Frequently Asked Questions
What is tallow?
Tallow is rendered beef fat.
When carefully rendered and filtered, it becomes a clean, stable base that has been used traditionally in cooking, soapmaking and skincare for generations.
We render and filter the tallow used in our products ourselves in small batches.
Does tallow smell like beef?
Properly rendered tallow should not have a strong “beef” smell.
That said, it is an animal-based product. Depending on the batch and your sensitivity to scent, there may be a faint natural aroma.
We filter our tallow carefully and render it slowly to reduce scent as much as possible. In scented products, essential oils provide the primary fragrance. Our unscented options will have only the natural scent of the finished ingredients.
Is tallow greasy?
Tallow is a rich, concentrated moisturizer.
When used in small amounts (a pea-sized amount is often enough), it absorbs into the skin and leaves it feeling conditioned rather than coated.
Because our formulas are water-free, a little goes a long way.
Will tallow clog pores?
Everyone's skin is different, and no skincare ingredient is guaranteed to work the same way for every person.
Our formulas are intentionally simple and designed to be used in small amounts. If you're using tallow on your face for the first time, we recommend starting with a small amount and patch testing before regular use.
How much should I use?
Less than you think.
Our tallow skincare is concentrated and water-free, so you don't need much. Start with a small amount and add more only if you need it.
For lotion or balm, a pea-sized amount is often plenty for a small area. You'll quickly get a feel for how much your skin needs.
Why don’t you use preservatives?
Our core products are anhydrous, meaning they're made without water.
Water-based products require an appropriate preservation system to protect against microbial growth. Because our tallow skincare formulas don't contain water, they don't require the same type of broad-spectrum preservative system used in water-based skincare.
We recommend keeping water out of the container and storing your products in a cool, dry place with the lid tightly closed.
Where does your tallow come from?
Long Lane Naturals grew from Long Lane Farms, where raising grass-fed cattle is part of what we do every day.
We render and filter the tallow used in our skincare ourselves in small batches rather than purchasing ready-to-use cosmetic tallow. This gives us control over how our tallow is processed before it ever makes its way into one of our products.
What is the shelf life?
Our products are shelf-stable when stored properly.
For best quality, we recommend using within 6–12 months and keeping containers tightly sealed, away from direct heat and sunlight.
What ingredients do you use?
We keep our formulas intentionally simple.
Our tallow skincare is made using grass-fed beef tallow alongside a small number of thoughtfully chosen ingredients such as jojoba oil, beeswax, arrowroot powder and essential oils where used.
You can learn more about each ingredient and why we use it on Our Ingredients page.
Are your products safe for sensitive skin?
Our formulas are intentionally simple and free from synthetic fragrance.
However, everyone’s skin is different. We recommend patch testing before full use, especially if you are sensitive to new products or essential oils.
Why does my lotion look like it has “wet spots” or small beads on the surface?
Because our products are anhydrous (water-free) and made with natural fats and oils, you may occasionally notice small glossy spots or beads on the surface.
This can happen with temperature fluctuations during storage or shipping. The natural oils can slightly shift or soften at different temperatures.
This does not affect the quality or safety of the product.
If desired, you can gently stir the surface with a clean utensil or simply use as normal. The product will perform the same.
My tallow lotion froze during transport and looks slightly separated. Can I still use it?
Yes.
Because our formulas are water-free and made from natural fats and oils, temperature changes during shipping - especially in winter - can cause the product to firm up, soften, or appear slightly separated.
If your lotion has frozen:
- Allow it to return to room temperature naturally.
- If the texture appears uneven, you can stir gently with a clean utensil.
Freezing does not compromise the product. It simply changes the texture temporarily.
As with all natural formulations, extreme heat or repeated temperature swings may alter texture, but the product remains usable.
My tallow lotion melted during transport and looks slightly separated. Can I still use it?
Yes.
Because our formulas are water-free and made from natural fats and oils, temperature changes during shipping - especially in summer - can cause the product to soften, melt, or appear slightly separated.
If your lotion has melted:
- Allow it to return to room temperature naturally.
- If the texture appears uneven, you can stir gently with a clean utensil.
Melting does not compromise the product. It simply changes the texture temporarily.
As with all natural formulations, extreme heat or repeated temperature swings may alter texture, but the product remains usable.