Months ago we asked our customers to share their number one skin concern. We evaluated each customer’s response and formulated a single product to address them all: Tallow Face Serum.

The Ingredients

Ingredients: grass fed and finished beef tallow, sugarcane squalane*, emu oil, vitamin e oil, jojoba oil* infused with an herbal blend of horsetail*, comfrey*, mullein*, and calendula* *organic ingredient

The Benefits:

The ingredients used to formulate this serum have been shown to possess the following properties:

Anti-aging/Anti-wrinkle

It's important to note that aging cannot be prevented completely, as it is influenced by both intrinsic (natural/cellular) and extrinsic factors (1). However, we can slow the visual effects of aging by implementing good lifestyle practices, nutrition, and the right skincare routine.

Wrinkling and pigmentary changes are believed to be influenced by inflammation and the formation of free radicals. Lowering inflammation and using antioxidants to reduce and neutralize free radicals are known strategies aimed at preventing extrinsic aging (1, 2, 6). 

Adding antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, and hydrating ingredients to your skincare regime can promote collagen production, discourage collagen breakdown, and help slow the aging process. 

Tallow Face Serum is an Antioxidant, Hydrating & Anti-Inflammatory powerhouse:

• Jojoba Oil: extensive studies on jojoba oil have shown a wide range of pharmacological applications including anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory. Jojoba oil has also been used to increase the efficacy of other ingredients within topical preparations (7). 
• Tallow: vitamin A (found in Tallow) acts directly on collagen metabolism and stimulates the production of collagen and elastic fibers (5).
• Vitamin E: (found in Tallow and Vitamin E oil) effectively penetrates the skin due to its small molecular weight. It smooths the skin and increases the humidity retention of the outermost layer while contributing to photo protection. This allows for accelerated wound healing. (1,3,4).
• Calendula: scientific literature has shown calendula to be an herb with many benefits in skincare including inflammation reduction and increased blood flow which increases the supply of oxygen and nutrients necessary for tissue regeneration (8).  
• Mullein: when scientifically tested, Verbascum (mullein) displayed safe and promising antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Mullein has been used as an anti-inflammatory and an astringent for years. Astringents can provide temporary skin-tightening effects, lessening the look of facial wrinkles and lines. (9, 
• Horsetail: an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, horsetail has been shown to possess strong protective activity against free radicals and oxidative agents (10, 11). It also contains silica which can help promote collagen and elastin production, making the skin look more youthful.
• Comfrey: an anti-inflammatory that has also been shown to relieve pain (12, 13).

Anti-acne, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and wound healing/skin repair

Jojoba oil is a known anti-acne agent (7, 15). Studies have shown that jojoba doesn’t kill all bacteria, but does kill bacteria that could cause infection or candida rashes (14). It’s non comedogenic, meaning it will not clog your pores and cause breakouts. Studies have shown that Jojoba possesses skin and wound healing properties (17).

Calendula is an amazing herb for the skin. It has been found to contain acne-fighting constituents (19). In a study involving mothers who were healing from a recent C-Section, the mothers who used calendula ointment reported faster healing and less swelling, suggesting that calendula may speed up wound healing (20). Calendula is commonly used by holistic families to treat things like diaper rash, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and more. 

Emu oil is an extremely hydrating ingredient that has been shown to soothe itching, redness, and scaling associated with seborrheic dermatitis (22). It has been shown to perform well as a carrier oil, improving the bioavailability of the ingredients it is combined with (23). 

Our skin’s sebum contains 13% Squalane, a non comedogenic and biologically  important constituent. Studies have proven squalane to be an effective antioxidant, detoxifier, skin hydrator, and anti-inflammatory, making it a great choice for inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, eczema, dermatitis, rosacea, and psoriasis (21).

Although there is not much scientific research surrounding Tallow as a topical treatment, Root Apothecary has received dozens of reviews and before and after pictures of improved or resolved skin conditions such as hormonal acne, dermatitis, chronic eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and burns. You can view these reviews on our Instagram page or on our website. Tallow is an incredibly nourishing and naturally beneficial product for our skin. It contains a number of essential nutrients, including vitamins and minerals that can reduce inflammation, promote healthy skin, and help the body heal.

One customer wrote: “I’ve struggled with eczema for over a decade. I’ve never found anything that actually kept my skin moisturized without burning or itching. Enter, tallow serum. Hello this stuff is liquid gold and doesn’t burn or sting, and my skin feels moisturized for almost a full 24 hours! I’d bathe in it if I could!” Audrianna (@southworth_sourdough)

Oil Production Balance

Jojoba is a great oil for oily skin, dry skin, and combination skin because it works as an oil production regulator. The chemical makeup of jojoba is very similar to that of our skin’s natural sebum (16). In chemistry class we learned that like dissolves like. If our skin is over-producing oil, jojoba can lower our natural oil production. Jojoba is a humectant, making it great for moisturizing dry skin (18).

Skin Tone & Texture Balance

The anti-inflammatory properties of the serum ingredients may help reduce redness and discoloration of the skin. Mullein is known to improve circulation which can help tighten and firm skin. The powerful herb has even been used to reduce scarring. Squalane is a known natural remedy for sun spots and dark spots (9). Our customers have reported a reduction in redness of skin from using our tallow products. 

Hydration, visible glow, and Skin Plumping

Multiple customers have reported a visual glow and plum after applying the serum. This is likely do to the hydrating ingredients and their nourishing constituents:

“Tallow Face Serum is the most hydrating product I own. I love going to bed with a lot of serum and waking up to my skin looking very hydrated and awake” - Ellie M.

“The serum is incredible - the consistency is perfection! Not too thick, not too thin. I love that I can wear it on its own or add a few drops to any moisturizer for an added boost of hydration!” - Alli M.

“After I put the serum on my husband asked me if I was pregnant because I looked like I had that pregnancy glow haha!” - Mackenzie L.

“I’ve used the tallow serum at night right after I wash my face for a couple of weeks and I love it. I have extremely dry and very sensitive skin, so I’ve always had a hard time finding products that are moisturizing enough but don’t break out my skin. I also have eczema, and I haven’t had any flare-ups on my face since using the serum. It absorbs into my skin so nicely and I wake up with the smoothest skin. Highly recommend.” - Autumn H.

Wondering if this product is right for you? Tallow face serum can be beneficial for all skin types. 

• safe for sensitive skin
• perfect for young....and older (;
• can help balance oil production for oily skin
• helps hydrate dry skin
• can help balances combination skin
• visibly plumps and shines lackluster skin

Here at Root Apothecary we don't believe in 12-step costly and complicated skincare routines. We engineered this serum with simplicity, effectiveness, and affordability in mind. Address your skincare concerns with our simple and affordable one-step serum.

Disclaimer:

While the ingredients contained in this serum are natural, safe, and effective for most people who use it, always consult a qualified practitioner before using a new topical product, especially if you are pregnant or nursing. When trying a new product, always patch test in a small area like the back of your hand before applying it all over your body or face. The statements in this blog post are for educational purposes only. They have not been evaluated or backed by the FDA. This product is not meant to treat or cure any disease or condition.

 

 

Sources: 

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2. Baumann L. Skin ageing and its treatment. J Pathol. 2007 Jan;211(2):241-51. doi: 10.1002/path.2098. PMID: 17200942.

3. Bissett DL, Miyamoto K, Sun P, Li J, Berge CA. Topical niacinamide reduces yellowing, wrinkling, red blotchiness, and hyperpigmented spots in aging facial skin. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2004 Oct;26(5):231-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-2494.2004.00228.x. PMID: 18492135.

4. Zhai H, Behnam S, Villarama CD, Arens-Corell M, Choi MJ, Maibach HI. Evaluation of the antioxidant capacity and preventive effects of a topical emulsion and its vehicle control on the skin response to UV exposure. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2005 Nov-Dec;18(6):288-93. doi: 10.1159/000088014. Epub 2005 Sep 5. PMID: 16145283.

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7. Gad HA, Roberts A, Hamzi SH, Gad HA, Touiss I, Altyar AE, Kensara OA, Ashour ML. Jojoba Oil: An Updated Comprehensive Review on Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Uses, and Toxicity. Polymers (Basel). 2021 May 24;13(11):1711. doi: 10.3390/polym13111711. PMID: 34073772; PMCID: PMC8197201.

8. Deka, Bhargab & Bhattacharjee, Bedanta & Shakya, Anshul & Ikbal, Abu & Goswami, Chayanika & Sarma, Santa. (2021). Mechanism of Action of Wound Healing Activity of Calendula officinalis: A Comprehensive Review. Pharmaceutical and Biosciences Journal. 9. 28-44. 10.20510/ukjpb/9/i1/1609684673. 

9. El Gizawy HAEH, Hussein MA, Abdel-Sattar E. Biological activities, isolated compounds and HPLC profile of Verbascum nubicum. Pharm Biol. 2019 Dec;57(1):485-497. doi: 10.1080/13880209.2019.1643378. PMID: 31401911; PMCID: PMC671310

10. Mimica-Dukic N, Simin N, Cvejic J, Jovin E, Orcic D, Bozin B. Phenolic compounds in field horsetail (Equisetum arvense L.) as natural antioxidants. Molecules. 2008 Jul 17;13(7):1455-64. doi: 10.3390/molecules13071455. PMID: 18719517; PMCID: PMC6245282.

11. Pallag A, Filip GA, Olteanu D, Clichici S, Baldea I, Jurca T, Micle O, Vicaş L, Marian E, Soriţău O, Cenariu M, Mureşan M. Equisetum arvense L. Extract Induces Antibacterial Activity and Modulates Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Apoptosis in Endothelial Vascular Cells Exposed to Hyperosmotic Stress. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2018 Feb 14;2018:3060525. doi: 10.1155/2018/3060525. PMID: 29636839; PMCID: PMC5832138.

12. Koll R, Klingenburg S. Therapeutische Eigenschaften und Verträglichkeit topischer Beinwellzubereitungen. Ergebnisse einer Beobachtungsstudie an Patienten [Therapeutic characteristance and tolerance of topical comfrey preparations. Results of an observational study of patients]. Fortschr Med Orig. 2002;120(1):1-9. German. PMID: 14518351.

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14. Al-Obaidi JR, Halabi MF, AlKhalifah NS, Asanar S, Al-Soqeer AA, Attia MF. A review on plant importance, biotechnological aspects, and cultivation challenges of jojoba plant. Biol Res. 2017 Aug 24;50(1):25. doi: 10.1186/s40659-017-0131-x. PMID: 28838321; PMCID: PMC5571488.

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17. Ranzato E, Martinotti S, Burlando B. Wound healing properties of jojoba liquid wax: an in vitro study. J Ethnopharmacol. 2011 Mar 24;134(2):443-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2010.12.042. Epub 2011 Jan 4. PMID: 21211559.

18. Estanqueiro M, Conceição J, Amaral MH, Sousa Lobo JM. Characterization, sensorial evaluation and moisturizing efficacy of nanolipidgel formulations. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2014 Apr;36(2):159-66. doi: 10.1111/ics.12109. PMID: 24772476.

19. Nand, Pratibha et al. “Phytochemical and antimicrobial screening of medicinal plants for the treatment of acne.” (2012).

20. Jahdi F, et al. The impact of calendula ointment on caesarean wound healing: A randomized control clinical trial. J Family Med Prim Care. 2018 Sep-Oct; 7(5): 893–897. doi:10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_121_17

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