Does Tallow Really Make You Break Out? The Truth Behind the Myth

If you’ve ever heard someone say, “But won’t tallow clog my pores?”—you’re not alone. Because tallow is a natural fat, some assume that applying it to the skin will lead to greasiness, clogged pores, and acne. But here’s the truth: tallow is one of the most skin-compatible moisturisers you can use, and it actually helps prevent breakouts.

Let’s break down why.

Why People Think Tallow Causes Acne

Tallow has a rich, buttery texture that can feel heavier than water-based serums. At first glance, it’s easy to assume it will sit on the skin and trap bacteria. Add to that the fact that many conventional “oily” products do cause congestion, and it makes sense why this myth persists.

But not all oils are created equal—and tallow behaves very differently on your skin.

Tallow and Your Skin’s Natural Oils

Here’s the key: grass-fed beef tallow is almost bio-identical to the oils your skin naturally produces (sebum).

That means your skin recognises it, absorbs it efficiently, and doesn’t treat it as a foreign substance. Instead of clogging pores, tallow works in harmony with your skin barrier to:

Balance oil production

Soothe inflammation

Deliver essential fatty acids like palmitic and oleic acid

Provide vitamins A, D, E, and K for cellular repair

Far from being a breakout trigger, tallow can normalize skin function—especially for those struggling with acne.

Why Tallow Can Prevent Breakouts

Breakouts often start with irritation, over-drying, or imbalance in the skin barrier. Common acne-fighting products strip the skin of natural oils, pushing it to overproduce sebum. This cycle leads to clogged pores, redness, and more breakouts.

Tallow takes the opposite approach:

Non-comedogenic: Tallow doesn’t block pores when used in the right formulation.

Anti-inflammatory: Its natural CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) helps calm irritation and redness.

Barrier-supporting: By replenishing lipids, it prevents the overproduction of oil that causes acne flare-ups.

Many Glow Ritual customers report that switching to whipped tallow cream actually reduced their acne and gave them a clearer, more balanced complexion.

Goodbye Harsh Serums, Hello Radiant Skin

Instead of layering $600 worth of complicated serums, one jar of Glow Ritual Whipped Tallow provides all-in-one nourishment—hydrating, anti-aging, and acne-supportive. With added niacinamide and squalane, it’s designed to smooth fine lines, brighten tone, and calm stressed skin without the heavy feel.

The myth that tallow makes you break out is rooted in misunderstanding. In reality, this nutrient-rich, skin-compatible ingredient is one of the most effective natural moisturisers for acne-prone and sensitive skin.

Want to see the difference yourself? Try our Whipped Tallow and experience nourished, radiant, breakout-free skin—without the 10-step routine.