Tallow Nutrient Profile - PART 1 - Fatty Acids

A simple break-down our beautiful whole ingredient’s fatty acid profile.

Fatty Acids are either Saturated, Monounsaturated or Polyunsaturated

Highly stable saturated fats occur in the highest proportion in tallow.

Stability means low reactivity when applied to skin, and also means tallow is “preserved” by its nature.

SATURATED FATTY ACIDS

Palmitic acid

~ emollient - softens skin; retains moisture by forming an occlusive layer.

~ levels decrease in skin with age.

Stearic acid

~ natural surfactant - reduces skin surface tension so water can penetrate and firm skin.

~ often seen as an isolate in modern skin care. Isolates are poorly recognized by the body.

Myristic acid

~ antioxidant, thus inhibits oxidation (spoilage via oxygen exposure)

~ in skin, free radicals are scavenged, preventing damage.

Lauric Acid

~ antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties

~ soothes and calms infected and inflamed skin.

MONOUNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS

These stable lipids are the second highest component of tallow – around 40%.

Oleic acid

~ replenishes moisture and stops additional moisture loss.

~ easily and deeply penetrates the skin’s surface to provide soft supple texture.

~ can bring skin’s natural oils into balance.

~ doesn’t clog pores whilst simultaneously forming a protective layer that prevents environmental damage.

Palmitoleic acid

~ provides protective barrier, holds in moisture, and assists healing by preventing oxidative damage.

POLYUNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS

Less stable fats; comprise the lowest percentage of tallow’s total lipids.

Alpha Linolenic acid

~ highly protective and nourishing

~ both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant – soothing to itching, redness and irritation.

Linoleic acid

~ essential to ceremide (skin building block) production.

~ fills cracks in outer skin layer and restores and strengthens barrier function.

~ low levels are related to poorly controlled sebum production.

Conjugated Linoleic Acid

~ additional anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.

~ supports wound healing due to anti-inflammatory properties, especially in later-phases of wound cycle.

Tallow Nutrient Profile - Part 1 Fatty Acids

Analysing the parts that make the whole