Not to be a conspiracy theorist, but even though the FDA approves the mainstream store-bought lotions there are three main concerns that you should be aware of: biocompatibility, long term health risks and the “dependency cycle” they create.
Biocompatibility Issues - most commercial lotions require emulsifiers that are synthetic and have silicone to maintain texture.
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The ingredients used (petroleum jelly and mineral oils) create a temporary barrier that makes skin feel soft right away, but it just sits on the skin and doesn’t absorb like tallow.
Dependency Cycle - because water-based lotions sit on the skin, they can evaporate quickly. This leaves your skin thirstier than before use. Thus, causing you to apply more frequently.
Long Term Health Risks - Research has shown that continuous use of products that contain chemicals may reduce health over time.
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Endocrine Disruptors (Parabens & Phthalates) - these are used to hold fragrances and can mimic hormones like estrogen. Long term studies show this can lead to fertility issues & cancer. Side note: this point speaks volumes to me, which is why I’m so passionate about not using commercial lotion anymore. After living through hormone positive breast cancer, I’m not willing to take this risk anymore. No more Bath & Beyond for me!
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“Fragrance” - Companies don’t have to report what they use for fragrance, which is usually where the phthalates and other irritants hide.
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Formaldehyde Releasers - Some preservatives (like DMDM hydantoin or diazolidinyl urea) slowly release small amounts of formaldehyde to prevent bacteria, which can cause skin sensitization and is a known carcinogen.
How is Tallow Any Better?
When I make my tallow products, I make sure that I use the best ingredients possible.
Rendering - While some tallow providers purchase already rendered tallow, I choose to do this step myself. This ensures that it’s rendered without any added chemicals I don’t want on my skin & that all the bad stuff is cooked out. Did you know that if there is the tiniest bit of water in tallow it can make molds and bacteria grow in there? I also strip test my rendered tallow to ensure that it’ll be shelf stable and healthy for myself and my customers.
Scents - As you learned above, this is where the commercial companies can hide the unknowns. I don’t do that. I believe in 100% transparency when it comes to my products. I only use 100% pure, organic essential oils. I make sure that I follow a formula that won’t burn your skin. Side note: sometimes people are disappointed when they first sniff my products, as the smell isn’t overwhelming at first. Have faith, as you rub it into your skin the scent will reveal itself & not overpower your scenes.
Locally Sourced - While this may not seem like a big deal to some, I can assure you that it’s comforting to know that our tallow is coming from people just like me. It’s not coming from a factory farm or imported from God knows where. It’s raised, butchered & rendered from Southwest Minnesota, all less than 100 miles of each other.
Testing - No lab tests here! No animals are harmed (other than the processing of cattle.) My family and friends (and even some customers) are excited to test my products before they are deemed ready for release. This takes a long time to ensure that I only sell the best possible product to my customers. I’m not blindly selling a product to make my monthly pyramid sales for a company that is just concerned about the bottom line.
So, hopefully you learned a few things after reading this. I feel that “Knowledge is Power!” Make the right choices for you and your body. If you don’t think tallow is for you, find something else that isn’t dangerous to use. Try to replace all the bad things that you use daily that may be causing health problems that you don’t know about.
As long as you are here, browse my products. Try some today. You will be amazed at the difference a good clean product can make on your skin.
https://www.countrysidecreations.online/category/all-products
If you follow me on Facebook, you already know that I’m trying to share my secrets that I’ve found to replace everyday items like laundry soap, dryer sheets, cleaners. Follow along, become part of the discussion, bring your ideas to the conversation. We’d love to have you along for the ride!
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