Why Our Tallow Is Different

Why Our Tallow is Different

If you've spent any time researching tallow skincare, you've probably noticed there are a lot of options, and a lot of conflicting information. 

At Outlaw Creek Ranch, we believe skincare should be simple, transparent and thoughtfully made. We created these products because we wanted high-quality skincare for our own family and couldn't always find products that met our standards.

That's why we use grass-fed suet-derived tallow, carefully selected ingredients, stainless steel equipment, and small-batch production methods. We hand-pour every batch on our Missouri ranch and focus on quality over quantity.

The way we make our skincare products is not the easiest or fastest way, but we believe the extra time and effort are worth it.  A typical batch takes approximately 50 hours from start to finish because every step is done intentionally.

Below are some of the questions we answer most often at farmers markets and events. 

What Makes Suet Different from Trim Fat?

One of the biggest differences between our products and many other tallow skincare products is that we use grass-fed suet-derived tallow.

While many tallow products are made from trim fat, we choose to use suet because we've found it creates a cleaner, more consistent finished product. Suet is naturally very white when rendered and is widely considered the gold standard for premium tallow skincare.

Using suet is also more labor-intensive.  Before rendering even begins, we spend hours carefully trimming and preparing each batch, removing anything that doesn't meet our standards. We believe that taking the time to start with the best possible ingredients contributes to a cleaner, higher-quality finished product. 

Because suet yields only a small amount of finished tallow per animal, many producers choose other sources of fat. For us, the extra effort and intentionality are worth it.

Why Don't We Whip Our Tallow?

Many tallow skincare products are whipped to create a lighter, fluffier texture. While many people associate lotions and whipped products with luxury, once we started researching the realities, we knew that whipped wasn't the way.  We could sell air and make our lives easier, and dilute that liquid gold, but we won't do it on principle.

We choose not to whip our tallow because we prefer a dense, concentrated balm that stays closer to its natural form. Every jar is filled with product, not air, and a little goes a long way.  For us, quality comes before volume, which is why we continue to make our balms the traditional way.

How Is Our Tallow Rendered?

Our tallow is dry rendered in stainless steel equipment and carefully filtered for a clean, high-quality finished product.

We choose stainless steel because it is durable, easy to sanitize, and allows us to maintain the standards we want for every batch we produce. We did the research on non-stick coatings for our own family, and don't want them near our skincare either.

From rendering to pouring, every step of the process is completed with attention to detail and quality.

What's the Difference Between Tallow Balm and Body Oil?

This is one of the most common questions that we receive at farmers markets.

Our Tallow Balms are our most concentrated products and are designed for the face, hands, feet, and other areas that need extra moisture. Many customers use them as a daily facial moisturizer, overnight treatment, hand cream or for especially dry areas.

Our Body Oil was created for those who wanted a lightweight option for all-over moisture. It absorbs quickly and is ideal for arms, legs, shoulders, and everyday head-to-toe hydration.

Many customers keep a balm for the face and problem areas and a bottle of Body Oil for daily full-body use.

Why Are Our Scents So Light?

One of the most common comments we hear is that our products aren't heavily scented.

That's intentional.

We use high-quality grass-fed suet-derived tallow and carefully selected ingredients, so we don't need strong fragrances to mask unpleasant odors. Our essential oils are added for a light, pleasant scent and carefully chosen for the unique characteristics they bring to each product, rather than creating an overpowering fragrance.

Many customers appreciate that our products smell clean, subtle, and natural.

Which Product Should I Choose?

Unscented Tallow Balm - A simple two-ingredient option that's popular with fragrance-sensitive individuals, babies, and those who prefer skincare without added scent.

Lavender Tallow Balm - One of our most popular facial moisturizers. Many customers with combination skin enjoy its light, calming scent. A favorite among those with acne-prone or combination skin.

Sage Tallow Balm - Another popular facial option with a fresh herbal scent. Often chosen by customers looking for a clean, subtle fragrance. A favorite among those with acne-prone or combination skin.

Frankincense Tallow Balm - Features a warm, earthy scent that has become a customer favorite.

Almond Vanilla Tallow Balm - A lightly sweet, comforting scent that many customers describe as warm and inviting without being overpowering.

Magnesium Tallow Balm - Popular as part of a nighttime routine and often applied to feet, legs, shoulders, and other areas before bed.

Body Oil - A lightweight option designed for all-over moisture and everyday head-to-toe hydration.

Summer Balm - A mineral-based outdoor companion formulated with non-nano zinc oxide, organic jojoba oil, beeswax, and tallow. 

Why Do We Use Glass Packaging?

Whenever practical, we package our products in amber glass rather than plastic.

We believe the quality of the ingredients inside matters, and we want to store them in packaging that aligns with our commitment to thoughtful craftsmanship. Amber glass also helps protect the products from unnecessary light exposure.

The one exception is our Tallow Summer Balm, which is packaged in a squeeze bottle because it is designed for use at pools, lakes, beaches, parks, and other outdoor activities where glass containers may not be practical.