Tallow—rendered fat typically derived from grass-fed cattle—has made a resurgence in modern cosmetic formulations due to its skin-nourishing properties and natural origin. As clean beauty and sustainable skincare gain popularity, tallow is increasingly being embraced by formulators and small cosmetic brands seeking traditional, yet effective, ingredients.
Here you can find more information on how to formulate with tallow, meet regulatory requirements, and obtain the necessary certifications to legally sell tallow-based cosmetics in the EU and beyond.
Why Tallow Is Gaining Popularity in Skincare
Tallow has long been used in traditional skincare products, but its role in modern cosmetics is being rediscovered. Rich in skin-compatible fatty acids like stearic acid, oleic acid, and palmitic acid, tallow offers deep moisturization and supports the skin barrier function. When sourced from grass-fed animals, it also contains fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K—all beneficial for maintaining healthy skin.
Key Benefits of Tallow in Cosmetics:
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Deeply moisturizing and emollient
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Non-comedogenic (when purified correctly)
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High compatibility with human sebum
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Naturally rich in vitamins and antioxidants
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Easily biodegradable and sustainable when ethically sourced
Common applications include tallow balms, body butters, soaps, lip balms, and even facial creams, especially for dry or sensitive skin.
How to Formulate Cosmetic Products with Tallow
Formulating with tallow requires an understanding of its physical properties and how it behaves in emulsions, balms, or cold-process soaps. Tallow is solid at room temperature, similar to shea butter or coconut oil, making it a good base fat in anhydrous formulations and oil phases of emulsions.
Tallow in Anhydrous Balms
When used in lip or body balms, tallow provides a smooth, occlusive layer that helps retain moisture. It’s often combined with beeswax, shea butter, or plant oils for improved texture and absorption.
Basic Balm Formula Example:
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50% Tallow (refined, grass-fed)
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20% Shea Butter
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20% Jojoba Oil
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10% Beeswax
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Optional: Essential oils or oil-soluble actives
Tallow in Emulsions
In lotions or creams, tallow is incorporated into the oil phase and emulsified with appropriate emulsifiers (e.g. Olivem 1000 or Polawax). Heating it gently to 60–70°C ensures complete melting and even blending.
Tallow in Cold-Process Soap
Tallow is a classic fat in traditional soap making, providing hardness and long-lasting lather. It’s usually combined with coconut oil and olive oil for a balanced bar.
Note: Always conduct proper microbial and stability testing before market release.
Regulatory Requirements for Selling Tallow-Based Cosmetics
Whether you’re formulating a face balm or a body butter, your tallow-based cosmetic product must meet strict regulatory standards—especially within the EU under Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009.
Step 1: Ingredient Quality and Traceability
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Ensure your tallow supplier provides documentation such as a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) and Microbiological Test Results.
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For animal-derived ingredients, documentation on BSE/TSE status is often required to prove safety.
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Choose refined, cosmetic-grade tallow—this avoids odor and ensures purity.
Step 2: Cosmetic Safety Assessment (CPSR)
Before your product can be sold, it must undergo a Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR) conducted by a qualified toxicologist. This includes:
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A full quantitative formula with INCI names
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Physicochemical and microbiological specifications of raw materials
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Stability data (including accelerated stability tests)
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Label and claims verification
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Toxicological profile of each ingredient
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Exposure assessment and calculation of the Margin of Safety (MoS)
Our team at Certified Cosmetics offers CPSRs tailored specifically for tallow-based products, whether for simple balms or complex emulsions.
Step 3: Product Information File (PIF)
Every cosmetic must have a Product Information File that includes:
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CPSR
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Manufacturing details
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GMP compliance evidence
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Test reports (e.g. microbiology, challenge test if water is included)
Step 4: CPNP Notification
Before market entry in the EU, the product must be notified via the Cosmetic Product Notification Portal (CPNP). This step is mandatory for all cosmetic products and requires all above documentation.
Testing Requirements: Safety & Stability
Tallow products, like any other cosmetics, must be safe under normal and foreseeable use. To demonstrate this, lab testing is crucial.
Recommended Tests:
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Microbiological Test – required for both water-free and water-based products.
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Preservative Efficacy (Challenge Test) – mandatory if the product contains water.
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Stability Test – especially for emulsions and balms prone to oxidation.
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Patch Test (Dermatological Test) – optional, but adds value for sensitive skin claims.
You can view our Microbiology Test and Stability Testing options for more information.
Labeling Tallow-Based Cosmetics
Your product label must comply with INCI, include correct usage and warning texts, and clearly mention the presence of animal-derived ingredients for consumer transparency.
Mandatory Label Elements:
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Product name and function
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Full ingredients list (e.g. Tallow)
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Net content
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Batch number
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Responsible Person (EU address)
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Country of origin (if imported)
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Period After Opening (PAO) or best-before date
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Any warnings (e.g. “For external use only”)
Optionally, you may also include vegan disclaimers (if applicable), but if tallow is used, it cannot be labeled vegan.
Getting Certified to Sell: GMP and Beyond
In addition to safety testing, adhering to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)—as outlined in ISO 22716—is key for market readiness. While small producers often craft products at home, a GMP-compliant setup ensures traceability, hygiene, and repeatable quality.
For added credibility and trust, consider:
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Natural certification (such as COSMOS)
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Animal welfare certification (if sourcing ethically from farms)
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Dermatologically Tested claims based on patch test results
We offer comprehensive guidance and services for startups looking to become compliant with both regulatory and consumer standards.
Traditional Meets Modern Compliance
Tallow offers incredible benefits as a natural cosmetic ingredient—moisturizing, nutrient-rich, and skin-friendly. However, to move from the kitchen to the marketplace, your formulation must undergo safety assessments, lab testing, and legal certification.
At Certified Cosmetics, we help formulators and brands bring their tallow-based products to the market with full confidence. From cosmetic safety reports to challenge testing and label reviews, we ensure your cosmetics meet EU requirements and international standards.
Need help launching your tallow-based cosmetic line?
Contact us today to get started with safety assessments, lab testing, and compliance support.
Question and anwsers
Q: Is tallow safe for use in cosmetics?
A: Yes, when properly refined and sourced from healthy animals, cosmetic-grade tallow is safe for topical use. It must be included in a cosmetic safety assessment (CPSR) before it can be sold legally in the EU.
Q: What type of lab tests are needed for tallow-based cosmetics?
A: At minimum, a microbiological test is required. If your product contains water, a preservative efficacy (challenge) test and stability test are also recommended. These tests ensure your product is safe and stable throughout its shelf life.
Q: Can I sell tallow-based skincare in the EU without a safety assessment?
A: No, all cosmetic products sold in the EU must undergo a Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR) as required under Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. This includes tallow-based products like balms, soaps, and creams.
Q: Do I need to label tallow on the ingredients list?
A: Yes, ingredients must be listed using their INCI names. For tallow, the INCI name is usually Tallow or Tallow Acid, depending on the form used. Transparency is especially important for consumers with dietary or ethical restrictions.
Q: Is tallow allowed in vegan cosmetic products?
A: No, tallow is an animal-derived ingredient and therefore not suitable for vegan-labeled products. If you wish to formulate vegan cosmetics, consider plant-based alternatives such as shea butter or coconut oil.
Q: How do I source cosmetic-grade tallow?
A: Look for suppliers who offer refined, deodorized tallow specifically for cosmetic use. Always request documentation such as a Certificate of Analysis (CoA), microbiological data, and BSE/TSE-free certification.
Q: Can I make cold-process soap with tallow?
A: Yes, tallow is a traditional and effective ingredient in cold-process soap making. It produces a hard, long-lasting bar with creamy lather, especially when combined with coconut oil and olive oil.
Q: Do I need GMP certification to sell tallow cosmetics?
A: While formal ISO 22716 GMP certification is not mandatory for small-scale producers, you must follow Good Manufacturing Practice principles. Documentation, cleanliness, traceability, and batch records are essential for compliance.
