Lard vs. Tallow: What’s the Difference for Your Skin?

When it comes to natural, animal-based skincare, two ingredients often come up: lard and tallow. Both are traditional fats that have been used for generations to nourish and protect the skin, but they’re not exactly the same.

If you're choosing between the two—or just curious about the differences—this post breaks it down in plain English. Whether you're managing eczema, dry skin, or just want a more natural skincare routine, understanding the difference between lard and tallow can help you make the right choice for your skin.

What Exactly Are Lard and Tallow?

Lard is rendered fat from pigs—specifically the fatty tissue beneath the skin and around the organs.

Tallow, on the other hand, is rendered fat from cows (or sometimes sheep). It’s usually made from the suet, the hard fat around the kidneys and loins.

While both are animal fats, they differ in texture, fatty acid composition, and even their feel on the skin.

How They Compare: Fatty Acid Profile

Both lard and tallow are made up of a mix of saturated, monounsaturated, and a small amount of polyunsaturated fats. This balance is key to how they nourish the skin.

Lard

  • Higher in oleic acid (a monounsaturated fat also found in olive oil).

  • Oleic acid helps moisturise, soothe, and penetrate deeply into the skin.

  • Ideal for dry, flaky, or irritated skin.

Tallow

  • Slightly higher in stearic acid and palmitic acid (saturated fats).

  • These help form a protective layer and support skin structure.

  • Great for repairing the skin barrier and protecting the skin.

Both fats contain vitamins A, D, E, and K, but the exact amounts can vary depending on the animal’s diet and how the fat is processed.

Skin Feel and Texture

This is where the difference really becomes noticeable—especially for everyday use.

  • Lard tends to be softer, creamier, and melts more easily at body temperature. It feels light, silky, and absorbs quickly.

  • Tallow is firmer and more waxy. It’s slightly more occlusive, meaning it sits on the skin longer before absorbing fully.

If you prefer a fast-absorbing moisturiser with a smooth, balm-like texture, lard might be your pick. If you want something heavier and longer-lasting—especially for winter or cracked heels—tallow could be more your style.

Scent

Both pure lard and tallow, when properly rendered, are neutral in scent. However, there are subtle differences.

  • Lard has little to no scent when clean and well-rendered. It blends beautifully with essential oils.

  • Tallow has a slightly more "meaty" scent, though still mild. It can sometimes linger more than lard.

This isn’t a deal-breaker for most people, but for those sensitive to scent, it might be worth sampling both before deciding.

Skin Sensitivity

Both fats are known to be gentle on sensitive skin, but here's how they compare:

  • Lard is especially beneficial for conditions like eczema, dermatitis, rosacea, and post-shaving irritation. Its higher oleic acid content makes it deeply soothing and restorative.

  • Tallow is great for very dry or cracked skin, and excels in creating a protective barrier without synthetic ingredients. It’s been used traditionally in baby balms and salves.

For people with acne-prone skin, both lard and tallow are generally non-comedogenic, meaning they’re unlikely to clog pores. That said, every skin type is different, so patch testing is always a good idea.

Ethical and Sustainability Considerations

This one really depends on where the fat is sourced.

At Tiny Tallow, we use lard from pasture-raised pigs on regenerative farms. The pigs live outdoors, express their natural behaviours, and contribute positively to the land. We use the fat that would otherwise go to waste—giving it a new life in nourishing skincare.

High-quality tallow can also be sourced ethically, but it's less common in Australia to find truly grass-fed, small-scale tallow used in skincare. Industrial sources may come from feedlot cattle, which aren’t aligned with regenerative or ethical principles.

If sustainability and transparency matter to you, knowing your source matters—whether you're using lard or tallow.

Shelf Life and Stability

  • Tallow is slightly more stable at room temperature due to its higher saturated fat content.

  • Lard, while also stable, should be stored in a cool, dark place to maintain freshness.

Both fats can last many months without preservatives if stored correctly—and are often blended with beeswax or essential oils to improve shelf life and consistency.

Which One Should You Choose?

Here’s a quick guide:

Skin Concern Best Choice
Dry, flaky, irritated skin Lard
Cracked, chapped skin Tallow
Sensitive or reactive skin Lard
Barrier repair Tallow
Fast absorption Lard
Longer protection Tallow

That said, some people use both—lard in the morning, tallow at night, or lard on the face and tallow on hands and feet. There’s no wrong answer—only what works for your skin.

Final Thoughts

Both lard and tallow are beautiful, natural alternatives to synthetic skincare. They’ve stood the test of time and are finally getting the recognition they deserve.

At Tiny Tallow, we proudly use lard because of its skin compatibility, regenerative sourcing, and soft, silky texture. But we love that people are rediscovering both of these incredible fats.

Whether you choose lard, tallow, or a blend of both—know that you’re giving your skin something it understands, welcomes, and truly benefits from.

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