Question:
I would like to know your thoughts on the use of beef tallow for skin care. This is a current trend and I am sure that the tallow used is not from a kosher killed cow. So the question is, can we use the tallow on our skin?
Answer:
You might be surprised to learn that this is not a new question.
While using beef tallow as a skin-care product might be trendy today, animal products have been used in skincare and cosmetics for hundreds of years. The general rule of thumb is that if the product is not meant to be eaten, it can be used, and you may derive benefits from it (for example, selling the product). Tallow was often used in soaps, and the Rabbis were aware of this practice. Not only is it permitted, but even if the animal product comes from a pig, it is still acceptable. The only possible exception might be lip balm or lipstick, since you might accidentally swallow some, but most sources even allow that. This is because the animal product is considered nullified if it makes up less than 1/60th of the entire product.
Hi Phil,
Interesting question and answer. The beginning of your website is great: attractive and easy to use. Best of luck with your new venture. I’m eager to see how it develops.