Tallow Sunscreen: DIY Natural Skin-Nourishing Sun Protection

When it comes to sun protection, most people immediately think of store-bought sunscreens filled with synthetic chemicals.

However, many health-conscious consumers are turning to natural alternatives that nourish and protect the skin without harmful additives.

This shift has led to the increasing popularity of tallow sunscreen, a natural skincare solution that harnesses the benefits of animal fats to provide effective sun protection.

But what exactly is tallow sunscreen, and how does it compare to conventional options? Is it safe?

This comprehensive guide will explore its composition, benefits, effectiveness, and safety, helping you determine if it's the right choice for your skincare routine.

Understanding Tallow as a Skincare Ingredient

For centuries, tallow has been used in traditional skincare due to its rich nutrient profile and compatibility with human skin. It is derived from animal fat, typically grass-fed cattle, and is highly valued for its moisturizing and protective properties.

Tallow sunscreen is made by blending tallow with natural sun-blocking ingredients such as zinc oxide, beeswax, and essential oils.

It provides moisturization, skin nourishment, and mild sun protection while avoiding the synthetic chemicals found in conventional sunscreens.

Tallow is packed with beneficial nutrients, including:

- Fatty Acids (Oleic, Stearic, and Palmitic Acids): Help strengthen the skin barrier, improve hydration, and promote healing.

- Vitamins A, D, E, and K: Essential for skin health, these vitamins support collagen production, reduce inflammation, and protect against environmental stressors.

Learn more: Is Beef Tallow Healthy? Check The Truth

What Makes Tallow an Effective Sunscreen Base?

Tallow is not just an excellent moisturizer—it also has properties that make it a great foundation for sunscreen.

Benefits of Using Tallow Sunscreen

Tallow sunscreen offers multiple advantages, making it a preferred choice for natural skincare enthusiasts.

- Natural SPF: While not a strong sunscreen (estimated SPF 4-5), it provides some protection and can be enhanced with zinc oxide.

- UV Stability: Resists oxidation better than many plant-based oils, maintaining effectiveness longer under sun exposure.

- Skin Health: Deeply moisturizes, supports collagen production, and soothes inflammation.

- Environmental and Ethical Considerations: Free of harmful chemicals (like oxybenzone and octinoxate) that can damage marine life; sourced from grass-fed animals, promoting ethical and sustainable practices; biodegradable, minimizing environmental pollution.

- Safety and Suitability: Safe for all ages and skin types, especially sensitive skin; ideal for children and pregnant women due to the lack of synthetic additives; suitable for those with eczema or psoriasis as it doesn't strip the skin's natural oils.

Comparison with Other Natural Oils:

- Tallow vs. Coconut Oil: While coconut oil is antibacterial and lightweight, it can be comedogenic (pore-clogging) for some. Tallow, being more similar to human sebum, absorbs better.

- Tallow vs. Shea Butter: Shea butter is excellent for moisturizing, but tallow offers a more balanced nutritional profile, particularly in fat-soluble vitamins.

- Tallow vs. Plant-Based Oils: Many plant-based oils oxidize quickly in sunlight; tallow is more stable and resistant to rancidity.

Learn more: Does Beef Tallow Go Bad?

How to Choose the Best Tallow Sunscreen

If you're considering trying tallow sunscreen, here are some factors to keep in mind when selecting the best product.

Evaluating Ingredient Quality

Not all tallow is created equal. Grass-fed tallow is nutritionally superior to factory-farmed tallow.

This difference exists because factory-farmed animals are often fed unnatural diets, injected with steroids, and deprived of sunlight and proper care. This can affect their tallow to some extent.

Look for 100% grass-fed tallow to ensure the highest nutrient content. Also, avoid products with artificial preservatives, synthetic fragrances, or harsh chemicals.

SPF Ratings and Effectiveness

Since animal fats have a low SPF (about 4), choose a product that includes zinc oxide or another proven sun-blocking ingredient.

In case you are thinking of making Tallow Sunscreen at home, you need to make sure to combine the types with natural sunscreen ingredients to enhance the protective layer such as Zinc oxide, coconut oil, and olive oil,...

Packaging and Storage Considerations

You should choose products stored in dark glass containers to avoid oxidation. If stored in clear glass jars, they need to be placed inside a sealed box to avoid direct sunlight.

Limit products packaged in plastic and cardboard because they can cause toxic chemicals to leak into the product or be damaged by the outside environment.

Many people store tallow sunscreen in metal containers, which is a suitable option.

Storing and Maintaining Freshness

To keep your animal fat sunscreen fresh and effective, follow these tips:

- Avoid direct sunlight: Tallow is temperature-sensitive. High temperatures can cause it to melt or separate, affecting its texture and effectiveness.

- Use a clean spoon instead of your fingers to avoid contamination: Tallow is very sensitive to the surrounding environment. Human skin contains bacteria even though it looks clean. If bacteria adhere to the fat, it may cause a rancid smell and spoilage.

- Close the lid tightly, and store in a cool, dry place.

- Check for rancidity (a sour smell or change in texture indicates spoilage).

What Are the Risks of Using Tallow Sunscreen?

Despite its benefits, tallow sunscreen may not be suitable for everyone. Here are some potential risks:

- The low SPF makes it ineffective for sun protection in harsh environments, in the summer, or when going to the beach. Consider it primarily as a moisturizer and pair it with other sunscreens.

- Animal fats are thick and dense, so they take longer to penetrate the skin than other cosmetics. They also make the skin greasy.

- Not suitable for acne-prone and inflamed skin. Animal fats may trap bacteria, clog pores, and create bacterial reservoirs.

- The scent may not be appealing to some people.

- Not suitable for vegetarians because it is derived from animals.

How to Use Tallow Sunscreen Properly to Avoid Risks

To maximize benefits and minimize risks, follow these guidelines:

- Apply 15-30 minutes before going out in the sun to allow the cream to fully absorb.

- Take a pea-sized amount, and warm it with your palm to soften the cream. Then apply evenly to the skin area that needs protection. Note that a pea-sized amount is enough to cover your entire arm.

- Reapply every 2 hours or immediately after swimming, bathing, or sweating for the best protection.

- Combine with protective clothing, hats, or other sunscreens for better results when going outdoors.

- You should use 1-2 drops of toner before applying Tallow Sunscreen, or apply directly when the skin is damp. This will make it easier to apply and the animal fat will absorb faster.

- Exfoliate weekly. Because natural animal fat helps promote skin cell turnover, it can cause dead cell accumulation that clogs pores and causes inflammation and acne.

- For beginners, use a small amount, about the size of a pea, and apply it to dry skin areas such as elbows and knees one to two times a week; wash it off in the morning.

After observing its effectiveness and safety, use it on other skin areas, noting that you should gradually increase the dosage to ensure safety.

What Do People Think About Using Tallow Sunscreen?

The use of tallow sunscreen has caused considerable controversy within the community.

Some beauty bloggers support this animal fat–derived sunscreen, claiming it is a viable alternative to other sunscreens on the market. They cite several benefits, including:

- Its ability to soften skin more effectively than commercial sunscreens;

- Enhanced sun protection when mixed with zinc oxide,

- Providing both protection and hydration;

- Its environmentally friendly nature;

- And its ease of homemade production with a long shelf life if stored properly.

Despite these advantages, concerns remain. Animal fat is believed to be comedogenic (pore-clogging), potentially increasing the risk of acne, irritation, and inflammation.

Furthermore, tallow sunscreen typically has a low SPF, potentially increasing sun sensitivity, disrupting the skin barrier, and leading to dryness and irritation.

The high oleic acid content in animal fats may also cause dryness, particularly in individuals with sensitive skin or children.

While many acknowledge the moisturizing and protective benefits of the vitamins in animal fats, caution is advised when using tallow sunscreen.

Make Your Sunscreen with Tallow

Creating your homemade sunscreen recipe using tallow is a great way to protect and deeply nourish your skin. Making your tallow sunscreen also allows you to add your favorite scents to reduce the strong smell of tallow.

To get started, you will need:

- 2 oz grass-fed beef tallow: Choose high-quality grass-fed beef tallow for best results.

- 2 oz coconut oil: Coconut oil adds moisture and has natural sun protection properties.

- 2 oz shea butter: Shea butter is deeply nourishing and helps protect the skin.

- 1 oz beeswax: If possible, use local and/or organic beeswax.

- 3 oz liquid oil: I use a mixture of carrot seed, raspberry leaf, and jojoba oils.

- 2.5 oz non-nano zinc oxide: Zinc oxide is the active ingredient that provides sun protection. Make sure it is non-nano to avoid absorption into the skin.

- 20 drops of essential oil: You can use any essential oil; just avoid those that can cause photosensitivity, like citrus oils.

Directions:

Melt the tallow, coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax together in a double boiler, using low heat so they liquefy but do not solidify immediately. Next, add the zinc oxide and stir well (wearing a mask is recommended).

Once the mixture is well-mixed, remove it from the heat. Let it cool and add your favorite essential oil; mix well. Finally, pour the mixture into a clean container to cool and solidify.

FAQs about Tallow Sunscreen

Does tallow sunscreen actually work?

Tallow sunscreen can provide some natural sun protection due to its fat content and vitamins, but it doesn’t have a high SPF like commercial sunscreens. It may help with skin hydration and barrier protection but isn’t a reliable substitute for broad-spectrum sunscreen.

What SPF is tallow sunscreen?

Tallow itself does not have a defined SPF, but when mixed with zinc oxide, it can provide some UV protection. The SPF level depends on the concentration of zinc oxide or other added UV-blocking ingredients.

How long does tallow sunscreen last?

On the skin, tallow sunscreen may need reapplication every couple of hours, especially with sweating or swimming. As a product, it has a long shelf life due to its stable fat content, often lasting several months to a year if stored properly.

Does tallow damage the skin barrier?

No, tallow is rich in natural fats and closely mimics the skin’s own oils, helping to nourish and support the skin barrier. It can improve hydration and reduce irritation, making it beneficial for most skin types.

Learn more: Where Is Beef Tallow Or Beef Lard In The Grocery Stores?