Beef Tallow

Tallow is the purified, rendered fat from cattle (sometimes sheep). In cosmetics the INCI name is Tallow; related ingredients include Tallow Glyceride(s) and their hydrogenated forms.Cosmetics Info

1) Rich emollient + occlusive feel (barrier-comforting)

Tallow supplies long-chain fatty acids (notably palmitic and stearic acids) that are also found in the skin’s outer layer and are commonly used to replenish and soften the stratum corneum. Dermatology reviews discuss stearic acid as a barrier-supporting component in moisturisers and cleansers designed to minimise TEWL (water loss). A 2024 scoping review on tallow describes moisturising/skin-conditioning benefits but notes the clinical literature is still limited.PubMedWiley Online LibraryCureus

2) Naturally “balmy” texture that stays put

Because tallow is predominantly long-chain triglycerides, it has a semi-solid, cushiony feel at room temperature—useful for balms intended to occlude lightly and protect easily-irritated spots (cheeks, hands, nappy area—without aerosolised powders). (Traditional pharmaceutics also lists animal fats among classic ointment bases.)Royal Pharmaceutical Society

3) Fatty-acid profile at a glance

Authoritative safety and ingredient reports characterise cosmetic tallow as rich in oleic (~37–43%), palmitic (~24–32%), stearic (~20–25%), with minor myristic (~3–6%) and linoleic (~2–3%) acids. This explains its softening slip (oleic) and its structure-giving, protective feel (palmitic/stearic).cir-reports.cir-safety.org

Formulation nuance: While oleic acid can aid spreadability, studies show free oleic acid can disrupt barrier and increase TEWL when used alone or at high levels—hence the value of balanced systems that pair oleic-rich lipids with barrier-supporting saturated FAs and other protectants.ACS PublicationsPMC

• Cosmetic safety: The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded Tallow and related Tallow Glyceride(s) are safe as used in cosmetics (final report, peer-reviewed publication).SAGE Journals+1
  
• Evidence base: A 2024 scoping review of tallow’s “biocompatibility with skin” summarised available data and historical use; it supports emollient use but emphasises that modern clinical trials are sparse.PubMed
  
• Newborn context: There are no RCTs specifically on topical bovine tallow in infants. For baby-friendly formulas, safety comes from the overall product design (non-irritating, fragrance-free, no loose powders/aerosols) and a simple patch test on very reactive skin. (See our general newborn-care guidance.)Cureus
  

Acne-prone skin note: Dermatology sources caution that richer, oleic-leaning lipids can be pore-occluding for some users; patch-test if you’re breakout-prone.Verywell Health

In Natural Nine, tallow provides the cushioned, long-lasting emollience that helps seal in moisture. We balance it with shea butter and jojoba oil (comfortable glide), beeswax (breathable film), zinc oxide (soothing), and a touch of arrowroot (to reduce greasiness). The result is a soft, protective finish that feels newborn-gentle while remaining elegant on adult skin. (Balanced systems help counter oleic-only drawbacks.)PubMedACS Publications