What’s The Beef (Tallow)?

March 7, 2025

How to Moisturize Dry, Chapped Hands in The Winter

I live in a very dry climate. When I lived in California – for the first 40 years of my life – I never thought I had particularly dry skin. But when I moved to Idaho, I realized that no one is exempt from the wrath of a dry climate.

I have learned to apply and re-apply moisturizer throughout the day in the winter on my face but when it comes to less sensitive areas of my body, like my arms, hands and legs, I realized I needed something a little more heavy duty. And I have tried them all. Give me a “Farmer’s Friend” hand cream and I will try it greedily.

Not to mention that with four kids, my side hustle is apparently dish washing. My hands get dry quick.

Which brings me to a story time. Last month, my husband strangely started talking about his skin. I say strange because he very rarely comments about his appearance or seem to have any opinion about what products he should be using. I buy X shampoo and he blindly uses it. Same goes for lotion, toothpaste… heck I even buy his deodorant! But this time was slightly different. And lo and behold, one day he comes home and tells me that he splurged and bought some expensive hand cream. I excitedly said, “Oh let me see!”, feeling like maybe he had suddenly joined my hobby of potions and lotions. And he…. wouldn’t let me try it. He said it was too expensive and he was kind of possessive about it. Of course, I won that battle and tried it and fell in love.  It instantly moisturized my hands but unlike some of the other deep moisturizers, it felt like my skin absorbed it pretty quickly.

What is this magic concoction you ask? Beef Tallow.

So of course, since I was barred from using my husband’s, I went online and bought some myself for myself. And I bought a different brand because anyone who knows me knows that I am not fancy. Did it absorb as quickly? Yes it did. And I am equally in love.

What is Beef Tallow?

This is where I might lose some of you, I fear.

Beef tallow is rendered beef fat (suet) which boiled and then spun in a centrifuge.  This process separates the fat from connective tissues and liquids. It is a saturated fat which contains selenium and vitamins D and E.

Selenium is a mineral that ensures that the skin remains firm and protected. So important, especially as we age.

Vitamin D, as you know, is so so good for the skin. It helps repair damaged cells, helps cell procreation and reduces inflammation, which is, as we all know, not good for the body.

Vitamin E is also well known for its skin benefits. It is used to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema, moisturizing the skin, reducing itchiness and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

Why Use Beef Tallow?

I think in the skin care community, most would say that beef tallow is primarily used for its deeply moisturizing effect. It protects the skin barrier and locks in moisture. I really only use it on my body – not my face. My husband, who is not acne prone and has a big beard, does lather it on his face and swears by it. But personally, I would use it on body-only, especially if your face is prone to breakouts.

But I will say this – my hands have never felt softer and less dry. I highly recommend as a deep hand cream.

And before you ask – I did buy some for Ninja. Check it out on the new “Must-Have Finds” tab now!

You won’t be disappointed. 🙂