Wet Rendering Tallow for Skincare

Tallow, the rendered fat from beef suet (sometimes referred to as leaf fat), has been used for centuries in skincare as a natural moisturizer and healer. It is rich in vitamins A, D, and E, as well as fatty acids, which can help to nourish and protect the skin. If you are interested in making your own tallow for skincare purposes, wet rendering beef suet is a simple process that you can do at home.

Here is a step-by-step guide to wet rendering beef suet into tallow for skincare:

1. Obtain high-quality beef suet. Look for suet that is firm and white. If you are interested in purchasing some of our suet you can do so here.
2. Using a knife cut the suet into small pieces and run it through your food processor. You will want your suet to be cold but not frozen. If using frozen I would recommend thawing your suet in the refrigerator 24 hours before processing.
3. Place your tallow in a slow cooker and add approx. 4 cups of water and 2 tablespoons of salt. The water will keep the suet from burning resulting in a cleaner render. The salt is added to help extract impurities. 
4. Set your slow cooker on low and simmer for 6 to 8 hours or until the majority of the suet has melted. Stirring occasionally.
5. Let cool for several minutes then strain through a cheese cloth into a large metal mixing bowl. If you suet did not melt completely you will need to squeeze the cheese cloth with tongs to finish straining. 
6. Place your tallow in the refrigerator until it has solidify and separated from the water. 
7. Once solidified remove the solid tallow cake from the waste water and discard water.
8. Using a knife scape the bottom of the tallow to further remove impurities. 
9. Repeat steps 1 through 8 two more times, then your tallow will be ready to be further processed into soap or skincare products. When repeating the rendering process for the 2nd & 3rd time your tallow will only need to simmer for around 3 or 4 hours. 
10. After the 3rd render cut your tallow cake into smaller sections to accommodate the pan/dutch/crockpot you will be using to reheat it.
11. Heat tallow on low until liquified.
12. Remove from heat and add 1 cup of oil (jojoba [I use jojoba], Aragon, olive oil, etc.) and approx. 2 tsp of desired essential oils for every 4 cups of melted tallow. Stir well. 
13. Let your tallow re-solidify at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
14. Once solid, on medium speed until light and fluffy (approx. 1 to 2 minutes). Once whipped to desired texture, use small spatula or pipping bag to transfer into jars. 

While it does take quite a few days to complete it is a rewarding processes that allows you to make a no waste, nourishing product for your skin that is free from preservatives and chemicals. Give it a try and discover the many benefits of tallow for yourself!

Not up for the challenge, you can buy or whipped tallow balm here.