Now at The Local Boom®
In a world saturated with synthetic lotions, emulsifiers, and long ingredient lists, one age-old skincare secret is enjoying a modern revival: tallow cream. At The Local Boom®, we’re thrilled to now carry Softer Skin Co.’s handcrafted tallow creams — and to offer Vancouver locals a chance to try this traditional yet trending skincare in person, or have it delivered anywhere in Canada.
But what exactly is tallow cream? Why is it gaining buzz? And why might it be a skincare game-changer you’ll want to try?
Let’s dive in.
What Is Tallow Cream?
“Tallow” is rendered animal fat—most often beef fat (suet)—which has been refined (rendered) to remove impurities. In skincare, tallow is used as a base for creams, balms, and salves due to its rich, fatty texture and nutrient profile.
When used in skincare formulations, tallow acts as an emollient and occlusive: it helps trap moisture, smooth rough patches, and protect the skin’s barrier. In effect, it mimics some of the lipids our skin naturally produces, helping maintain hydration and balance.
Softer Skin Co.’s tallow creams are crafted using 100% grass-fed, grass-finished beef tallow, combined with nourishing ingredients like sweet almond oil (which is non-comedogenic) and (in scented versions) mild essential oils. Their formulations aim to be free of fillers, synthetic preservatives, or unnecessary additives.
The Rich History of Tallow in Skin Care
Tallow is far from a new fad — it has roots that stretch back through hundreds, even thousands of years.
Ancient Civilizations & Early Remedies
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In ancient Egypt, animal fats (including tallow-like fats) were used in skin salves and ointments, mixed with herbs and aromatic oils as protective and beautifying balms.
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Across Mesopotamia, Babylon, and early Mediterranean societies, rendered fats were employed in healing balms for wounds, burns, and as general skin nourishment.
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During the Roman era, tallow (and other animal fats) found a place in early soaps and grooming routines — often mixed with fragrant herbs or botanical extracts.
Medieval to Early Modern Period
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In Europe’s Middle Ages and Renaissance, tallow was commonly used in household remedies, healing ointments, and as a base for soaps and creams.
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Traditional herbalists often infused tallow with plants like calendula, chamomile, or comfrey to boost its soothing or regenerative properties.
Decline & Modern Resurgence
With the advent of industrial chemistry and synthetic cosmetics in the 20th century, tallow gradually fell out of favour. Petroleum-based oils, silicones, and synthetic emollients offered consistency, longer shelf lives, and more predictable textures — and tallow was largely relegated to soap or candle making.
However, in recent years there’s been a resurgence in interest for natural, minimal-ingredient skincare. Tallow, with its relatively simple makeup and historical track record, has come back into the spotlight.
Why Tallow Cream Is Gaining Popularity Today
What makes tallow cream stand out among the multitude of moisturizers out there? Below are its key benefits — plus a few considerations to keep in mind.
Major Benefits
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Skin Lipid Compatibility
The fatty acids in tallow (oleic, stearic, palmitic) align closely with some of the lipids our skin naturally produces. This compatibility helps it absorb well, support barrier repair, and reduce water loss, making it especially useful for dry or compromised skin. -
Rich in Fat-Soluble Vitamins & Nutrients
Quality tallow contains vitamins A, D, E, and K — all beneficial for skin health. These nutrients may help support repair, provide antioxidant benefits, and nourish skin deeply. -
Barrier & Moisture Sealing
As an occlusive emollient, tallow helps lock in moisture and protect the skin from environmental stress. For many people with dry, cracked, or wind-chapped skin, this is a welcome protective layer. -
Soothing & Repair Support
Tallow has long historical usage in healing salves, which suggests some calming, restorative qualities. Today, many users find it helpful for sensitivity, irritation, or dry patches when applied gently. -
Minimal & Clean Ingredient Lists
Because tallow cream can be effective with just a few complementary ingredients (like a carrier oil and perhaps an essential oil), it offers a “less-is-more” alternative to heavily formulated moisturizers filled with silicones, synthetic humectants, and fragrance. Softer Skin Co. emphasizes that every ingredient in their formula has a purpose — no fillers.
Considerations & Caveats
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Comedogenicity for Some Skin Types
Because tallow is richly fatty, there is a risk for clogging pores in acne-prone or very oily skin. Some anecdotal reports note breakouts when used on facial skin, though many users start with small amounts or use it mainly on dry areas. -
Quality & Sourcing Matter
The benefits depend heavily on the source of tallow. Poorly sourced or unpurified tallow may contain residual contaminants. That’s why Softer Skin Co. is transparent about using grass-fed, grass-finished tallow. -
Lack of Robust Clinical Studies
Dermatologists caution that, while tallow shows promise, high-quality clinical trials are still limited. Some see it as a hydrating barrier agent rather than a miracle cure. -
Scent & Texture Preferences
Depending on the formulation (unscented vs scented), some users may perceive a slight texture or mild natural aroma. Many tallow creams are whipped to be lighter in texture.
Softer Skin Co. Tallow Cream — What Makes It Special
At The Local Boom®, we chose to partner with Softer Skin Co. because their approach aligns beautifully with the ideals of quality, transparency, and simplicity. Here’s what sets their tallow cream apart:
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100% Grass-Fed, Grass-Finished Tallow
Their tallow comes from cows that are raised on pasture, with no grains or unnatural feed. This supports higher nutrient levels and avoids some of the compromises of lower-quality fat sources. -
Thoughtful Complementary Ingredients
Their selection of sweet almond oil (non-comedogenic) helps the blend remain nourishing without clogging. They avoid heavy oils that might aggravate sensitive skin. -
Gentle Scent Options
Softer Skin Co. offers both unscented and lightly scented (e.g., vanilla-lavender) variants, letting users choose based on preference and sensitivity. -
Minimal & Purposeful Formulation
No unnecessary fillers, no artificial preservatives — the formula is designed to work with skin, not override it. -
Canadian Availability Through The Local Boom®
We offer the full Softer Skin Co. line in our Vancouver gift shop and ship nationally across Canada via our site. This means you can experience this heritage skincare whether you live locally or far away. Local Boom™
Where to Shop Tallow Cream (Especially in Vancouver & Canada)
If you’re interested in trying tallow cream, here are your options — especially via The Local Boom®:
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In-Store at The Local Boom® Gift Shop (Vancouver)
Visit our physical location to sample Softer Skin Co. tallow creams, feel texture in person, and get personalized recommendations. -
Online Across Canada
We ship to every province and territory in Canada. Order via our tallow collection page and select your shipping method. Local Boom™ -
Other Tallow Cream Sellers & Niche Brands
While Softer Skin Co. is featured with us, you’ll also see niche tallow brands online — especially on boutique skincare sites. But be cautious: check for grass-fed sourcing, clear ingredient lists, and trustworthy reviews. -
Local Farmers’ Markets or Artisan Makers
In some areas, you may find small-batch tallow balms or creams at markets or apothecaries. If you do, inspect their ingredient list and source transparency.
How to Use Tallow Cream Successfully
To get the most out of your tallow cream, follow these suggestions:
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Use a small amount — tallow is rich, so start with a pea- to rice-sized amount.
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Apply to slightly damp skin (after cleansing) to help lock in hydration.
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Gently massage into dry or problematic areas — elbows, hands, feet, cheeks.
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If using on your face and you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, patch test first.
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In colder weather, you may use it as a night cream when heavier occlusion is helpful.
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Store in a cool, dry place to preserve freshness.
