FAQs

Answers to your real questions.

We believe in full transparency about what we put in our products, where we source from, and how Tayyib Skincare works.

Ingredients

What is tallow?

Tallow is rendered beef fat — slow-cooked down from the suet (the fat around the kidneys and loins) of cattle. It has been used in skincare and medicine for centuries, long before synthetic ingredients existed. At Tayyib Skincare, we use grass-fed, zabiha-slaughtered beef tallow that is triple-rendered to remove any impurities, resulting in a pure, ivory fat with virtually no scent.

Why tallow instead of seed oils or shea butter?

Tallow has a fatty acid profile that is remarkably close to human sebum — the skin's own natural oil. This means your skin absorbs it deeply rather than sitting on top of the skin. Seed oils (like sunflower, rosehip, or jojoba) are high in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) that oxidise quickly and can trigger inflammation in sensitive skin. Tallow is predominantly saturated and monounsaturated fats, which are stable and non-comedogenic.

Shea butter is a plant fat with a different fatty acid profile — it absorbs more slowly and contains plant sterols that some skin types react to. Tallow is biocompatible in a way that no plant-derived fat can match.

What else is in the tallow balm?

The core of our balm is tallow and beeswax — nothing else is needed to create a stable, effective product. Our scented variants add a small amount of pure essential oil (lavender or vanilla bean). That's the complete ingredient list. No water, no emulsifiers, no preservatives, no fillers — because we don't need them.

Does the balm contain any alcohol, parabens, or pork derivatives?

No. There is no alcohol of any kind — not ethanol, not cetearyl alcohol, not any form of alcohol-derived ingredient. No parabens. No pork derivatives. We use beef tallow specifically because it is permissible for Muslim consumers, and all of our cattle are zabiha-slaughtered. Every product is third-party halal certified.

What does "grass-fed" mean and why does it matter?

Grass-fed cattle are raised on pasture rather than grain-fed in feedlots. The fat composition of grass-fed beef is higher in omega-3s, CLA (conjugated linoleic acid), and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) — all of which benefit the skin. The colour and consistency of the tallow also differs: grass-fed tallow tends to be creamier and whiter, with a richer nutrient profile. We insist on grass-fed sourcing because we believe it produces a better, more nutritious product.

Halal & Zabiha

Is Tayyib Skincare actually halal certified?

Yes. Our products are certified by an accredited third-party halal certification body — not self-declared. Certification verifies the source of ingredients, the production process, and the absence of any prohibited substances. You can request our certificate via our contact form.

What is zabiha? Why does it matter for skincare?

Zabiha (also spelled dhabihah) is the Islamic method of animal slaughter. It requires that the animal be alive and healthy at the time of slaughter, that the name of Allah is pronounced, and that the carotid artery, jugular veins, and windpipe are severed swiftly with a sharp blade — minimising suffering and allowing the blood to drain fully from the carcass.

For skincare, the animal source matters as much as it does for food. Using tallow from an animal not slaughtered according to zabiha would make the product non-halal regardless of what else is in it. We source exclusively from zabiha-certified slaughterhouses so that our products are halal from farm to face.

Can I use this during salah (prayer)?

Yes. Our products are free from any najas (impure) substances. The tallow is sourced from zabiha-slaughtered cattle and is considered tahir (pure) for the purposes of Islamic law. You can apply our balm before salah without concern. That said, we always recommend consulting your own scholar or imam for personal rulings, as scholars may differ on certain details.

Is beef tallow halal? I thought animal products had to be food-grade?

Beef tallow from a zabiha-slaughtered animal is halal. The distinction is not about food vs. non-food use — it is about the source animal being permissible (not pork) and having been slaughtered correctly. Our tallow is rendered from cattle, which is a halal animal, using the zabiha method. The resulting tallow is tahir (pure) and permissible for both food and cosmetic use.

For Your Skin

Is tallow balm suitable for oily or acne-prone skin?

Often yes — despite what it sounds like. Tallow does not clog pores in the way that thick, synthetic creams do. Because it closely mimics the skin's own sebum, it can actually help regulate oil production rather than triggering excess oil. Many customers with oily or combination skin report that their skin feels balanced rather than greasy. That said, every skin is different — if you're concerned, start with a small amount and build up gradually.

Can I use the balm on my face?

Yes. Many customers use our tallow balm as their primary facial moisturiser. Because tallow absorbs fully, it does not leave a heavy residue. A very small amount — less than a pea-size — is enough for the full face. We recommend applying to slightly damp skin to help it spread easily and absorb faster.

Does the balm have a scent?

Our unscented balm has a very mild, neutral scent from the tallow itself — most people describe it as almost odourless or slightly buttery. It is not offensive and fades within minutes of application. Our Lavender and Vanilla Bean variants carry a light essential oil scent that also fades within a few minutes on the skin.

How do seed oils cause skin problems?

Seed oils are high in linoleic acid and other polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which are molecularly unstable. When exposed to skin enzymes, light, or heat, they oxidise rapidly — producing lipid peroxides and free radicals that damage skin cells and accelerate ageing. Many people with chronic skin issues (eczema, rosacea, persistent acne) find significant improvement after eliminating seed oils from both their diet and their skincare.

Can children use Tayyib Skincare products?

Our unscented tallow balm is used by many parents on babies and toddlers. It contains no synthetic chemicals, fragrances, or preservatives — just tallow and beeswax. For very young children (under 12 months), consult your paediatrician before introducing any new skincare product, even natural ones.

Products

What is the difference between the tallow balm and the tallow soap?

The tallow balm is a leave-on moisturiser — you apply it and leave it to absorb. It does not rinse off. The tallow soap is a rinse-off cleanser made with tallow as the base fat rather than palm or coconut oil. Because tallow soap retains more glycerin than commercial soaps, it is significantly more moisturising and leaves skin feeling soft rather than tight after washing. Both are halal-certified and formulated to work together as a routine.

What does the SPF 30 sunscreen contain?

Our SPF 30 sunscreen uses a mineral (physical) UV filter — zinc oxide — as the active ingredient. There are no chemical UV filters (oxybenzone, octinoxate, avobenzone), no alcohol, and no seed oils. The base is tallow with supporting natural ingredients. It provides broad-spectrum UVA + UVB protection and leaves a light, skin-toned finish suitable for all skin tones. Fully halal-certified.

How long does a jar of balm last?

A 60g jar lasts most customers 1–3 months with daily use, depending on how much product you apply and how many areas you treat. Because tallow is 100% active ingredient — no water content — a little goes a long way. If you are using it only on your face, a jar can last 2–3 months comfortably.

What is the shelf life of your products?

Our tallow balm and soaps have a shelf life of 12–18 months when stored away from direct sunlight and heat. Because they contain no water, there is no environment for bacteria to grow — which is why we don't need preservatives. Keep your balm at room temperature or below. If you see any discolouration or smell anything off, discontinue use.

What is the gua sha tool and how do I use it?

Our Rose Quartz Gua Sha is a smooth stone tool used to massage the face and neck. Gua sha improves lymphatic drainage, reduces puffiness, defines facial contours, and promotes circulation for a natural glow. Use it after applying our tallow balm as a slip — hold the tool at a 45-degree angle and sweep upward and outward across the face and neck. 5–10 minutes of use 3–4 times per week is enough to see results.

Orders & Returns

What is your return policy?

We offer a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. If you are not happy with your purchase for any reason, contact us within 30 days of delivery and we will make it right — either a replacement or a full refund. We stand behind our products and don't want anyone to be stuck with something that isn't working for them.

How long does shipping take?

Orders are processed within 1–2 business days. Standard shipping within Australia typically takes 3–7 business days. Express options are available at checkout. International shipping timelines vary by destination — we'll provide a tracking number as soon as your order ships so you can follow its progress.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes. We ship to a wide range of countries. Shipping costs and estimated delivery times are calculated at checkout based on your location. International orders may be subject to import duties or taxes charged by the destination country — these are the customer's responsibility.

My order arrived damaged. What do I do?

Please contact us at hello@tayyibskincare.com with your order number and a photo of the damaged item. We'll arrange a replacement immediately — no need to return the damaged product.

Still have a question?

We respond to every message personally — usually within a few hours.