Beef Tallow Sunscreen

Beef tallow is one of the most misunderstood, and underutilized, ingredients in modern skincare. Rich in fat-soluble vitamins and nearly identical in structure to human sebum, it’s not just compatible with the skin, it belongs on it. While mainstream sun care leans on chemical filters and overengineered formulas, beef tallow offers a nourishing alternative that supports your skin while protecting it. When paired with non-nano zinc, it becomes something even better: a clean, effective sunscreen that does more than just block UV rays, it feeds your skin in the process.

 

What Is Beef Tallow Sunscreen?

Beef tallow sunscreen is exactly what it sounds like: a natural sun care product made using rendered beef fat, typically from grass-fed cows. While that may sound unusual at first, tallow has been used for centuries in skincare for its rich nutrient profile, skin compatibility, and ability to deeply moisturize.

Unlike conventional sunscreens filled with synthetic additives, stabilizers, and fragrances, beef tallow sunscreen focuses on simplicity and purity. It relies on the natural fats, vitamins, and anti-inflammatory properties found in tallow to protect and nourish the skin. When combined with non-nano zinc oxide, a physical UV blocker, it creates a gentle yet effective barrier against the sun.

At Kushi, we formulate our Sun Butter with beef tallow, non-nano zinc, and other nourishing ingredients like shea butter and raspberry seed oil. The result is a rich, mineral-based sunscreen that supports the skin while offering broad-spectrum protection,  without compromising on clean ingredients.

Why We Use Beef Tallow In Skincare

Our skin doesn’t need complicated. It needs compatible, and beef tallow offers exactly that Tallow closely mimics the structure of the oils your skin naturally produces (sebum), which makes it incredibly bioavailable. That means your skin knows exactly what to do with it. It absorbs easily, without clogging pores or sitting heavily on the surface.

Beyond its compatibility, grass-fed beef tallow is packed with fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, essential nutrients that help support skin regeneration, elasticity, and barrier repair. It also contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and palmitoleic acid, both known for their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits.

At Kushi, we choose tallow not because it’s trendy, but because it works. It aligns with our belief that skincare should be grounded in what the skin actually needs, not just what looks good on a label. When used in sun care, it creates a nourishing base that helps the skin stay hydrated and calm, even under UV stress.

The Problem With Conventional Sunscreens

Most people assume sunscreen is automatically good for skin, but what’s inside the bottle tells a different story. From synthetic chemicals to environmental concerns, conventional formulas often create new problems while trying to solve one:

Synthetic UV Filters Can Be Harsh On Skin

Chemical filters like oxybenzone and avobenzone are common in many mainstream sunscreens, but they’re also linked to skin irritation, allergic reactions, and even hormone disruption in some cases. For those with sensitive or acne-prone skin, these ingredients can be especially problematic.

Unwanted Additives Are Everywhere

Many sunscreens are loaded with ingredients that do more for the formula than they do for your skin. Silicones, artificial fragrances, and emulsifiers may improve texture or longevity, but they can also clog pores, dry out skin, or trigger inflammation, particularly when worn daily.

Environmental Impact Matters

Oxybenzone and octinoxate, two of the most common chemical filters, have been shown to contribute to coral bleaching and ocean pollution. Some regions have even banned them. What goes on your skin eventually washes off into the world, and we believe that matters.

“Natural” Sunscreens Aren’t Always Skin-Friendly

Even mineral sunscreens can miss the mark. Some rely on overly refined oils or chalky zinc formulations that leave a heavy white cast. Others are packed with plant oils that oxidize quickly in the sun, causing more harm than good.

Our Alternative: Strip It Back, Keep It Clean

This is why we created Sun Butter. It’s made with just a few whole, nourishing ingredients, including beef tallow and non-nano zinc oxide, that work with your skin, not against it. No harsh chemicals. No fillers. Just real protection from ingredients your skin understands.

Beef Tallow Sunscreen: Nature’s Alternative

When we think of sun protection, beef tallow might not be the first ingredient that comes to mind, but it should be. As a base for mineral sunscreen, it offers a rich, skin-loving foundation that brings together deep nourishment and lasting barrier support.

Beef tallow is naturally emollient and packed with restorative nutrients, helping to calm and hydrate skin while zinc oxide does the work of physically blocking UV rays. Unlike chemical sunscreens that absorb into the skin and bloodstream, mineral-based beef tallow sunscreen sits on the surface, reflecting light without disrupting your skin’s natural balance.

It’s not just about sun protection, it’s about supporting your skin holistically. And that’s exactly what our Sun Butter was made to do.

Kushi’s Sun Butter

What Makes Our Sun Butter Different

Beef tallow alone is powerful, but we took it a step further. Every element of our Sun Butter was chosen for how it performs on skin, not just how it looks on a label:

We Start With Grass-Fed Beef Tallow

Quality matters, especially when it comes to what goes on your skin. Our tallow is sourced from grass-fed cows and gently rendered to preserve its nutrient-rich profile. It’s naturally high in vitamins A, D, E, and K, helping to restore and strengthen your skin’s barrier over time.

Safe, Effective Sun Protection

We use non-nano zinc oxide, a physical UV blocker that stays on the skin’s surface and reflects both UVA and UVB rays. It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin and safe for marine ecosystems, no reef-harming chemicals here.

Minimalist Ingredients, Maximum Benefit

Each ingredient in our Sun Butter has a clear purpose. Shea butter deeply moisturizes, raspberry seed oil provides natural antioxidant protection, and essential oils add a light, natural scent, nothing overpowering, and nothing synthetic.

No White Cast, No Greasy Finish

Many natural sunscreens struggle with texture, but not this one. Our formula blends smoothly, absorbs beautifully, and won’t leave your skin looking ghostly or feeling sticky. Just a soft, nourishing layer that protects without weighing you down.

How To Use Our Beef Tallow Sunscreen

Applying a mineral sunscreen like ours is a little different from the chemical-based lotions you might be used to, and that’s a good thing. With a rich, nourishing base like beef tallow, you get more than protection; you get a layer of skin care built into your routine.

Start With Clean, Dry Skin

For best results, apply your Sun Butter to clean skin. A small amount goes a long way, warm it between your fingers and smooth it over the areas you want to protect.

Apply Generously And Evenly

Because this is a physical (mineral) sunscreen, it works immediately, no waiting period. Be sure to cover all exposed skin evenly, especially high-exposure areas like the nose, shoulders, and chest.

Reapply As Needed

We recommend reapplying every 2 hours, especially after swimming, sweating, or towel-drying. While our formula is water-resistant, regular reapplication keeps your protection consistent throughout the day.

Is Beef Tallow Sunscreen Right for You?

Choosing the right sunscreen isn’t just about SPF, it’s about how it feels, what it’s made of, and how your skin responds to it. If you're searching for a more thoughtful, nourishing approach to sun care, consider the benefits of beef tallow sunscreen:

For Sensitive Or Reactive Skin

If your skin tends to react to synthetic sunscreens, with stinging, breakouts, or redness, beef tallow offers a gentler path. Its similarity to the skin’s own oils makes it naturally soothing and less likely to clog pores or trigger inflammation.

For Those Who Want Simpler, Smarter Skincare

You shouldn’t need a chemistry degree to understand your sunscreen. Our Sun Butter uses only a short list of nutrient-rich, whole ingredients that your skin will actually recognize and respond to.

For Families, Minimalists, And Ingredient-Savvy Shoppers

Whether you’re shopping for your child’s delicate skin, minimizing your beauty routine, or switching to truly clean products, this sunscreen checks all the boxes. It's safe, straightforward, and deeply nourishing, all without compromising on UV protection.

Try Our Sun Butter Today

Skincare doesn’t need to be complicated, just intentional. At Kushi, we’ve created Sun Butter to offer a grounded, nourishing alternative to conventional sun care. No unnecessary fillers, no harsh chemicals, just real ingredients that support your skin every day you're in the sun.

Whether you’re heading to the beach, the trail, or your daily commute, our Sun Butter has you covered, literally. Protective, calming, and easy to wear, it's sunscreen you’ll actually want to reach for.

Read also:

Sources:

  1. Awad, A., Chim, I., Sharma, P., & Bhoyrul, B. (2023). Low-dose oral minoxidil improves hair density in traction alopecia. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2023.02.024 
  2. ‌Russell, M. F., Sandhu, M., Vail, M., Haran, C., Unaiza Batool, & Leo, J. (2024). Tallow, Rendered Animal Fat, and Its Biocompatibility With Skin: A Scoping Review. Curēus. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.60981 
  3. ‌Sabzevari, N., Qiblawi, S., Norton, S., & Fivenson, D. (2021). Sunscreens: UV filters to protect us: Part 1: Changing regulations and choices for optimal sun protection. International Journal of Women’s Dermatology, 7(1), 28–44. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijwd.2020.05.017 
  4. ‌Wright, P. F. A. (2019). Realistic Exposure Study Assists Risk Assessments of ZnO Nanoparticle Sunscreens and Allays Safety Concerns. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 139(2), 277–278. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jid.2018.09.014

Frequently Asked Questions

What does beef tallow do for the skin in sun care products?

Beef tallow provides a rich, moisturizing base that helps strengthen the skin barrier while supporting the performance of natural sun-blocking minerals like zinc oxide.

Does beef tallow offer any SPF protection on its own?

On its own, beef tallow doesn't provide significant SPF protection. It's used for its skin-nourishing properties and works best when paired with a mineral blocker like non-nano zinc.

Is beef tallow sunscreen safe for acne-prone skin?

Yes, its composition is similar to human sebum, making it highly compatible with acne-prone skin. It’s non-comedogenic and may even help balance oil production.

Does beef tallow sunscreen smell like meat?

No. Properly rendered grass-fed tallow has a very mild scent, and in our formula, it’s balanced with light essential oils so it smells clean, not like food.

Is beef tallow sunscreen vegan?

No. Since beef tallow is an animal fat, it’s not considered vegan. However, it is a sustainable and traditional ingredient for those who use animal-based products.

Can I use beef tallow sunscreen under makeup?

Yes. Many users find it works well as a primer. Just let it absorb for a few minutes before applying makeup for a smooth finish.