Not All Tallow Is the Same: Grass-Fed, Finished and Organic Explained

Tallow is having a moment.
But as with most ingredients, quality matters more than trends.

At Senza, we believe skincare should be simple, intentional, and honest. That starts with understanding where our ingredients come from and how they are made.

Here is what actually matters when it comes to tallow.

Why Tallow Works So Well on Skin

Tallow is rich in bio-compatible lipids. Its natural fatty acid profile closely resembles the oils found in healthy human skin.

This is why high-quality tallow can:
• Support the skin barrier
• Reduce dryness and tightness
• Help calm reactive or compromised skin
• Feel nourishing without heaviness

But these benefits depend entirely on how the animal was raised and fed.

Grass-Fed and Finished vs Grain-Fed Tallow

Grass-Fed and Finished Tallow

Grass-fed and finished means the cattle consumed grass for their entire life.

This is their natural diet, and it shows in the fat.

Grass-fed and finished tallow is:
• Naturally higher in vitamins A, D, E, and K
• Better balanced in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
• More stable and resilient
• Closely aligned with healthy skin lipids

For skincare, this translates to tallow that supports calm, balanced, and resilient skin.

This is the standard we believe in.

Grain-Fed Tallow

Grain-fed cattle are typically raised on grass early, then finished on grain to increase weight quickly.

This alters the fat composition significantly.

Grain-fed tallow tends to be:
• Higher in omega-6 fatty acids
• Lower in naturally occurring vitamins
• Less stable over time
• Less aligned with the skin’s natural oils

It can still moisturise, but it does not offer the same nutrient density or long-term skin support.

Why “Finished” Matters

Some products are labelled grass-fed but not grass-finished.

The finishing phase has the greatest impact on fat quality.
If an animal is grain-finished, the fat profile shifts regardless of how it was raised earlier.

For skincare, grass-fed and finished is essential.

Organic vs Non-Organic Tallow

Organic Tallow

Organic certification is about exposure, not just diet.

Organic tallow comes from cattle that are:
• Raised without synthetic pesticides or herbicides
• Not treated with growth hormones
• Not routinely given antibiotics
• Grazed on certified organic pasture

Because fat stores toxins, this matters. What the animal is exposed to ends up in the tallow.

Organic standards significantly reduce that burden.

Non-Organic Tallow

Non-organic tallow is not automatically harmful, but it does come with fewer safeguards.

It may involve:
• Pesticide exposure
• Antibiotic use
• Hormonal treatments
• Less transparency around sourcing

When applied to the skin daily, these differences matter over time.

Why This Matters for Sensitive Skin

Your skin absorbs what you put on it.

High-quality tallow supports:
• A stronger skin barrier
• Improved moisture retention
• Reduced irritation and dryness
• Long-term skin comfort

This is especially important for:
• Sensitive or reactive skin
• Eczema-prone skin
• Pregnancy-safe routines
• Babies and children
• Anyone simplifying their skincare

Our Philosophy

At Senza, we choose:
• Grass-fed and finished tallow
• Organic sourcing where possible
• Minimal processing
• No unnecessary additives

Because skincare should work with your skin, not against it.

Tallow is only as good as its source.
We choose the highest standard, every time.