Frequently Asked Questions
Are suet and tallow the same thing?
Suet and tallow come from the same source but are not the same thing. Suet is the raw, hard fat found around a cow’s kidneys and loins. It is white, slightly crumbly, and has a high melting point, making it great for frying and baking. When suet is melted down and purified, it becomes tallow. Tallow has a high smoke point, a long shelf life, and was once a common cooking fat before modern vegetable oils took over. It can be used for frying, sautéing, spreading like butter and in our case, a base for sustainable skin cream. By using tallow, we make the most of the whole animal, following traditional "nose-to-tail" practices.
How is tallow made?
Tallow is made by slowly cooking down beef fat to separate out the pure, usable fat from any meat or impurities. This process is called rendering. The best fat for tallow comes from around the kidneys and heart of cattle, and since it’s a byproduct of the meat industry, using tallow helps reduce waste.
To make tallow, the fat is chopped into small pieces and gently heated until it melts. Once the liquid fat is separated from the solids, it's strained and cooled. When warm, tallow is liquid like oil, but at room temperature, it becomes solid and creamy.
Historically, tallow was used for candles, soaps, and skincare, and it’s still popular today for those who prefer natural, sustainable products. Since it’s heat-stable and free from harmful chemicals, tallow is also great for cooking.
At Ever Tallow, we render our suet as it comes to us from suppliers. Rendering our suet rather than buying premade tallow gives us full control over the quality and purity of the final product. We can ensure it comes from high-quality, grass-fed cattle and that it has been properly handled. This also allows us to inspect the fat for cleanliness and freshness before rendering, avoiding any unnecessary additives or processing.
Why would you want to try tallow?
Tallow is one of the most natural, effective moisturizers out there. Unlike plant-based oils, tallow closely matches the structure of our skin, making it easier to absorb and deeply nourishing. It’s packed with vitamins A, D, E, and K, plus fatty acids that help lock in moisture, heal irritation, and support the skin barrier.
Tallow has been used for skincare for thousands of years—by ancient Egyptians, Romans, and even our great-grandparents. But as skincare became more industrialized, we lost touch with simple, effective ingredients in favor of synthetic chemicals. Now, many people are rediscovering tallow for its ability to soothe dryness, eczema, redness, and even acne, all without questionable additives. Plus, because it’s pure and minimally processed, tallow is often considered a more eco-friendly choice compared to synthetic ingredients.
Where do you get your tallow from?
Our tallow comes from our own 100% grass-fed dry stock here in Waikato, New Zealand. We do not eat our cattle. Once they've reached the end of their lives, we request the tallow be kept, where it would otherwise be considered a by-product. We also receive tallow from other local farmers in our area.
Why is tallow good for skin?
Tallow closely resembles human sebum, the natural oil produced by our skin. This makes it easily absorbed and highly effective at moisturizing. Additional benefits include:
- Hydration - It forms an occlusive barrier on the skin, helping to lock in moisture and prevent dryness. This is especially beneficial in harsh weather conditions
- Nutrient-Rich: Tallow contains essential fatty acids and vitamins A, D, E, and K. These nutrients support skin health, promote healing, and can improve the overall appearance of the skin.
- Soothing Properties: It has anti-inflammatory effects that can help calm irritated skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis, providing relief and promoting healing.
- Minimal Ingredients: Tallow moisturizers often contain fewer additives compared to commercial products, making them a great option for those seeking natural skincare solutions.
Does it smell?
Yes! Unscented tallow products can have a buttery scent. We do not add anything to neutralise the scent, as we want our product to retain its full nutrients list. Unscented tallow products are the best choice for people with sensitive skin or those who can’t tolerate essential oils. Many essential oils, while natural, can still cause irritation or allergic reactions. By choosing fragrance-free tallow creams, you get all the nourishing benefits without the risk of irritation, making them a gentle and effective option for all skin types, including those with allergies or sensitivities.
For our scented tallow products, not only is it amazing hydration for your skin, but it also delights your senses! To ensure a lovely scent, we carefully blend our tallow with high-quality essential oils. Essential oils not only enhance the fragrance but also bring their own skin-loving benefits. Whether you prefer calming lavender, frankincense, or uplifting floral notes, our tallow moisturizer will leave your skin feeling nourished and smelling delightful.
What do we know about eczema and tallow?
We are a family who knows what a hard, ongoing challenge eczema can be, especially for young children. Many visits to doctors and the hospital all trying our best to help those we care for. Our health service has its place and we value their advice. We also wanted to explore other supports to see if they can help. We have tried many creams and some work for a while. What we have learned is that everyone will have a different experience and for now in our situation, tallow is helpful and is making a difference.