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We investigate balms, creams, ointments and lotions from free-range lard and tallow, and which products are best suited for natural skincare based on nutrient-rich traditional animal fats.
With the popularity of natural skin products based on animal fats soaring (compared to the toxic, rancid seed oils used in most commercial lotions/creams), we are receiving more and more inquiries from our readers about which is best… .Grass-raised lard or resin-based balms/creams/salves/lotions?
The answer to that question is easy… Tallow and lard are both good for natural skin care (as long as the products in question do not contain unnecessary additives)… There are important differences between the two that really make you choose one over the other.
I prefer pasture-raised lard cream, especially for facial use. (I make my own vanilla body lotion for arms/legs… I’ve had great reviews over the years!)
Let me tell you why.
difference in sensation
I’m sensitive to the senses, so the way skincare products feel on my skin is very important to me.
That said, there are clear sensory differences between tallow-based creams compared to lard-based versions.
Tallow often gives a heavier, waxier, and oilier feel to the skin.
In comparison, lard seems to be lighter, creamier, and more absorbent. At least for me.
Again, this is a personal preference and really important in hot and humid Florida! In this climate, it doesn’t get greasy, especially in the summer.
If you like Suzy skincare, this is great! This is just my opinion sharing in case you are new to these types of products and don’t know what to use first.
Tallow and lard fatty acid composition
There’s a reason lard becomes lighter and more absorbent when applied to the skin.
This is not just anecdotal. Distinct textural changes result from fundamental differences in fatty acid composition and physical properties.
Lard and tallow, in particular, exhibit different melting properties, which in turn affect skin temperature and how they interact with sebum.
Both beef tallow and lard are nutritious, and traditional fats are typically derived from the kidney region (sheep fat and leaf fat, respectively), but their molecular makeup varies greatly, starting with their fatty acid composition.
Saturated fats are tightly packed and have a higher melting point.
In comparison, monounsaturated fats are more liquid and polyunsaturated fats are much more liquid.
Balance (average):
- Saturated Fat: ~50% (palmitic acid ~25%, stearic acid ~19%)
- Monounsaturated fat: ~42% (oleic acid ~36%)
- Polyunsaturated fat: ~4%
Lard (average):
- Saturated fat: 38-43% (palmitic acid 25-28%, stearic acid 12-14%)
- Monounsaturated fat: 47-50% (oleic acid 44-47%)
- Polyunsaturated fat: 6-10% (mainly linoleic acid)
As you can see, tallow contains about 20% more saturated fats, especially stearic acid and lower (liquid) oleic acid (the main type of fat in extra virgin olive oil).
Stearic acid has a very high melting point (about 156°F/69°C), which contributes to the overall elasticity of resin-based skin creams.
Lard is higher in oleic acid and 20% lower in saturated fat, making it more fluid, softer and more skin-friendly in that it can spread directly from the container onto the skin.
Interaction between melting point and skin temperature
Now that we have established that the fatty acids in tallow are roughly 20% higher than in leaf lard, which is saturated (which remains very solid at room temperature), let’s talk more about the melting points of the fatty acids in these two animal fats.
Melting point is very important in determining how fat feels on the skin. Human skin surface temperature is typically around 90 to 93°F (32 to 34°C).
The melting point of the resin is typically around 40 to 50°C (104 to 122°F) or higher, depending on the source and render. Remember that about 10% of the resin is stearic acid, which has a melting point of about 156°F/69°C.
This is why resin creams remain very firm after being applied to the skin.
By comparison, the overall melting point of lard-based cream is approximately 86 to 104°F (30 to 40°C).
This is why lard cream is easy to scoop out of the bottle with your fingers and melts more easily into the skin once applied.
In summary, when you apply tallow cream, the fat does not soften completely very quickly. They are more difficult to remove from the bottle and remain structural, forming a thicker, more occlusive film that stays on the skin surface longer.
This creates the classic “greasy” or waxy feel that many people describe. Protective yet noticeable.
Lard cream, on the other hand, melts faster when it touches the skin. It is softer, spreads more easily and integrates better with the skin’s natural oils. The result is faster absorption and less residue, leaving a lighter, softer feel.
Which one should I choose?
When it comes to tallow-based skincare and lard-based skincare, there is no universal “better” option.
Tallow’s high levels of saturated fat provide excellent stability and barrier protection, making it ideal for intensive repair of very dry skin or cracked heels and hands.
Lard’s fatty acid profile imparts a more elegant feel upon application, providing a less greasy and enjoyable daily skincare experience.
Many manufacturers balance the firmness of the tallow by blending the two fats or adding a cold-pressed liquid oil, such as jojoba oil or olive oil.
The oiliness of tallow cream and lard cream is not a defect. This is a predictable chemistry result.
The bottom line is that both fats are nutrient-dense and time-tested natural moisturizing options.
What you choose should be based on your sensory preferences and where you live.
The sturdier, thicker, barrier-type feel reflects how it is best suited for long-lasting protection compared to the faster, lighter absorption of lard.
So, if you live in a colder, drier climate where your skin needs more protection than quick absorption, tallow is your best option. If you live in a hotter, more humid climate, lard cream (the brand I use) is by far the winner in terms of smoother application and quicker absorption.
