been used for centuries as a natural moisturizer, and for good reason—it’s biocompatible with human skin, meaning it absorbs easily and provides long-lasting hydration without clogging pores.

1. It’s Packed with Skin-Loving Nutrients

Tallow is naturally rich in:

  • Omega Fatty Acids – Help restore the skin’s barrier and lock in moisture.
  • Antioxidants – Fight environmental stressors and support healthy, glowing skin.

2. Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Results

At Resting Beef Face, we believe less is more. Our tallow-based skincare products contain just a few natural ingredients, making them ideal for those with sensitive skin or anyone looking to reduce exposure to harsh chemicals.

3. Long-Lasting Hydration

Unlike water-based lotions that disappear in hours, tallow penetrates deeply, keeping skin hydrated all day. No more reapplying every few hours—your skin stays soft and nourished from morning to night.

4. Ethically Sourced from Alberta Beef

We take pride in using high-quality, responsibly sourced Alberta Beef tallow, ensuring sustainability and supporting local farms. When you switch to tallow skincare, you’re choosing a natural, eco-friendly alternative to mass-produced skincare.

Make the Switch Today

If you’re ready to ditch synthetic skincare and embrace a pure, effective, and natural solution, Resting Beef Face has you covered. Our tallow-based products deliver everything your skin needs—without the extra junk.

It’s time to give your skin what it really craves. Make the switch to tallow skincare today.

The many benefits of tallow

Obviously, animal fat is by far the most bioavailable and natural product on the market. It comes free of any chemicals or fillers (grass fed is best in this situation) and is one of the easiest products to get your hands on. As the concept of farm to table continues to gain momentum acquiring beef fat is easier than ever before. 

Since the farm to table movement entails shopping locally with the least amount of impact on the environment make friends with your local butcher. Your local butcher can be your best friend. Or depending on where you live you can even acquire your own cow from a local farm. This is also entirely dependant on your access to farms and storage situation. Cows are hefty and take up a lot of room.

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Tallow: a case for sustainability

Our products are tallow based but what does that exactly mean? Where does tallow come from and why do we use it as our main ingredient in our products? And why should you even care?

There is a misconception in our society that has fostered and spread misinformation about our favourite farm animals since the 50’s. Cows have been villainized  by numerous groups of lobbyists as detrimental to our environment and our health. The last few years we have seen a great push to propel people to give up their meat and toss our cows to the slaughter, and not literally. When we take a step back and examine the profound impact that our cows have on our lives and our earth we begin to see a different picture all together. 

Although our company endorses sustainable farming practices we also see the cow as a unique and wonderful ruminant animal. Our cows are magnificent creatures and are one of a kind on this earth. These magnificent beings can turn inedible, indigestible grasses and fauna into nutrient dense and life sustaining products that we humans can enjoy and thrive on. Don’t believe us? Keep reading and you might be surprised! 

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