Tallow Skincare

What is tallow, and why do you use it?

Tallow is rendered fat from grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle. It closely mirrors our skin’s natural structure, making it deeply nourishing and easily absorbed. At Rootd, we render our own tallow in small batches for purity and control. You can read our full blog post on tallow here.

Is tallow safe for sensitive skin?

Yes. Because tallow is a natural fat that our bodies recognize, it’s often less irritating than many plant oils or synthetic ingredients. Our formulations are especially gentle and can be great for dry, inflamed, or reactive skin.

Will tallow help my eczema?

Many people with eczema find relief using tallow. Its fatty acid profile is similar to our skin’s natural oils, making it soothing, nourishing, and supportive of a healthy skin barrier. While we can’t claim it cures eczema, it may ease dryness, irritation, and flare-ups.

Will it cure acne?

Tallow isn’t a “cure” for acne, but its bioavailable nutrients can support skin healing. Because it’s non-comedogenic and helps balance natural oils, some people notice fewer breakouts when switching to tallow. Every skin journey is unique, so results may vary.

Will your balm smell like beef?

No — or very minimally. Proper rendering and filtering remove most of the animal scent. Any subtle fragrance in our products comes from slow herb infusions like lavender and chamomile (never synthetic fragrance).
Our unscented balm may have a very subtle "tallow" scent. However, if the scent is noticeable, it usually fades quickly on skin.

Why do your products sometimes appear grainy or have texture changes?

Tallow and oils have different melting points. Temperature changes (hot/cold) can cause slight crystallization or “beading.” This is natural and doesn’t affect quality. Simply rub between your fingers to melt and smooth before applying.

How do I store my tallow-based products?

Keep your products in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If the climate is very warm, you can refrigerate them temporarily. Always keep lids tightly closed, and avoid introducing water into the jar, as this can encourage mold and shorten shelf life.

What’s the shelf life of your products?

Because tallow is stable, our balms can last 6–12 months when stored properly.

Do you use essential oils?

No. We avoid essential oils to keep formulations safe for babies, pregnant or nursing women, and to reduce risk of hormonal disruption. Our scent comes only from gentle, whole-plant infusions.

Product Use

Can I use your products on my face / body

Yes. They’re suitable for full-body use, from faces to hands to bellies. They’re formulated to be gentle enough for baby skin, too.

Are Rootd products safe for babies and children?

Yes! Rootd products are crafted without essential oils, and harsh chemicals, making them safe for even the most delicate skin. They’re gentle enough for newborns, toddlers, and older children — perfect for dry patches, chapped cheeks, nappy rash or everyday moisture.

Are Rootd products safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Yes. We make all formulas without essential oils, endocrine disruptors, or harsh chemicals—making them safe for pregnancy, lactation, and newborn skin.

Is tallow good for men’s skin too?

Absolutely. Tallow isn’t just for women and children — it’s deeply nourishing for all skin types. Men often find it works well as an everyday moisturizer, aftershave balm, or to soothe dry, rough skin. Its neutral, earthy feel makes it a simple, effective choice for the whole family.

How often should I apply the balm?

Use as little or as much as needed: after bathing, during dry patch flare ups, or anytime your skin feels tight. As part of your morning and evening skincare routine. A little goes a long way—warm with your fingers and gently massage into your skin.

Will the balm clog my pores or cause breakouts?

Because our tallow is biologically compatible with skin lipids, it’s less likely to clog pores than many synthetic occlusives. That said, always patch-test a new product and listen to your skin.

What happens if my balm melts in transit?

Natural products soften in heat. If your balm arrives softened, place it in the fridge for a couple of hours to firm up. It still retains all its benefits once re-solidified.

Orders & Shipping

Where do you ship, and how long does it take?

We are based in Cape Town and currently ship nation wide across South Africa. Orders are packed within 2–3 business days. You’ll receive tracking details via email once your order is dispatched.

Can I return or exchange my order?

Because we sell skin products, we generally don’t accept returns once products are opened. However, if your order arrives damaged, incorrect, or compromised in transit, contact us and we’ll make it right.

What if my package is missing or delayed?

Reach out to us with your order number and we’ll help track it down or arrange a resolution.

Philosophy & Ingredients

Why don’t you use “exotic” oils or trendy ingredients?

We believe in less is more. We lean into traditional, nourishing ingredients (like tallow and olive oil) that our ancestors trusted—no hype, no filler. Just wholesome, hydrating ingredients.

What makes Rootd different from other “natural skincare” brands?

  • We render our own tallow to control purityWe use regenerative, pasture-raised sources.
  • No essential oils, no endocrine disruptors.
  • Safe for babies, pregnancy, and whole families.
  • Crafted in small batches to ensure intentional quality

Why is regenerative tallow important?

By sourcing from regenerative farms, we support soil health, animal welfare, and a more sustainable system. Using tallow honors the whole animal rather than discarding waste fat.