Tallow vs Vaseline: What’s Better for Dry Skin?

At Garden Club, people always ask us if Vaseline is good to use with tallow on dry skin. Here's what we've learned. What vaseline has going for it, is it’s inexpensive, widely available, and effective at sealing in moisture. But here’s the key detail many people overlook: Vaseline doesn’t actually moisturize your skin, it simply locks in whatever moisture is already there. Petroleum jelly is an occlusive barrier derived from refined petroleum. While it can temporarily prevent water loss, it contains no vitamins, no nutrients, and no skin-repairing compounds. It sits on top of the skin rather than feeding it.  

Tallow, on the other hand, works differently. Tallow is natural, and your skin loves it. Properly rendered tallow is biologically compatible with human skin and rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K. Its fatty acid profile closely mirrors our own skin’s natural sebum, allowing it to absorb deeply and support barrier repair. Instead of just sealing dryness in place, tallow actively nourishes and strengthens the skin, helping it hold moisture long term. For chronically dry skin, eczema-prone patches, or rough winter hands, that distinction matters.

That’s where Garden Club’s Hydrating Cream stands apart. Unlike plain petroleum jelly, it contains no synthetic fillers or petrochemicals. It is crafted with grass-fed, grass-finished tallow and blended with choice cold-pressed oils sourced from around the world. The result is a cream that hydrates, softens, and restores skin without leaving behind a greasy film. If Vaseline is a temporary shield, Garden Club’s Hydrating Cream is a true treatment, supporting real skin health instead of simply covering dryness.