The NZ Guide to Tallow and Acne: Can This Natural Balm Help Clear Your Skin?

Tallow is a form of rendered animal fat (usually from beef cattle or lamb) that has been used for centuries in cooking, candle-making, and skincare. In traditional skincare, tallow was prized for its protective, moisturizing properties – early settlers and ancestors often used it to soothe dry, chapped skin. Today, this old-fashioned remedy is making a comeback in natural skincare circles, including here in New Zealand. Many Kiwi skincare enthusiasts interested in gentle, natural skincare NZ options are curious whether tallow might help common skin issues like acne. In this article, we’ll explore the relationship between tallow and acne. Can something as simple as grass-fed tallow (beef or lamb fat) improve acne-prone skin? We’ll examine the science behind tallow’s composition and effects, the potential benefits and drawbacks for acne sufferers, and what New Zealand readers should know when considering tallow skincare as an alternative. Both scientific insights and anecdotal stories will be included to give a balanced, informative view.

What is Tallow?

Tallow is basically purified animal fat – typically the fat from beef cattle (beef tallow) or sheep/lamb (lamb tallow) that has been slowly melted down and filtered (a process called rendering). The result is a semi-solid, waxy fat that solidifies at room temperature. Tallow has a long history in skincare and soap-making because it creates a rich, emollient base that can protect and soften the skin. It contains a blend of fatty acids and beneficial nutrients that make it quite unique among moisturizers.

In terms of composition, tallow is rich in skin-friendly fats and vitamins. For example, grass-fed beef tallow is roughly 50% saturated fat, 42% monounsaturated fat (like oleic acid), and only around 4% polyunsaturated fat. Key fatty acids found in tallow include oleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, and linoleic acid. These fatty acids are important because oleic acid is deeply moisturizing, linoleic acid has anti-inflammatory properties, and stearic and palmitic acids help strengthen the skin’s protective barrier.

Tallow also naturally contains fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are all important for skin health. Vitamin A (in its whole form as retinol) supports skin renewal and healing, vitamin D and E reduce inflammation and provide antioxidant protection, and vitamin K supports skin elasticity and healing. All of these nutrients are delivered in a bioavailable form in tallow. In fact, tallow’s fatty acid profile is so compatible with our skin that the word “sebum” (the oil our skin produces) actually comes from the Latin word for tallow. This close resemblance means our skin can readily accept and utilize the nutrients in tallow.

Understanding Acne

To understand how tallow might affect acne, it helps to know what causes acne in the first place. Acne (medically known as acne vulgaris) is a very common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil (sebum) and dead skin cells.

Several factors contribute to acne: hormonal fluctuations (such as during puberty or menstrual cycles) can cause sebaceous glands to produce excess oil; the buildup of dead skin can block pores; and bacteria (like Cutibacterium acnes, formerly Propionibacterium acnes) proliferate in these clogged pores, leading to inflammation.

The result is the formation of pimples, which can range from non-inflammatory comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) to inflammatory lesions (red papules, pustules, or deeper nodules and cysts). Acne often appears on the face, but can also affect the back, chest, and other areas with many oil glands.

Typical treatments for acne focus on unclogging pores, reducing bacteria, and regulating oil. This can include topical cleansers or creams with ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinoids; oral medications for more severe cases (antibiotics, hormonal treatments, or isotretinoin); and various lifestyle changes (diet, stress management, gentle skincare routines). However, many conventional acne treatments can be harsh and drying to the skin. This is why there is a growing interest in natural skincare alternatives – people are looking for gentler, more holistic remedies that won’t strip the skin.

In New Zealand and elsewhere, one such alternative that has gained attention is tallow skincare. The idea is that using a natural, whole-fat product like tallow balm might moisturize and heal the skin barrier, potentially reducing the irritation and imbalance that contribute to breakouts. But does using an animal fat on an already oily, acne-prone face really make sense? Let’s examine the pros and cons to find out.

Pros of Using Tallow for Acne

Many people are surprised to hear that applying a tallow balm or cream could actually benefit acne-prone skin. Yet, advocates of tallow skincare point to several advantages it may have for those struggling with breakouts. Here are some of the potential benefits of tallow for acne-prone skin:

• Deep Moisturisation without Clogging: Tallow is an excellent emollient and occlusive moisturizer, meaning it helps seal in hydration and prevent water loss. Unlike some heavy creams, pure tallow is non-comedogenic or only mildly comedogenic for most people – it rates around 2 on the comedogenic scale (0 being not pore-clogging and 5 being highly pore-clogging). This suggests tallow generally won’t clog pores when used in moderation. By keeping the skin well-hydrated, tallow can actually signal the skin to produce less of its own oil, potentially balancing out oily complexions. Well-moisturized skin is less prone to the overproduction of sebum that can lead to clogged pores. Many users report that after switching to tallow-based moisturizers, their skin feels supple and not greasy, with a healthy glow instead of an oily shine.
  
  
• Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Acne breakouts involve a lot of inflammation – pimples become red, swollen, and irritated. The good news is tallow contains components that can calm inflammation. In particular, grass-fed tallow is a source of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and also has a portion of linoleic acid, both of which are known to have anti-inflammatory properties. Dermatologists note that tallow’s omega fatty acids can support the skin barrier and soothe irritation. By reducing inflammation, tallow might help angry pimples appear less red and angry, and might ease the soreness of cystic acne. Some users even apply tallow balm as a spot treatment on very inflamed areas to help calm the skin.
  
  
• Rich in Nutrients and Antioxidants: As mentioned earlier, tallow is packed with fat-soluble vitamins and nutrients that skin loves. It naturally contains vitamins A, D, E, and K in small amounts. These vitamins can play a role in skin renewal and healing – for example, vitamin A supports cell turnover (similar to how retinol works, though tallow’s vitamin A is much gentler than prescription retinoids), and vitamin E is an antioxidant that can help repair skin and fade scars. Tallow from grass-fed animals also contains minor compounds like CLA and vitamins B12 and Choline. All these nutrients work together to nourish the skin. People who use tallow-based skincare often notice their overall skin texture improving – not just fewer pimples, but a smoother, softer feel, and possibly quicker fading of post-acne marks due to the nourishment. (Of course, the levels of these vitamins in tallow are not very high, so think of it as a bonus rather than a mega-dose of vitamins.)
  
  
• Similar to Skin’s Own Oils: One of the most compelling arguments for tallow in skincare is how closely it resembles the composition of our natural skin oils. Human sebum and tallow share a similar fatty acid profile. In fact, historically “sebum” literally meant tallow in Latin, highlighting this similarity. What this means for your skin is that tallow is highly biocompatible – the skin recognizes it and can absorb it easily. This “like feeds like” concept suggests that tallow can penetrate deeply to deliver moisture and nutrients without disturbing the skin’s balance. Many users find that tallow-based moisturizers feel “right” on the skin, often absorbing better and leaving less residue than plant-oil-based creams. Because it mirrors our skin’s natural oils, tallow may help balance oil production – potentially tricking the skin into thinking it has produced enough oil so it doesn’t go into overdrive. A balanced oil production can mean fewer clogged pores and breakouts over time.
  
  
• Anecdotal Success Stories: Beyond the science, there’s a growing collection of anecdotal evidence from individuals who claim tallow helped their acne. For instance, some users have reported that applying a tallow balm NZ-made product dramatically reduced their breakouts. One user described tallow as “the best moisturizer” that healed her skin, noting that her hormonal and cystic acne cleared up within a month of using a tallow balm. Another long-time acne sufferer said that after a few weeks of using tallow, their persistent blackheads and blemishes had significantly improved. While these are personal testimonials (everyone’s skin is different, of course), they highlight that tallow can be gentle and beneficial enough for some people to make a real difference in acne. The positive experiences often mention not only fewer pimples, but also less redness and a stronger skin barrier (fewer dry, flaky patches) after switching to tallow skincare.

In sum, the pros of using tallow on acne-prone skin include its moisturising (note the UK spelling) ability without heavily clogging pores, its anti-inflammatory and nutrient content that support healing, and its unique similarity to our skin’s own oils. These qualities can make tallow a soothing option for those whose skin is both oily and sensitive or for those who have found conventional acne treatments too drying. However, as promising as all this sounds, it’s equally important to consider the other side of the coin – potential downsides or risks – because not everyone’s experience with tallow is glowing.

Cons and Potential Drawbacks

Just as there are glowing reviews of tallow for skin, there are also cautionary tales. It’s crucial to approach any new skincare remedy with a balanced view. Here are some cons and potential drawbacks of using tallow, especially if you have acne-prone skin:

• Potential to Clog Pores: While tallow is relatively low on the comedogenic scale for many, it can still clog pores for some individuals. Some dermatology experts point out that tallow is comedogenic for acne-prone skin and may actually worsen breakouts in those who are very oily. Because tallow is an occlusive fat, if your skin doesn’t tolerate it well, it might trap oils and dead cells, leading to pimples. Everyone’s skin chemistry is different – a product that sinks in for one person might sit on top for another. If you apply too much tallow or have very congested skin to begin with, you might find that it exacerbates whiteheads or blackheads.  So, if you’re extremely prone to clogged pores, you’ll want to introduce tallow very cautiously (or avoid it if you know your skin tends to react poorly to butters/oils).
  
  
• Not Suitable for Everyone’s Skin Type: Building on the above, tallow may simply not agree with certain skin types. People with very oily, seborrheic skin or those who are in the middle of an intense acne flare might find tallow too heavy. If you already know that products like coconut oil or shea butter break you out, there’s a chance tallow could do the same (even though tallow is arguably more compatible with skin). Additionally, if you have an extremely sensitive complexion, any new ingredient (including tallow) could irritate it. It’s relatively rare to have an actual allergy to tallow, but it’s possible to be sensitive or react to impurities or added fragrances in a tallow balm. This is why patch testing is so important (more on that in a moment).
  
  
• Initial Breakout or Adjustment Period: Some people report an initial breakout or “purge” when starting tallow, especially if transitioning from using drying acne treatments. There’s a hypothesis that when you begin hydrating a long-time dehydrated, oily skin, it might temporarily purge impurities or adjust its oil production, leading to a short-term influx of pimples. It can be hard to tell if new spots after starting tallow are a temporary adjustment or a true negative reaction. If breakouts continue to worsen over 2-3 weeks, that might indicate tallow isn’t working for you. But a mild, brief uptick in pimples initially could be your skin balancing out. It’s wise to make other minimal changes during this test period so you can monitor the effects.
  
  
• Quality and Formulation Matters: The effects of tallow on skin can vary depending on how it’s prepared. High-quality, purified tallow from grass-fed animals is ideal for skincare – it’s nutrient-rich and free from additives. Always source tallow products from reputable makers (like us at Bloom Tallow!). Also, pay attention to what else is in a tallow balm: many include other oils (like jojoba, coconut, or olive) or essential oils. Those added ingredients could be comedogenic or irritating even if tallow itself isn’t. So if you react to a tallow product, consider whether a secondary ingredient might be to blame.
  
  
• Patch Testing is a Must: Given the above points, it’s strongly recommended to do a patch test before slathering tallow all over your face. Apply a small amount of the tallow product on a discreet area (like your jawline or behind your ear) for a few days and watch for any reaction or clogged pores. If that area stays clear and calm, it’s a good sign your skin will tolerate tallow. Patch testing can save you from a major breakout if your skin happens to be one of the few that doesn’t love this ingredient. It’s a simple precaution that everyone – but especially those with acne – should take when trying tallow (or any new skincare product, for that matter).

In summary, the main drawbacks revolve around the possibility that tallow could clog pores or not suit certain individuals, especially those with very oily or sensitive skin. Some experts outright advise acne-prone folks to steer clear if they’re wary of breakouts. However, others find it quite beneficial. The key is knowing your skin. If you decide to try tallow, proceed slowly, test carefully, and pay attention to how your complexion responds. Now, let’s delve into why tallow (whether from beef or lamb) might be good for acne and how to make the most of its benefits if you do use it.

Why Tallow (Beef or Lamb) is Good for Acne

You might be wondering, given the pros and cons, why specifically would tallow help with acne? This section breaks down the reasons from a more holistic perspective, and also looks at whether there’s any difference between using beef tallow or lamb tallow on your skin.

1. A Natural Skin-Barrier Booster: One of the most important aspects of managing acne is maintaining a healthy skin barrier. Often, people with acne go overboard with harsh cleansers and treatments that strip the skin’s protective oils. This can lead to a damaged barrier – skin becomes dehydrated and flaky on the surface, while oil production goes into overdrive underneath, creating a cycle of breakouts. Tallow is excellent for skin barrier repair. Its mix of fatty acids (like stearic and palmitic acid) closely resembles the lipids found in our skin’s outer layer, so it can replenish and reinforce that layer. By restoring the barrier, tallow helps the skin retain moisture and keeps external irritants or bacteria out. Healthier barrier function means less redness and irritation overall, which is beneficial when you have inflamed acne. In fact, a recent 2024 study on a tallow-based topical cream found it significantly improved skin hydration and helped conditions like eczema and psoriasis – conditions which, like acne, benefit from a stronger moisture barrier. For acne sufferers, using tallow might reduce the dryness and peeling that come from some acne meds, making your skin more resilient and comfortable.
   
   
2. Balancing Oil Production: There’s a bit of a paradox in acne care: oily, acne-prone skin still needs moisture. If you dry it out completely, it often just produces more oil to compensate. Tallow’s skin-mimicking fats can send the signal to your sebaceous glands that the skin is adequately lubricated. Many people find that after a couple of weeks of using a tallow moisturizer, their face is less oily throughout the day – no more mid-day greasy shine, because the skin isn’t in panic mode trying to moisturize itself. In this way, tallow can act as a natural regulator for sebum. Over time, balanced oil production means fewer clogged pores. Also, because tallow is applied topically, it softens and “conditions” the skin surface, which may help keep pores clear (soft skin allows dead cells to shed more easily rather than forming hard plugs). Some traditional herbalists and ancestral health practitioners have long used tallow as a remedy for skin imbalances, believing that “like cures like” – using skin-like oils to heal an oily skin issue.
   
   
3. Anti-Microbial Properties: Interestingly, there is some evidence that tallow may have mild anti-microbial effects on the skin. The 2024 study mentioned above noted that the tallow emulsion showed anti-microbial properties – it could help prevent bacteria from harming the skin. This doesn’t mean tallow is a disinfectant, but it might create a skin environment less friendly to pathogenic bacteria. Acne formation is partly due to bacteria growing in clogged pores. By keeping the skin nourished and perhaps introducing some anti-microbial action, tallow could indirectly make it harder for acne-causing bacteria to flourish. Moreover, by strengthening the barrier (as in point 1), tallow helps the skin’s natural defenses – healthy skin is slightly acidic and hostile to bad bacteria. So, tallow’s support of overall skin health may include keeping the microflora in balance. Some users even combine tallow with a drop of antimicrobial essential oils (like tea tree or lavender) to spot-treat pimples; the tallow acts as a carrier and prevents the essential oil from over-drying the area.
   
   
4. Beef vs. Lamb Tallow – Does it Matter?: Tallow can come from either beef or lamb, and New Zealand happens to have an abundance of both grass-fed cows and sheep. You might wonder if one is better than the other for acne-prone skin. In truth, both beef and lamb tallow have very similar skincare benefits and consistencies, and either can work well. They are both rich in the same types of fatty acids, but there are slight differences in their exact profiles. Lamb tallow (sometimes called mutton tallow, especially if from adult sheep) tends to be a bit higher in oleic acid and stearic acid, and a bit lower in palmitic acid, compared to beef tallow.
   
   Lamb tallow also naturally contains a little more of the antioxidant vitamin E. These differences mean lamb tallow might have a slightly softer, creamier texture and possibly an edge in antioxidant content. Beef tallow, on the other hand, often has a slightly higher melting point (it can be a bit firmer at room temperature due to a touch more saturated fat). Practically speaking, when whipped into a balm, both beef and lamb tallow will feel very similar on the skin. Some people with oily skin report preferring lamb tallow because they feel it absorbs faster and has a lighter feel, but this can also come down to how the balm is formulated (whipped tallow balms can feel lighter than solid ones).
   
   New Zealand tallow skincare products sometimes blend both – for example, a balm might use lamb tallow for a fluffy consistency and beef tallow for richness. The good news is that both beef and lamb tallow are “non-veggie” fats that closely mimic human sebum. So rather than worrying which animal it came from, focus on getting a high-quality tallow from a grass-fed source. Both types support acne-prone skin by nourishing it without a lot of extra ingredients. (One thing to note: lamb tallow can have a stronger natural smell than beef tallow, though when refined and mixed in a balm this usually isn’t noticeable.)
   
   
5. Traditional Wisdom Meets Modern Use: Historically, various cultures used animal fats like tallow as multipurpose salves – for treating dry skin, minor wounds, and irritations. This traditional wisdom suggests tallow can be healing. For example, tallow was commonly used in old homemade remedies for diaper rash, eczema, and “blemishes” long before modern cosmetics existed. People observed that it seemed to promote faster healing of cuts and pimples, possibly due to the combination of moisture and vitamins.
   
   Fast forward to today, and modern natural skincare enthusiasts are rediscovering these uses. While we lack large scientific studies specifically on tallow for acne, the anecdotal success and the known properties of tallow (moisturising, anti-inflammatory, barrier-supporting) align with what acne-prone skin needs to recover. It’s a nice convergence of traditional skincare and modern holistic approaches – using a simple, single-ingredient moisturizer instead of complex creams with alcohols and preservatives.
   
   In NewZealand, where there is a strong focus on natural and sustainable living, tallow from locally raised animals represents a back-to-basics approach that resonates with many. It’s natural, typically free of any chemicals or emulsifiers, and even a by-product of farming (so it appeals to the zero-waste mindset by making use of the whole animal). All these factors contribute to why tallow has become a go-to for some people looking to manage acne in a gentle, natural skincare NZ style.

To sum up, tallow (be it from beef or lamb) can be good for acne-prone skin because it repairs and protects the skin barrier, balances oil levels, and potentially reduces inflammation and bacteria on the skin. Its composition is uniquely suited to skin, acting almost like an “extension” of our natural oils. Of course, seeing these benefits in reality depends on the individual and using tallow correctly – which brings us to the practical side of things: how to tell if it’s working for you.

How to Know if Tallow is Working for Your Acne

If you decide to give tallow a try in your skincare routine, you’ll naturally want to know if it’s helping or not. Patience and observation are key here, as skin improvements (or issues) can take some time to become evident. Here are some tips on gauging whether tallow is working for your acne:

• Give It Time: It’s unrealistic to expect any acne remedy to work overnight. Generally, skin cell turnover cycles are around 4–6 weeks, so it's wise to give tallow at least a month of consistent use to judge its effects. In the first week or two, you might not see much change – don’t be discouraged. In fact, if your skin was very dehydrated or irritated, initially you might notice your skin feeling softer and calmer (a quick win), but breakouts may take longer to reduce. Track week by week: by week 3 or 4, check if the frequency of new pimples is slowing down, or if existing pimples are healing better than before. Consistency is important – try to use the tallow product daily (for example, every night) to really give it a fair trial, unless you see clear signs of irritation.
  
  
• Keep a Skin Journal: It can be surprisingly hard to remember exactly how your skin looked a few weeks ago. Consider keeping a simple skincare journal or even taking progress photos in consistent lighting once a week. Note things like: number of new pimples, how red/inflamed the skin is, any changes in oiliness or dryness, and overall skin texture. Also note any other factors (stress, diet changes, menstrual cycle) that might be influencing your skin that week. This record will help you objectively determine if there’s a trend toward improvement. For instance, you might observe that after introducing tallow, the painful cystic breakouts on your chin are happening less often, or that the cluster of blackheads on your forehead is diminishing. Conversely, if things are getting worse, you’ll catch that pattern too.

Signs of Improvement: Indications that tallow is benefiting your skin include:

• Reduced Redness: Inflamed pimples may appear calmer and less angry-red than before. Overall skin tone might start to even out a bit, with less blotchiness.
  
  
• Fewer New Breakouts: Over several weeks, you notice you’re waking up to fewer fresh pimples. The “crop” of acne might be thinning out.
  
  
• Quicker Healing: When you do get a spot, it seems to heal and disappear faster, and possibly with less hyperpigmentation afterwards. This could be due to the nourishing environment tallow provides, which might speed skin repair.
  
  
• Less Flakiness or Dryness: Areas that were once both oily and flaky (a common combination with acne, especially if you use drying treatments) might become smoother as tallow moisturizes them. For example, that peeling around an old pimple or around the nose might subside.
  
  
• Balanced Oil: You might notice that your face isn’t an oil slick by midday. Perhaps you’re using fewer blotting papers or less powder because the skin’s sebum production is more balanced. Many people report a healthy, subtle glow replacing what used to be excessive shine.
  
  
• Overall Comfort: Acne-prone skin often feels uncomfortable – whether it’s stinging from harsh products or painful from deep pimples. If tallow is working for you, your skin should start to feel more comfortable. Less itching, less irritation, and just generally “happier.” This can be a big quality-of-life improvement even before the acne is fully gone.
  
  
• Don’t Ignore Negative Signals: On the flip side, monitor for signs that tallow might not be agreeing with you. If after a few weeks you see a consistent increase in clogged pores (like a sudden surge of blackheads/whiteheads or tiny bumps that weren’t there before), or if your existing acne is worsening significantly, tallow might not be the right fit. Also, watch out for any signs of contact dermatitis – if you develop redness, rash, or itching in areas you apply the tallow, discontinue use; you could be reacting to either the tallow itself or another ingredient in the product. A single new pimple doesn’t necessarily mean it’s failing (it could be coincidence), but a pattern of increasing breakouts over time is a red flag.
  
  
• Adjust and Observe: Sometimes knowing if tallow is working requires a bit of tweaking. For example, if you started using it twice a day and you’re not sure how your skin feels about it, try cutting back to once a day or every other day and see if that changes the outcome. If you started with a tallow balm that has added essential oils and your skin is a bit irritated, consider trying a 100% pure tallow product (with no extras) to see if the simplification helps. These little adjustments can clarify whether it’s the tallow that’s beneficial or problematic, or if some other factor is in play.

Remember that improving acne is often a slow and gradual process. If tallow is working for you, you’ll likely see subtle improvements week by week, rather than an overnight transformation. The key is that over a span of a month or two, the general direction should be positive: fewer breakouts, a calmer complexion, and a stronger skin barrier. If that’s the case, you can confidently continue with tallow as a staple in your routine. But what if that’s not the case? In the next section, we address what to do if you’ve given tallow a fair shot and aren’t seeing the results you hoped for.

 

What to Do if Tallow Isn’t Working

Sometimes, despite its potential, tallow just might not be the miracle your skin needs. Acne can be stubborn and highly individual. If you’ve tried tallow for a while and it’s not improving your acne – or worse, if it seems to be aggravating it – here are some troubleshooting steps and alternatives to consider:

• Reevaluate Your Routine: First, take a close look at everything else you’re using on your skin. If you introduced tallow but also ten other changes at the same time, it will be hard to pinpoint the culprit. Try simplifying your routine to the basics: a gentle cleanser, the tallow moisturizer, and maybe a very mild spot treatment if needed. Sometimes tallow gets blamed for breakouts that are actually caused by over-cleansing, over-exfoliating, or a reaction between products. By stripping back other variables, you can be sure of tallow’s true effect. If your routine was already simple, consider if you’re using the tallow correctly – e.g. applying too much can be an issue, so using a pea-sized amount warmed between your fingers and massaged in well is generally enough for the whole face.
  
  
• Adjust Frequency or Amount: Not everyone’s skin needs a heavy coat of moisturizer every day. If you found daily use of tallow balm is too much, try using it every other night, or only as a spot treatment on dry or irritated areas. Some acne-prone folks use tallow more like a mask a few times a week rather than a daily moisturizer. See if less is more. Conversely, if you were only dabbing a tiny bit and saw no change, perhaps you weren’t using enough to truly moisturize your face – you could try a bit more and see if your skin responds when adequately hydrated. Listen to your skin’s signals: if it feels greasy, dial it down; if it still feels tight and dry, you might need a tad more.
  
  
• Check the Product Ingredients: If you’re using a branded tallow balm or lotion, examine the full ingredient list. Many tallow products include other oils (like coconut oil, olive oil, or jojoba oil) and essential oils or botanicals for scent. It could be that one of those additives is clogging your pores or irritating your skin, not the tallow itself. For instance, coconut oil is highly comedogenic for some people, and if your tallow balm contains it, that could explain breakouts. In such a case, you might want to try a pure tallow product with no added oils, or one with non-pore-clogging additions (jojoba oil, for example, is generally well-tolerated). Likewise, fragrant essential oils can irritate sensitive, acne-prone skin – a “unscented” or plainly formulated tallow might work better. Brands often offer a basic unscented balm (sometimes just tallow and maybe one other mild oil) – that’s usually the best choice for acne-prone and sensitive skin.
  
  
• Try a Different Source (Beef vs Lamb or Grass-Fed vs Regular): If you used beef tallow and it felt too heavy, you could consider trying a lamb tallow product to see if your skin prefers it, or vice versa. Additionally, ensure you’re using high-quality, grass-fed tallow. Tallow from grass-fed animals tends to have a better nutrient profile (more CLA, more vitamins) and arguably a cleaner composition without residues of any hormones or toxins (since the animal diet is natural). While it might not make a night-and-day difference, some users swear that grass-fed tallow balms felt more “nourishing” and caused less irritation than a cheaper commercial tallow. If you haven’t used a New Zealand-made grass-fed tallow balm yet, it could be worth switching to one to see if quality was a factor.
  
  
• Incorporate Complementary Practices: If tallow alone isn’t clearing your acne, it might help to pair it with other gentle, natural acne-fighting measures. For example, some people use a mild BHA (salicylic acid) toner or serum a few times a week to keep pores clear, then follow with tallow for moisture. Others might use a dab of benzoyl peroxide on active pimples but use tallow to prevent the surrounding skin from drying out. You could also look into dietary factors – in true holistic fashion, sometimes addressing gut health or reducing dairy/sugar in the diet can improve acne, and the tallow balm then helps externally by keeping skin calm while those internal changes take effect. Stress management, ample sleep, and not picking at your skin (easier said than done, we know!) will also contribute to better results. Think of tallow as one tool in your toolkit; by itself it may not resolve severe acne, but within a broader gentle-care routine, it can support your skin’s recovery.
  
  
• Know When to Seek Professional Help: If your acne is severe (painful cysts, scarring, widespread) or if it’s causing you significant distress, it’s always a good idea to consult a dermatologist. Natural remedies like tallow have their place, but they have limits too. A dermatologist can help identify underlying causes (like hormonal imbalances or bacterial overgrowth) and can recommend treatments that might work alongside your natural regimen. You don’t necessarily have to abandon tallow – some derms might be supportive of you using it as your moisturiser if it’s keeping your skin hydrated – but you might need an extra boost in terms of acne medication or therapy. Also, if you suspect an allergic reaction to tallow (which is rare but not impossible), definitely stop using it and get medical advice. Signs of allergy would include itching, swelling, or rash in areas where you applied it.
  
  
• Don’t Be Discouraged by One Failure: Skincare is often about trial and error. If tallow isn’t the magic solution for you, that’s okay. There are other natural options (for example, some find rosehip oil or niacinamide serums useful for acne, others rely on aloe vera or honey masks). The fact that tallow didn’t work doesn’t mean your acne will never improve; it just means you scratch this one off the list and try the next thing. Each person’s skin is unique, so what works wonders for one may do little for another. Take the lessons learned – maybe you discovered your skin likes simpler ingredients, even if tallow wasn’t it – and carry that knowledge forward.

In essence, if tallow isn’t working, adjust what you can (how you use it or which product you use), and if it still fails, it’s perfectly fine to move on. Your skin might respond better to a different approach. Always treat your skin gently during these experiments – the goal is to heal and calm, so even when one product doesn’t help, ensure the overall care you give your skin remains kind and balanced.

Conclusion

Tallow may seem like an unlikely ally in the fight against acne – after all, it’s literally rendered animal fat, something you’d expect to cook with rather than apply to your face. Yet, as we’ve explored in this article, tallow skincare has a lot going for it: a simple natural ingredient with a fatty acid profile remarkably similar to our skin’s own oils, loaded with minor nutrients and known for its moisturising and anti-inflammatory properties. For some New Zealanders seeking a back-to-basics, natural skincare NZ approach, tallow has proven to be a gentle remedy that supports their skin in healing itself.

We’ve discussed how it can hydrate without heavily clogging, potentially soothe inflammation, and nourish the skin barrier – all of which are crucial for managing acne. On the flip side, we also acknowledged the potential downsides: it’s not universally perfect, and a minority of people might find it too rich or breakout-triggering. The key takeaway is that tallow can be part of a holistic approach to acne, especially for those frustrated with drying, chemical-laden treatments.

If you’re curious about trying tallow on your own skin, remember to start slow and listen to your skin’s feedback. Do a patch test, use high-quality grass-fed tallow balm, and give it a few weeks to gauge results. You might discover that your skin loves this ancestral ingredient, becoming calmer and clearer with a simple tallow routine. Or you might decide it’s not for you – and that’s okay too, because skincare is very personal. The encouraging news is that many people right here in NZ have found success with tallow as a nourishing, balancing moisturizer that complements their acne treatment plan. At the very least, tallow is a gentle option worth considering for its skinfood qualities and its connection to a more natural way of caring for our bodies.

Ready to explore tallow’s benefits for yourself? If you’d like to give this traditional remedy a try, consider opting for a high-quality, locally made tallow product. Bloom Tallow offers a range of pure, grass-fed tallow balms and lotions crafted in New Zealand – a perfect starting point for experiencing tallow’s skin-loving properties. Our products are formulated to be simple and effective, without unnecessary additives, making them suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin.

Check out our collection of tallow balms and creams here and take the first step toward a gentler, more natural skincare journey. Your skin deserves nourishment and balance, and tallow might just be the rustic little secret that helps you achieve a healthier, happier complexion.

Give it a try – your skin might thank you with a subtle, blooming glow!