
Frequently Asked Questions
What is tallow and why should I use it?
Tallow, rendered animal fat (MTC uses Grass Fed and Grass Finished cow fat), has been used in skincare for centuries. It’s rich in nutrients and beneficial fatty acids that can nourish and hydrate the skin. Here are several reasons people choose tallow for skincare:
1. Rich in Skin-Nourishing Fatty Acids
Tallow contains a high percentage of fatty acids, such as oleic acid (monounsaturated), palmitic acid (saturated), and stearic acid, which are naturally found in the skin. These fatty acids help maintain the skin's lipid barrier, keeping it hydrated, soft, and protected from environmental stressors.
2. Closely Mimics Human Skin’s Composition
The fat in tallow closely resembles the fatty acids found in human skin, making it highly compatible with our skin's natural barrier. This similarity can help the skin absorb it more easily and effectively.
3. Moisturizing and Hydrating
Tallow is an excellent moisturizer that helps to lock in moisture and prevent water loss from the skin. It's particularly useful for dry or cracked skin, as it can help to restore the skin's natural moisture balance.
4. Rich in Vitamins A, D, E, and K
Tallow contains a variety of vitamins that are beneficial for the skin:
Vitamin A (retinol) is known for its role in skin repair and regeneration.
Vitamin D helps with skin cell growth and repair.
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects the skin from damage caused by free radicals.
Vitamin K is known for its potential to reduce dark circles and promote healing.
5. Anti-Inflammatory Properties
The fats in tallow have anti-inflammatory properties, which can be helpful for conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or general irritation. Tallow helps soothe inflamed skin and promote healing.
6. Non-Comedogenic (Generally)
Tallow is often considered non-comedogenic (unlikely to clog pores), making it a good option for people with sensitive or acne-prone skin, although everyone’s skin reacts differently, and it’s worth patch-testing.
7. Natural and Minimal Ingredients
For people seeking natural skincare products, tallow is often used in minimal ingredient formulations. Since tallow is derived from animals, it's a more straightforward, less processed option compared to synthetic alternatives, like petroleum-based moisturizers or products with a long list of chemicals.
8. Antioxidant Protection
The vitamins and fatty acids in tallow can also offer antioxidant benefits, helping to protect the skin from free radicals and environmental stressors like pollution, UV rays, and harsh weather conditions.
9. Healing and Scar Reduction
Some users report that tallow helps improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks, and other skin imperfections. This is likely due to its ability to promote skin regeneration and its high vitamin A content, which can accelerate cell turnover and healing.
10. Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing
For those interested in sustainable and ethical skincare options, tallow can be a byproduct of the meat industry that’s used in an eco-conscious way, reducing waste. As long as it's sourced from grass-fed, ethically raised animals, tallow can be seen as a more responsible alternative to synthetic or petrochemical-derived skincare products.
Where can I find MTC products in Bozeman?
BAM Wellness
105 E. Oak St., Ste 1E
Bozeman, MT 59715
Monday-Friday : 9am-5pm
(406) 404-1350
Bozeman Co-Op
Co-op West Main
908 West Main
Bozeman, Montana 59715
406-587-4039
We pride ourselves on partnering with local Montana ranches to source our beef fat. There are several ranches in the area that we currently work with to source Grass Fed and Grass Finished leaf fat (the gorgeous fat around the kidneys). We render our own fat in very small batches to make sure it maintains our high quality standards. Every batch of tallow is hand made and takes several days to complete. Sometimes this leads to longer wait times for shipping orders.