Toxins Are Stored in Fat: Why Conventional Tallow Can Be Risky

You might already know that the skin is your body's largest organ—but did you know it's also highly absorbent? That means what you put on your skin matters, especially when it comes to the purity of ingredients. One of the most overlooked truths in skincare is that toxins are stored in fat, and that’s exactly why the source of your tallow is so important.

The problem with conventional beef fat
Conventional cattle are often raised in concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), where they are exposed to a variety of toxins: pesticides from feed, synthetic hormones to accelerate growth, and antibiotics to manage disease in overcrowded environments. All of these substances can accumulate in the animal’s fat tissues—and when that fat is rendered into tallow, those toxins can carry over into your skincare.

A peer-reviewed study published in Environmental Health Perspectives confirms that lipophilic toxins—those that dissolve in fat—tend to bioaccumulate in fatty tissue over time (Schecter et al., 2006). This means that low-quality tallow may contain trace amounts of harmful substances that your body can absorb through your skin.

Why this matters for your skin and health
When applied topically, tallow made from contaminated fat can introduce unwanted chemicals into your system. While your liver and kidneys work to detoxify your body internally, your skin lacks such a robust filtration system. It acts more like a sponge than a sieve. Over time, exposure to toxic skincare ingredients can contribute to inflammation, hormone disruption, and other health issues.

Grass-fed, grass-finished: A cleaner alternative
By choosing tallow from grass-fed, grass-finished cattle, you reduce the risk of exposure to these contaminants. Studies show that animals raised on pasture have lower levels of synthetic residues and a healthier fatty acid profile overall (Daley et al., 2010).

At Myers Manor, we render our tallow from ethically raised, 100% grass-finished cows. Our process is slow, careful, and never involves high-heat or industrial chemicals. The result is a pure, creamy balm you can feel good about putting on your skin.

Clean skincare starts at the source
In the world of clean beauty, transparency is everything. That's why we're passionate about educating our customers on the "why" behind our ingredients. When it comes to tallow, the source matters just as much as the finished product. You deserve skincare that’s as pure and intentional as your lifestyle.