The truth about Tallow Sunscreen

It’s that time of year again — the conversation around “tallow sunscreen” starts making its rounds online.

At Naturally Lathered Tallow Co., we believe in being transparent, honest, and responsible when it comes to skincare. While we absolutely believe tallow can be an incredible ingredient in skincare products, our stance on homemade “sunscreen” products is one we take very seriously.

Here’s why.

In the United States, products marketed as “sunscreen” or products advertising SPF protection are regulated by the FDA as over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. That means they are subject to strict testing, formulation requirements, stability standards, labeling regulations, and manufacturing guidelines.

Simply put — you cannot legally claim SPF protection or market a product as sunscreen without proper FDA compliance and testing.

Unfortunately, every summer we see an increase in homemade products being marketed online as “natural sunscreen,” “tallow SPF balm,” or similar terms without any verified SPF testing behind them. Just because a product contains natural oils or ingredients does NOT automatically mean it provides safe or reliable sun protection.

In fact, oils and butters — including tallow — can interact with sunlight differently depending on the formulation. Improperly formulated oil-heavy products may contribute to uneven sun exposure, blotchiness, or skin sensitivity in some individuals, especially when exposed to prolonged UV rays.

Creating a stable and properly emulsified sun-care product is far more complex than simply mixing oils together in a kitchen bowl. Professional formulations often require specialized equipment, including high-shear mixers and precise temperature controls, to ensure ingredients are uniformly dispersed and stable. Even then, legitimate SPF claims require certified laboratory testing.

As consumers, it’s important to understand that just because someone is selling a product online does not automatically mean it has been safety tested, stability tested, or legally approved for the claims being made.

We are passionate about clean skincare and responsibly formulated products, but we also believe in staying within safe and ethical boundaries when it comes to sun protection.

Our recommendation?
Enjoy nourishing skincare products like whipped tallow balms and moisturizers for hydration and skin support — but when it comes to UV protection, choose properly tested and regulated sun protection products from reputable manufacturers.

Consumer safety should always come first.

— Naturally Lathered Tallow Co.