Frequently asked questions
Why do you choose to keep honey out of your tallow-based skincare?
We don’t include honey in our tallow formulations because honey is water-based and hygroscopic, while our balms are intentionally 100% anhydrous (water-free). Introducing honey can:
✔ disrupt texture and stability
✔ increase the risk of microbial growth without preservatives
✔ create stickiness and reduce absorption
✔ interfere with the clean, breathable lipid barrier that tallow naturally provides
At Top Shelf Tallow, the goal is a stable, minimalist lipid formula that closely mirrors the skin’s natural sebum. This allows deep nourishment, better compatibility, and a longer shelf life without needing synthetic preservatives.
Instead of honey, we focus on properly rendered grass-fed tallow and carefully infused oils, which deliver hydration support, skin barrier repair, and nutrient density while maintaining a smooth, non-sticky finish.
How do I use Top Shelf Tallow products?
Apply a small amount to clean, dry skin and massage gently until absorbed. A little goes a long way.
What is Top Shelf Tallow made from?
Top Shelf Tallow products are made with premium grass-fed beef tallow and carefully selected infused botanical oils. Our formulas are minimal, purposeful, and crafted to support the skin barrier naturally.
Why use beef tallow on skin?
Beef tallow is rich in vitamins A, D, E and K and in skin-compatible fatty acids and closely resembles the natural oils (sebum) found in human skin.
Tallow naturally contains:
• ~20–30% palmitic acid
• ~15–25% stearic acid
• ~35–45% oleic acid
From a formulation perspective, this makes tallow a biomimetic lipid source — meaning it resembles the endogenous fatty acids already present in human skin and hair.
This allows it to absorb easily, nourish deeply, and support dry, damaged, or sensitive skin without clogging pores or leaving a greasy feel.
What are infused oils?
Infused oils are carrier oils slowly infused with herbs and botanicals such as clove, nettle, bay leaf, fenugreek, lavender, and others. This process extracts beneficial compounds that support skin comfort,
conditioning, and recovery.
How is Top Shelf Tallow produced?
Top Shelf Tallow is produced in-house at every stage, from rendering the fat to infusing the oils, it is all crafted by hand.
Do your products contain synthetic fragrances or fillers?
No. We do not use synthetic fragrances. Any scent comes naturally from the infused oils and ingredients used in the formulation.
Are your products vegan?
No. Top Shelf Tallow products are made with beef tallow and are not vegan.
Is Top Shelf Tallow suitable for sensitive skin?
Our formulas are simple and free from unnecessary additives. However, everyone’s skin is different. We recommend doing a patch test before full use, especially if you have very sensitive skin or known allergies.
Can I use Top Shelf Tallow on my face?
Yes. Many customers use Top Shelf Tallow on the face, especially for dry, winter-exposed, or sensitive skin. Use a small amount and apply to clean skin.
Is Top Shelf Tallow good for tattoos?
Yes. Our Tattoo Balm is designed to support tattooed skin by helping keep it moisturized, comfortable, and protected. It is suitable for both new and healed tattoos. Always follow your tattoo artist’s aftercare
instructions.
How should I store the product?
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Because we use natural ingredients, texture may change slightly with temperature — this is normal.
Where are your products made?
Top Shelf Tallow products are handcrafted in Canada. Made from Canadian beef.
Do you ship across Canada?
Yes. We ship across Canada. Shipping rates and delivery times are shown at checkout.
What is your return policy?
Due to the nature of skincare products, we do not accept returns on opened items. If there is an issue with your order, please contact us and we’ll do our best to help.
How can I contact Top Shelf Tallow?
Return policy
Our goal is for every customer to be totally satisfied with their purchase. If this isn't the case, let us know and we'll do our best to work with you to make it right.
Shipping
We will work quickly to ship your order as soon as possible. Once your order has shipped, you will receive an email with further information. Delivery times vary depending on your location.
Manufacturing
Our products are manufactured both locally and globally. We carefully select our manufacturing partners to ensure our products are high quality and a fair value.
You can reach us through the Contact page on our website or by emailing us directly at info@topshelftallow.ca. We aim to respond as quickly as possible.