Vitamins A, D, E and K in Tallow: Why We Call It Skin Food
By Glow Ritual
We call tallow skin food for a reason. Beyond its skin-similar lipids, grass-fed tallow naturally contains the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. Here's what that means, and how we build on it with the vitamins we add to each formula.
Why tallow contains fat-soluble vitamins
Vitamins A, D, E and K are fat-soluble, which means they dissolve in and are stored in fat rather than water. Tallow is a nutrient-rich fat, so it naturally carries these vitamins. That's why we describe it as nutrient-dense skin food rather than simply an oil. Levels vary naturally, so we don't claim specific amounts.
The vitamins in tallow, in brief
- Vitamin A: the vitamin family that retinoids belong to. Curious how tallow compares? Read tallow vs retinol.
- Vitamin D: a fat-soluble vitamin naturally present in animal fats.
- Vitamin E: an antioxidant that conditions and softens skin.
- Vitamin K: the fourth fat-soluble vitamin, rounding out tallow's natural nutrient profile.
More than vitamins: lipids your skin recognises
Tallow's biggest strength is its lipid profile. It's rich in fatty acids, including oleic, palmitic and stearic acids, similar to the ones your skin makes itself. As skin makes fewer of its own lipids with age, it can feel drier and tighter. Feeding it lipids morning and night helps it hold on to moisture. Learn more in why skin loses lipids with age and grass-fed tallow skincare benefits.
The vitamins we add
- Vitamin B3 (niacinamide): 4% in our Face Cream, and also in our Body Cream, to help improve the look of uneven tone and texture and support a healthy-looking skin barrier.
- Pro-vitamin B5 (panthenol): in our Cleansing Balm and Body Cream, to help skin hold on to moisture and feel comfortable.
- Vitamin E: added to our Face Cream and Body Cream for antioxidant conditioning. Read more in vanilla extract and vitamin E.
Shop the ritual
NZ grass-fed tallow, 4% niacinamide, squalane, shea butter and olive oil, softly scented with vanilla extract. Rich, deeply hydrating and velvety, never greasy. One jar, morning and night.
Shop Whipped Tallow CreamWhy grass-fed matters
What cattle eat affects the fat they produce. We use tallow from pasture-raised, grass-fed New Zealand cattle as the best starting point for a cream you'll use every day. Read why sourcing matters.
Shop the ritual
Cleansing Balm, Whipped Tallow Cream and Body Cream: three products, one simple routine, with the Cleansing Balm free during the launch offer.
Shop The Complete RitualFAQ
Does tallow contain retinol?
Tallow naturally contains vitamin A, but it is not a retinol product and we don't claim it works like one.
Which Glow Ritual products contain tallow?
All three: the Whipped Tallow Cream, Cleansing Balm and Body Cream.
Is tallow skincare suitable for oily skin?
Our formulas are intentionally lipid rich and were created with dry, mature and changing skin in mind. If your skin is oily or congestion-prone, start with a small amount. See does tallow clog pores?
As with any skincare, patch test before full use: apply a small amount to the inner arm twice daily for 7–10 days. Stop use if you notice persistent irritation, and seek medical advice if it continues.
