Can Tallow Really Help with Eczema and Psoriasis?

For anyone living with eczema or psoriasis, skincare can be frustrating. Between flare-ups, redness, dryness, and itching, finding something that actually works without irritating your skin further can feel like an endless quest. If you’ve been combing through shelves full of steroid creams, heavy lotions, and medicated ointments, you may be surprised to learn that a simple, natural ingredient used for centuries—tallow—is gaining attention again for its ability to nourish, repair, and calm the skin.

But can tallow really help with eczema and psoriasis?

The answer is yes—and here's why.

What Is Tallow?

Tallow is rendered fat, typically from grass-fed cattle. While that might sound odd to some, it's actually one of the most skin-compatible substances you can put on your body. For centuries, people used tallow-based soaps and balms as everyday skincare because of its natural compatibility with our skin’s own oils. Today, it's making a comeback as part of the ancestral skincare and natural wellness movement.

Unlike synthetic lotions or even plant oils that may sit on top of the skin or cause sensitivity, tallow has a similar molecular structure to human sebum—the oil our skin naturally produces. That means your skin can easily recognize and absorb it, allowing it to deliver nutrients deep into the layers that need them most.

Eczema and Psoriasis: What’s Happening in Your Skin?

Before diving into how tallow helps, it’s important to understand what’s going on in skin affected by eczema or psoriasis.

• Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is an inflammatory skin condition that causes dry, red, itchy patches. It's often linked to allergies, sensitive skin, or a weakened skin barrier.

• Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that speeds up the life cycle of skin cells, causing buildup and scaling. It’s often accompanied by inflammation, irritation, and sometimes pain.

Both conditions involve inflammation, a damaged skin barrier, and moisture loss. That’s where tallow shines.

Tallow’s Skin-Healing Benefits for Eczema and Psoriasis

1. Anti-Inflammatory Properties

One of the primary issues with both eczema and psoriasis is inflammation—and tallow is naturally anti-inflammatory. It contains:

• Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) – A powerful anti-inflammatory that calms irritated skin.

• Palmitoleic Acid – A rare fatty acid with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits. It also declines as we age, making it even more valuable in skincare.

• Stearic Acid and Oleic Acid – Help calm inflammation while supporting skin regeneration.

These natural compounds soothe flare-ups and help reduce redness, itching, and irritation without the side effects of synthetic treatments.

2. Skin Barrier Repair

The outer layer of our skin acts like a wall, keeping moisture in and irritants out. In people with eczema and psoriasis, this barrier is often compromised. Tallow is rich in fatty acids that mimic the structure of our skin barrier, helping to reinforce and rebuild it:

• Stearic Acid strengthens the skin barrier and improves flexibility.

• Oleic Acid allows nutrients to penetrate deeply and supports repair.

• Palmitic Acid improves barrier function and skin smoothness.

This means fewer cracks, less water loss, and better protection from environmental irritants that trigger flare-ups.

3. Deep Moisture Without Irritation

Many over-the-counter moisturizers use synthetic ingredients, fragrances, and alcohols that can actually worsen eczema or psoriasis. Tallow is free from these harsh additives and delivers long-lasting moisture through its naturally high fat content.

It sinks in without clogging pores or causing burning or stinging, which is common with commercial products.

4. Rich in Skin-Nourishing Vitamins

Tallow naturally contains a unique profile of vitamins that are especially helpful for eczema and psoriasis:

• Vitamin A – Supports skin cell turnover and repair.

• Vitamin D – Calms inflammation and supports immune function in the skin.

• Vitamin E – A potent antioxidant that protects and repairs damaged skin.

• Vitamin K – Supports skin healing and elasticity.

• Vitamin B12 – Known to reduce skin inflammation and promote healing.

This combination is rarely found in plant-based oils and cannot be replicated in synthetic products.

Why Tallow Soap Is a Smart Swap for Sensitive Skin

In addition to using tallow-based balms or moisturizers, switching to tallow soap can make a big difference for people dealing with eczema and psoriasis. Many commercial soaps are harsh, stripping the skin of its natural oils and leaving it more vulnerable.

Tallow soap is:

• Gentle – It won’t dry or irritate sensitive skin.

• Balanced – Works in harmony with the skin’s pH.

• Nourishing – Infused with vitamins and fatty acids, not fillers.

Some makers, like BearBone Naturals, combine tallow with goat milk, which brings even more skin-loving benefits—especially lactic acid for gentle exfoliation and deeper hydration.

Real Relief, Not Just a Quick Fix

While steroid creams and medicated ointments can help temporarily reduce symptoms, they don’t address the root issues—like inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, or a broken skin barrier. That’s where ancestral skincare ingredients like tallow stand out.

By nourishing the skin from the outside in, tallow helps your skin restore its natural balance. Over time, many people report fewer flare-ups, smoother skin, and less dependence on medicated products.

What to Look for in Tallow-Based Skincare Products

If you’re considering tallow for eczema or psoriasis, keep these tips in mind:

• Choose Grass-Fed Tallow – It has a better nutrient profile, with more CLA and fat-soluble vitamins.

• Avoid Fragrances – Stick to unscented or lightly scented options with essential oils only.

• Keep It Simple – Look for products with minimal, recognizable ingredients.

• Pair with Goat Milk – This combination enhances hydration and gently exfoliates dry, flaky skin.

BearBone Naturals, for example, creates handcrafted tallow soaps and balms in Utah using locally sourced, grass-fed ingredients. Their formulas are designed specifically for sensitive, inflamed, and dry skin types.

Testimonials and What People Are Saying

Many people who have tried tallow-based products report noticeable improvements in skin texture, reduced redness, and fewer flare-ups. Here’s what a few users have shared:

"I’ve tried everything for my son’s eczema. Tallow balm was the first thing that didn’t sting and actually helped."

"After years of psoriasis on my hands, I started using tallow soap. The itching is gone, and the patches are almost invisible."

These kinds of results aren’t guaranteed for everyone, but they’re a strong sign that natural, animal-based skincare can make a real difference.

Should You Try Tallow for Eczema or Psoriasis?

If you're tired of endless creams that don’t deliver, or you’re looking for a more natural way to care for your skin, tallow is absolutely worth considering. Its powerful blend of nutrients, compatibility with human skin, and natural anti-inflammatory properties make it an ideal choice for chronic skin conditions.

Tallow won't cure eczema or psoriasis overnight—but it can support your skin in meaningful ways. And when combined with a healthy lifestyle and mindful skincare routine, it may become a key player in your long-term skin wellness plan.

Looking for Tallow Soap in Utah?

Check out BearBone Naturals for high-quality, handcrafted tallow soap in Utah, made from grass-fed beef fat and combined with healing ingredients like goat milk. Their products are designed with sensitive skin in mind and crafted with care, right here in the heart of the West.