Frequently asked questions
Isn't tallow just beef fat?
Tallow is purified, rendered fat that has been used in skincare for centuries. We use grass-fed, grass-finished tallow from small Okanagan farms. It's naturally rich in fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K and in fatty acids such as oleic, palmitic and stearic acid and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), lipids that are naturally part of the skin's own barrier.
Will tallow clog my pores?
Our formulations are designed to be non-comedogenic and compatible with the skin's natural oils. As with any new product, start with a small amount.
Does it smell like beef?
No. Our tallow is carefully purified and balanced with botanical ingredients, so you'll notice calendula, lavender, vanilla or essential oils, not beef. Raw Beauty Cream is completely unscented.
Is it suitable for sensitive skin?
Yes. Raw Beauty Cream is formulated without essential oils, specifically for sensitive or reactive skin and the whole family.
Does tallow affect my skin's pH?
Healthy skin has a slightly acidic surface, around pH 4.5–5.5, often called the acid mantle. Pure fats and oils don't have a measurable pH, because pH only applies to water-based products, and tallow contains no water. Tallow doesn't change your skin's pH; it supports the skin's natural lipid barrier.
Why are so many people switching to tallow skincare?
Many people want simpler routines with fewer, nutrient-dense ingredients rooted in tradition. One multi-purpose tallow product can often replace several conventional ones.
Which product should I start with?
Most people start with the Tallow Face Cream for daily moisture, the Tallow Balm for very dry areas, Raw Beauty Cream for sensitive skin, or Tinted Tallow for a natural glow. Tallow Lip Butter is an easy first introduction.
Are your products vegan?
Our tallow products are not vegan, because tallow is an animal ingredient. Our fermented toners, toothpastes and mouth rinses do not contain tallow; check each product's ingredient list.
Why do the fermented toners smell slightly tangy?
Our toners are unpasteurized and made with living kombucha, so a gentle, tangy scent is normal. Keep them tightly closed in a cool, dark place.
How long do the products last?
We recommend using tallow products within 12 months of opening. Store them at room temperature away from direct sunlight. Fermented toners are best within 2 years of opening.
Should I patch test?
Yes. Test a small amount on your inner arm before first use, and stop use if irritation occurs.
Do you offer free shipping?
Yes, on orders over $125 within Canada.
Where can I buy Living Cosmetics in person?
At Nature's Fare Markets, Save-On-Foods, Choices Markets and Nesters Market. See our store list.
Do you sell wholesale?
Yes. We work with retailers, spas and estheticians, and offer staff product training. Visit our wholesale page.
Can I return a product?
Please see our refund policy, or contact us with any questions.