The History of Skincare and the Rise of Tallow

For Millenia Skin Care was Rooted in Nature - Tallow Brings it Back

Long before serums came in glass droppers and creams were backed by lab reports, skincare was a ritual rooted in nature. Our ancestors used what was readily available—animal fats, crushed herbs, clays, and plant oils—to soothe, protect, and beautify their skin. Egyptians bathed in milk and honey, Native American tribes used animal tallow infused with healing plants, and across Asia, rice water and botanical extracts were prized for their brightening effects. These practices weren’t about vanity—they were acts of preservation and respect, passed down through generations.

But by the 1920s, the Industrial Revolution collided with beauty. Big brands emerged, petroleum-based products hit the market, and synthetic fragrances and preservatives became the norm. The old ways—intentional, slow, and unbranded—were swept aside in favor of shiny packaging and mass production. Skincare became less about nourishing the skin and more about convenience, shelf life, and marketability. In that shift, we lost something important: the intuitive connection between skin and nature.

Now, the pendulum is swinging back. Consumers are demanding clean, effective skincare with ingredients they can actually pronounce. That’s why Garden Club’s Tallow Creams are more relevant than ever. Our formulas are rooted in ancestral wisdom, blending nutrient-dense, grass-fed tallow with botanical ingredients sourced from around the world—lavender from France, calendula from Eastern Europe, and cold-pressed oils from the Americas. It’s the best of both worlds: animal-based nourishment, plant-based support, and zero filler. Your great-grandmother would recognize it—and your skin will thank you for it.