Wet Rendering Tallow for Skincare

Tallow, the rendered fat from beef suet (sometimes referred to as leaf fat), has been used for centuries in skincare as a natural moisturizer and healer. It is rich in bioavailable fatty acids, which can help to nourish and protect the skin. If you are interested in making your own tallow for skincare purposes, wet rendering beef suet is a simple process that you can do at home.

Not up for the challenge, you can buy or whipped tallow balm here. 

Here is a step-by-step guide to wet rendering beef suet into tallow for skincare:

1. Start with approximately 3-4lbs of high-quality beef suet (also known as leaf fat or kidney fat). Please note that suet and trimmings are two different types of fat and that I recommend suet for this recipe. If you are interested in purchasing some of our suet you can do so here.
2. Using a knife cut the suet into small pieces (if you want a quicker render you can run it through your food processor.) You will want your suet to be cold but not frozen.) If using frozen I would recommend thawing your suet in the refrigerator overnight before processing.
3. Place your tallow in a slow cooker and add approx. 4 cups of water and 1 tablespoon of salt. The water will keep the suet from burning resulting in a cleaner render. The salt is added to help extract impurities. 
4. Set your slow cooker on low and simmer for 8 to 9 hours or until the majority of the suet has melted. Stirring occasionally.
5. Let cool for several minutes then strain through a cheese cloth into a large metal mixing bowl. If you suet did not melt completely you will need to squeeze the cheese cloth with tongs to finish straining. 
6. Place your tallow in the refrigerator until it has solidify and separated from the water. 
7. Once solidified remove the solid tallow cake from the waste water and discard water.
8. Using a knife scape the bottom of the tallow to further remove impurities. 
9. Repeat steps 1 through 8 two more times, then your tallow will be ready to be further processed into soap or skincare products. When repeating the rendering process for the 2nd & 3rd time your tallow will only need to simmer for around 6 to 7 hours and the salt can be omitted as well. 
10. After the 3rd render cut your tallow cake into smaller sections to accommodate the pan/dutch/crockpot you will be using to reheat it.
11. Heat tallow on low until liquified.
12. Remove from heat and add 1 cup of oil (jojoba [I use jojoba], Aragon, olive oil, etc.) and approx. 2 tsp of desired essential oils for every 4 cups of melted tallow. Stir well. 
13. Let your tallow re-solidify in the refrigerator.
14. Once solid, on medium speed until light and fluffy (approx. 1 to 2 minutes). Once whipped to desired texture, use small spatula or pipping bag to transfer into jars. 

While it does take quite a few days to complete it is a rewarding processes that allows you to make a no waste, nourishing product for your skin that is free from preservatives and chemicals. Just like cooking rendering tallow can be an art form and you may need to make some adjustments to the amount carrier oil used or rendering times depending on your tallow!