If you love natural, simple ingredients like I do, you’ve probably wondered about tallow versus lard. Both have been used for centuries in kitchens and on skin, but which one is really worth keeping around? Tallow comes from rendered beef fat, usually from grass-fed cows. It’s packed with vitamins A, D, E, and K, and the fatty acids in tallow are actually very similar to the ones in our skin, which makes it incredibly nourishing and gentle. Lard, on the other hand, is rendered pork fat. It’s great for cooking, but the nutrient content depends on the pig’s diet. Lard is softer and milder than tallow, which makes it perfect for baking and frying.

When it comes to skincare, tallow is a clear favorite for me. It moisturizes deeply without leaving a greasy feeling, supports the skin barrier, and can be used in a variety of products—from whipped body butter to lotion bars, lip balms, or even my F Menopause Balm, which is packed with nourishing tallow to support skin and whole-body comfort. Lard can work too, but it’s heavier and doesn’t absorb as easily, so it’s better suited for thicker balms or soaps rather than daily moisturizing.

Both tallow and lard also shine in the kitchen, just in different ways. Tallow has a high smoke point, making it excellent for frying, roasting, or sautéing, and it adds a rich, savory flavor to dishes. Lard, meanwhile, is perfect for flaky pie crusts, pastries, or pan-frying, and its mild taste makes it easy to use in a variety of recipes. If you’re looking for a fat that can do double duty—skin and kitchen—tallow is my go-to.

Quality matters, too. Look for grass-fed or pastured tallow to get the most nutrients and ethical sourcing, and make sure it’s properly rendered for purity and shelf life. Both tallow and lard have their place, but for modern wellness and skincare, I always reach for tallow. From soft, nourished skin to tastier, richer cooking, it’s a multitasker I love using every day.

💡 Tip: If you want to try tallow without making it yourself, my whipped tallow, lotion bars, and F Menopause Balm make it easy to experience all the benefits.

Tallow Later, Your Small Farm Tallow Girl
— Jessica Gullic