Why Grass-Fed Matters
How sourcing impacts the quality of tallow in skincare
Not all tallow is created the same. While the term itself simply refers to rendered beef fat, the source and quality of that fat can vary significantly - and those differences matter, especially in skincare.
Starting at the Source
Tallow made from grass-fed cattle is often preferred because of the way these animals are raised and nourished. Diet plays a role in the composition of the fat, which can influence the types of fatty acids and nutrients present.¹
When cattle are raised on a natural, grass-based diet, their fat tends to contain a more balanced profile compared to conventionally raised alternatives.
Why Suet Is Used
High-quality tallow is often rendered from suet, the fat found around the kidneys. This type of fat is especially prized because it is dense, clean, and well-suited for both cooking and skincare applications.
Suet-based tallow has been traditionally used for its purity and stability, making it a reliable base for simple, effective formulations.
The Rendering Process Matters Too
How tallow is rendered is just as important as where it comes from. Gentle, kettle-rendering methods help preserve the integrity of the fat while removing impurities.
At Flying Cow, we partner with family farms that carefully kettle render grass-fed suet, and then we complete the process in-house. This allows us to maintain quality and consistency while honoring the traditional methods behind the ingredient.
A Thoughtful Ingredient
Choosing grass-fed tallow isn’t just about preference - it’s about intention. From sourcing to final formulation, each step plays a role in the overall quality of the product.
In a time when many ingredients are highly processed or heavily altered, returning to thoughtfully sourced, minimally handled ingredients offers a different approach. It's one that values both simplicity and care.
Sources
- USDA & Journal of Animal Science: Differences in grass-fed vs grain-fed fat composition
-
National Institutes of Health: Fatty acid composition differences
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2846864/