Tail and Tallow Creams: We Tested Tradition with Science

Traditional or Scientific?

Suet and tallow are ingredients that have been used by people as "natural moisturizers" and "good for wounds" since the time of Avicenna. Especially in rural areas, these natural oils, preferred for problems such as skin cracks, dryness, and even eczema, have now started to find their place in many commercial product forms.

But do these oils really benefit the skin? Can every skin type use them? Are there risks?

For you, we examined what comes from tradition and evaluated it in the light of scientific literature:

What are Suet and Tallow, and What Do They Contain?

Suet is an animal fat rich in saturated fat, accumulated in the tail section of sheep.
Tallow (kidney fat) is a denser fat found around the animal's organs (especially the kidneys), sometimes purified and referred to as "tallow."

These fats are increasingly found in some natural skincare formulas. The common points of both are:

• High content of saturated fatty acids (especially stearic and palmitic acid)
• Containing certain components known for their collagen-supporting effects
• Creating a protective barrier against external factors due to their dense structure.

Can It Be Used in a Daily Routine?

Yes, in some cases, when used with the right formulation, it can be beneficial:

• For dry, crack-prone skin (e.g., heel cracks, knee-elbow dryness)
• To support the repair of the skin barrier, especially in winter months
• For sensitive, dehydrated skin after dry eczema or atopic dermatitis (as a supplement)
• Can be used as a barrier supporter

However, it should be noted that it is not suitable for all skin types.

What Criteria Should Be Considered?

• Should be prepared in a sterile environment (homemade products carry a risk of microbial contamination)
• Should be cold-pressed, purified, and made odorless for comfort of use
• Should be formulated in a balanced way with vegetable oils (e.g., jojoba, shea, calendula)

Can Everyone Use It?

Even if all these conditions are met, almost no skin type other than very dry skin will be able to tolerate this cream.

• Dry and sensitive skin, rosacea-prone skin, oily eczema-prone skin, oily skin, and any skin treated with retinoic acid derivatives cannot tolerate this oil.

Suitability for skin type must be evaluated with dermatological consultation.

Comedogenic Effect

Suet is quite rich in saturated fatty acids. This property makes it a dense, thick barrier-forming agent, while also carrying a high comedogenic potential.

• Especially suet, which contains high proportions of fatty acids such as oleic acid and palmitic acid, can clog pores and cause comedone formation in oily and acne-prone skin types.

Due to its comedogenic effect, it is not recommended for acne-prone skin.

Oxidative Stability Issue

Animal-derived ingredients with high saturated fat density are prone to oxidation.
When not properly stabilized, they can trigger free radical formation on the skin.
This can result in irritation, redness, and even barrier disruption in sensitive skin.

Microbial Risks

Suet forms not produced under hygienic conditions carry a risk of microbial contamination.
This can lead to skin infections or allergic reactions.

Homemade formulas are high risk in this regard.

What Does Modern Literature Say?

Although there isn't much direct clinical research on suet in modern literature, in some "tallow-based" formulations:

• Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects have been observed.
• It has been shown to support the skin barrier and reduce transepidermal water loss.

However, it is emphasized that animal fats have a high comedogenic score and can be risky for long-term and widespread use.

Therefore, it should be considered for temporary, limited use and suitable skin types.

The effects of animal fats on the skin are still controversial and can pose risks for many skin types. If:

• You want to support your skin barrier,
• Reduce redness and sensitivity,
• Use a non-comedogenic, Malassezia-safe skincare product;

Luishe Tokyo Serum Beta, with its madecassoside, beta-glucan, and centella asiatica content, offers a light but effective skincare experience for your skin.

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References

1. Elias PM. (2005). Stratum corneum defensive functions: an integrated view. J Invest Dermatol. 2005;125(2):183-200. PMID: 16098026
2. Proksch E, Brandner JM, Jensen JM. (2008). The skin: an indispensable barrier. Exp Dermatol. 2008;17(12):1063-72. PMID: 19043850
3. Draelos ZD, DiNardo JC. (2006). A re-evaluation of the comedogenicity concept. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2006;54(3):507-12. PMID: 16488301
4. Lin TK, Zhong L, Santiago JL. (2018). Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. Int J Mol Sci. 2018;19(1):70. PMID: 29280987