Is All Tallow the Same?

Is All Tallow the Same? Shalley Carrell explains why tallow quality can vary dramatically from jar to jar, even when the label looks the same. This episode is a reality check for anyone buying or making tallow skincare, where sourcing, rendering, and storage can matter more than the word “tallow” itself. Key topics Why tallow isn’t one uniform ingredient, and how sourcing and the animal’s diet can affect quality. The difference between suet and trim fat, and why Shalley prefers suet for facial skincare. What RBD tallow is and why she cautions against heavily processed tallow in leave-on products. Why yellow fat may offer a clue about forage but isn’t proof of quality. How rendering and storage can affect stability, texture, and shelf life. Why high stearic acid content can be desirable but takes care to formulate. Why Shalley recommends shea butter or cocoa butter if high-quality tallow isn’t available. Timestamps 00:00 - Is all tallow really the same? 02:17 - Sourcing, fat choice, rendering, storage, and formulation 05:00 - Tallow skincare’s popularity and expectations 07:08 - What tallow is; suet versus trim fat 10:04 - Commercial RBD tallow 14:34 - Yellow fat: a clue, not a verdict 16:55 - Rendering, stability, and shelf life 21:27 - Virgin tallow versus refined cosmetic-grade tallow 24:24 - Why some people believe low-quality tallow is working 29:30 - When botanical options may be a better choice 33:08 - What to look for when buying tallow from a farmer 35:01 - Stearic acid and formulation 39:59 - Tallow better suited to cooking than skincare 41:09 - Why Wagyu doesn’t automatically mean better tallow 43:56 - Scrutinizing claims about vitamins and sourcing 48:06 - Why transparency matters 49:33 - Shalley’s bottom line: choose botanicals if you can’t source quality tallow Shop & save Visit www.buffalogalgrassfed.com and use code SPILL15 to enjoy 15% off. Newsletter Sign up for the weekly Letter From the Farm newsletter: buffalogalgrassfed.com/pages/newsletter.