If you've been scrolling through holistic skincare circles or ancestral health forums lately, you've likely heard about it. Tallow sunscreen—a once-forgotten remedy from traditional living—is making waves in the modern wellness world.

But what is tallow sunscreen, exactly? And more importantly, is tallow a natural sunscreen you can actually trust?

Let’s break it down.

What Is Tallow Sunscreen?

Tallow sunscreen is a natural sun protectant made by combining rendered beef fat (aka tallow) with mineral UV blockers like non-nano zinc oxide. It might sound unconventional, but for generations, humans relied on tallow as a foundational skincare ingredient—long before synthetic lotions and chemical SPFs existed.

Tallow is typically sourced from 100% grass-fed and finished cattle, meaning it's free from added hormones, GMOs, or grain-fed fillers. This matters because your skin absorbs what you put on it. And unlike petroleum-based creams, tallow mimics the fatty acid profile of human skin, making it deeply compatible and nourishing.

When paired with zinc oxide, a well-known mineral sunscreen approved by the FDA, you get the best of both worlds: moisturizing support for your skin barrier + broad-spectrum UV protection.

Is Tallow a Natural Sunscreen?

Yes—tallow is absolutely a natural sunscreen ingredient. But it’s important to clarify: tallow on its own isn’t a UV blocker. It doesn’t stop UVA/UVB rays the way zinc oxide or titanium dioxide can.

However, what tallow does is protect your skin from dehydration, inflammation, and sun damage on a cellular level. It’s rich in:

• Vitamin A – boosts skin regeneration
• Vitamin D – may support immune function and repair
• Vitamin E – fights oxidative stress from UV exposure
• Stearic and oleic acids – promote skin structure and softness

That’s why many modern formulas combine tallow with non-nano zinc oxide, a reef-safe mineral that physically blocks harmful rays without penetrating your bloodstream. Unlike chemical sunscreens containing oxybenzone or avobenzone (linked to hormone disruption per the Environmental Working Group), tallow + zinc is safe, simple, and effective.

Why Is Everyone Suddenly Talking About Tallow Sunscreen?

The shift is clear: consumers are no longer okay with putting hormone-disrupting chemicals or microplastics on their bodies. That’s led to the rise of ancestral skincare, where people look to the past for wisdom—before ingredient lists needed a PhD to read.

Tallow sunscreen fits right into this return-to-nature movement:

• It’s non-toxic and made from ingredients you can pronounce
• It’s often handcrafted in small batches, not pumped out by corporate labs
• It works—without the chalky feel or chemical after-smell of conventional SPFs

Plus, it's getting attention from influencers and holistic health advocates alike. Even Dr. Anthony Gustin and The Modern Ancestral have highlighted tallow-based products as skin staples for those embracing nose-to-tail living.

How Does Tallow Sunscreen Compare to Conventional Sunscreens?

Who Should Use Tallow Sunscreen?

• Parents & kids: Skip endocrine disruptors and nourish skin naturally
• Sensitive skin types: Eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea sufferers find relief
• Outdoor lovers: Hikers, surfers, and homesteaders alike love its durability
• Holistic wellness followers: For those going “skinimalist” and living clean

It’s also ideal for post-sun repair. The nutrients in tallow help soothe redness and support collagen repair, making it a go-to for sunburn recovery.

Where to Try It

If you’re curious about making the switch, look for products that are:

✅ Made with 100% grass-fed tallow
✅ Use non-nano zinc oxide (not titanium dioxide)
✅ Contain organic, cold-pressed oils
✅ Packaged plastic-free
✅ Formulated without synthetic fragrance, fillers, or preservatives

A great place to start is with the Solscreen Tallow Sun Balm SPF 30. It’s made with just six ingredients, all raw and recognizable: tallow, beeswax, zinc oxide, jojoba, olive oil, and coconut oil. That’s it.

Final Thoughts: Simplicity Is the New Standard

Tallow sunscreen isn’t just another natural product—it’s part of a broader shift toward ancestral wisdom, holistic health, and sustainable living. As more people ask, “What am I actually putting on my skin?”, the answers are leading them back to the basics. And that’s where tallow shines.

It’s not flashy. It’s not synthetic. But it works—and your skin will thank you for it.

Ready to nourish and protect your skin the natural way?
Try Solscreen Tallow Sunscreen SPF 30 and experience the power of simplicity.