Can Tallow Be Used for Sunscreen (& Sunburns)?

Tallow has been used for centuries as a natural skincare ingredient, but can it really be used for sunscreen and sunburn relief? If you're looking for a more natural way to protect and heal your skin from sun exposure, tallow might be an option worth considering. Let's take a closer look at how tallow interacts with sun exposure and whether it can help protect your skin from damage.

Can Tallow Protect Your Skin from the Sun?

Tallow alone does not provide a high SPF (Sun Protection Factor) like traditional sunscreens, but it does have a small amount of natural sun protection. Some sources suggest that animal fats like tallow may have around 2-4 SPF. While this is not enough for extended sun exposure, it can contribute to your skin’s natural resilience when combined with other protective ingredients.

Tallow is rich in fatty acids, including stearic and oleic acid, which help strengthen the skin barrier. A strong skin barrier can help reduce the effects of UV damage over time, but it does not block or absorb UV rays like conventional sunscreens.

For added sun protection, some people mix tallow with natural ingredients that have mild sun-blocking properties, such as non-nano zinc oxide or raspberry seed oil. Additionally, its ability to deeply moisturize the skin helps prevent excessive dryness that can make the skin more susceptible to sun damage.

Should You Use Tallow Instead of Sunscreen?

Tallow is a powerful natural skincare ingredient that supports the skin’s resilience to sun exposure. While it does not function as a traditional sunscreen by blocking UV rays, its rich blend of fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins helps nourish and strengthen the skin barrier, reducing the potential impact of sun damage over time.

For those seeking a more natural approach, tallow can be combined with ingredients like non-nano zinc oxide or raspberry seed oil to create a mild sun-protective balm. Additionally, regularly using tallow helps keep the skin deeply hydrated and fortified, making it more adaptable to environmental stressors, including sun exposure.

Even if you do choose to use conventional sunscreen for prolonged sun exposure, tallow remains an essential part of a holistic skincare routine. After time in the sun, applying tallow can help restore moisture, promote healing, and reduce redness or irritation, helping your skin remain balanced and healthy.

Can Tallow Soothe Sunburns?

While tallow may not be the best standalone sunscreen, it can be incredibly beneficial for soothing sunburned skin. Because tallow is deeply moisturizing and packed with vitamins A, D, E, and K, it helps support skin repair and reduce inflammation. These nutrients promote healing and can help speed up the recovery process after a sunburn.

Tallow’s natural composition closely resembles human skin oils, allowing it to absorb easily without clogging pores. This means it can deliver hydration deep into the skin, preventing excessive peeling and dryness that often follow a sunburn. If you’ve spent too much time in the sun, applying a thin layer of tallow balm can provide instant relief and help restore moisture balance.

How to Use Tallow for Sunburn Relief

If you’re dealing with sunburned skin, using tallow can be a soothing and effective natural remedy. Here’s how you can apply it for the best results:

1. Cool the Skin First – Before applying tallow, rinse the sunburned area with cool water or apply a cold compress to help bring down inflammation.
2. Use Pure Tallow or a Tallow Balm – Choose a high-quality tallow balm, such as our Honey & Tallow Balm, which combines the soothing properties of honey with tallow’s nourishing benefits.
3. Apply Gently – Rub a small amount of tallow between your hands and gently spread it over the affected area. Avoid rubbing too hard, as sunburned skin can be sensitive.
4. Reapply as Needed – For best results, reapply tallow throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated and promote faster healing.

Recommended: 10 Tips to Store Tallow Balms, Creams, & Lotions

Can Tallow Help Prevent Premature Aging from Sun Exposure?

One of the biggest concerns with sun exposure is premature aging, which includes wrinkles, fine lines, and sunspots. Tallow’s deeply nourishing properties can play a role in reducing the visible signs of aging caused by sun damage.

• Collagen Support – The vitamins found in tallow, especially vitamin A, help promote collagen production, which keeps the skin firm and youthful.
• Deep Hydration – Unlike synthetic moisturizers, tallow penetrates deeply into the skin to prevent dryness and maintain elasticity.
• Antioxidant Protection – While tallow itself does not contain high levels of antioxidants, when combined with ingredients like raspberry seed oil or honey, it can help protect against oxidative stress, a major contributor to skin aging.
• Using tallow regularly as part of your skincare routine can help repair damage from UV exposure and keep your skin looking healthy and vibrant for longer.

Other Natural Ingredients to Combine with Tallow for Sun Care

If you want to enhance tallow’s skin benefits for sun protection or sunburn relief, consider combining it with other natural ingredients. Here are some great options:

• Non-Nano Zinc Oxide – A natural mineral that provides physical sun protection by reflecting UV rays (non-nano means the zinc is larger than 100nm and won't penetrate your skin).
• Raspberry Seed Oil – Contains natural SPF properties and is rich in antioxidants that help protect against sun damage.
• Aloe Vera – Well-known for its cooling and healing effects on sunburned skin.
• Honey – Offers antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits that can help with sunburn recovery.
• Shea Butter – Provides additional moisture and skin barrier support.

Blending these ingredients with tallow can create a powerful natural skincare solution that supports your skin before and after sun exposure.

Recommended: Does Tallow Expire (& Can You Still Use It)?

Final Thoughts

While tallow does not offer strong sun protection on its own (that's where non-nano zinc oxide comes in), it is a fantastic natural remedy for sunburn relief. Packed with nourishing vitamins and fatty acids, it helps repair damaged skin and restore moisture balance.

If you’re looking for a holistic way to care for your skin before and after sun exposure, incorporating tallow into your routine can be a great choice. Not only does it help your skin recover from sunburns, but it also promotes long-term skin health and resilience. For high-quality tallow skincare products, check out Tallow & Wild’s collection and experience the benefits of this time-tested ingredient.