Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Rustik Render & Rise different from other tallow brands?

Every tallow maker has their own journey — mine is rooted in both science and motherhood. I have a bachelor’s degree in science and work as an oncology nurse, so I’ve spent years learning how the body responds to what we put on and in it.

When my youngest son was diagnosed with severe allergies and eczema, I started looking closely at ingredients and labels. That led me to make my own products with the cleanest, most intentional ingredients possible — for him, and eventually for you.

Every batch I make is with real people in mind — from my family to yours. I don’t take shortcuts, and I make each jar as if it’s going on someone I love.

Yes! My tallow blends are made from simple, local ingredients with no synthetic additives. They’re gentle enough for most skin types — including babies and those with eczema or allergies.

Though this is considered a “safe for sensitive skin” product, it is important to always perform a patch test. Try it in a small area first to ensure no irritation occurs. If irritation occurs, discontinue immediately. 

Yes! Tallow is rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K and closely mimics the natural oils found in our skin. It’s deeply nourishing and absorbs well without clogging pores for most skin types. Many people love it as a facial moisturizer — especially those with dry, sensitive, or mature skin.

Because my tallow is handcrafted from real animals — not lab-manufactured ingredients — there will naturally be some variation in texture from batch to batch. Differences in age, breed, and diet of the cow can slightly affect the final product, even though I follow the same careful process every time.

Essential oils can also influence consistency. Some oils may firm the tallow while others soften it. I do my best to keep every batch consistent, but slight variations are completely normal — and a sign of real, honest ingredients.

Since I don’t use artificial stabilizers, tallow may soften or melt in warmer months. If this happens, just give it a stir and pop it in the fridge until it firms up. After it has solidified, you can then return it to room temper and it is good to use! 

If your tallow feels a little gritty or grainy, don’t worry — it’s still perfectly good to use! This texture change can happen when tallow melts during transit and then cools too slowly or unevenly.

To smooth it back out, simply warm the jar gently:

  • Place it near a sunny window or set it on a warm (not hot) surface like a heating pad or stovetop with just residual warmth

  • Let it soften completely, then stir it thoroughly 

  • Move it to the refridgerator to firm up again

  • Once solidified you can return to room temperature and it will be as good as new! 

Avoid submerging the jar in water, as this can damage the label or allow moisture into the product. 

Store them in a cool, dry place. Tallow has a naturally long shelf life and doesn’t require refrigeration, but if you prefer a firmer consistency, you can keep it in the fridge.

Yes! Send me a message through my Contact page or email me at rustikrenderandrise@gmail.com to chat about custom blends or event favors.

I use locally sourced beef fat and high-quality natural ingredients. While I don’t claim “100% grass-fed” or “100% organic,” I know where my ingredients come from and I choose the cleanest options available. Many of the ingredients used are organic, but not every item. Feel free to contact me to inquire about any specific product you would like to know more about.

I use suet fat, which is the clean, nutrient-rich fat found around the kidneys and organs of the cow. It’s different from trim fat, which is cut from other parts of the body and often contains more impurities and muscle tissue.

Suet is preferred for skincare because it renders into a smoother, more stable tallow that’s packed with vitamins and has a neutral scent. It’s also less greasy and absorbs better into the skin.

Because I use suet fat — the cleanest fat from around the kidneys and organs — the natural scent is much milder than tallow made from trim fat. Many people don’t notice a beef smell at all, but if you have a sensitive nose, you might pick up on its natural origin.

I blend essential oils into most batches, which do a great job of softening or covering any scent, but over time those essential oils can fade.

If you’re especially sensitive to scent, feel free to reach out — I’m happy to help guide you toward the batches with the mildest aroma.

Store-bought lotions often contain water, preservatives, synthetic fragrances, and fillers. My tallow is made from local suet fat and a short list of simple, recognizable ingredients — nothing lab-created or unnecessary. It’s rich, effective, and truly nourishing without any of the junk.

Tallow has a naturally long shelf life due to its saturated fat content. It can remain at room temperature for 12 months or more. I go a step further by doing small-batch quality checks, including microbial testing, to monitor for bacteria and mold.

Each product is labeled with a “best by” date, which I recommend using as a guideline. While tallow doesn’t require refrigeration, it will last longer when stored in a cool, dry place and handled with clean, dry hands. Make sure to avoid any water or moisture entering your tallow as that will lead to spoilage. 

As with any natural product, discard it if you ever notice an unusual smell, visible mold, or signs of spoilage.

A little goes a long way! Start with a pea-sized amount and rub it between your fingers to soften. Apply to clean, slightly damp skin for best absorption. It’s great for hands, face, feet — anywhere that needs deep moisture.

Not at this time — I work out of my home in Fruitland as a small, family-run business. I offer both shipping and local porch pick-up, and I’m always happy to schedule a time for you to stop by if you’d like to smell or see products in person.

You can also find me at local markets! Follow along on Instagram or Facebook for updates on where I’ll be next.