Frequently Asked Questions
We love to hear from our customers! As a result, we receive many questions related to our products. Please see some of the ones we frequently answer.
Are your products handmade?
Yes. Every soap and balm is handcrafted in small batches right here in the United States. Small-batch production allows us to maintain quality, consistency, and integrity in every product we ship.
Do your products contain chemicals, parabens, or synthetic ingredients?
No. We do not use parabens, phthalates, synthetic detergents, or petroleum-based ingredients. Our products are built on simple, honest formulations.
Why grass-fed beef tallow?
Historically, tallow came from pasture-raised animals, aligning with traditional soapmaking practices and more ethical, sustainable farming.
Overall, grass-fed tallow offers a purer, more nutrient-dense, and traditionally authentic fat for soap and personal care products.
Savannah Tallow Company uses tallow rendered from all fats of the bovine.
- Not Hydrogenated
- Lactose Free
- Gluten Free
- Glutamate Free
- Non-GMO
- NO preservatives
- USP Compliant
The bovine are 100% grass fed.
These bovine are raised in the U.S.A. and/or Canada.
Grass-fed tallow is considered better because of its purity, nutrient profile, and how the animals are raised:
Cleaner fat profile: Grass-fed cattle produce tallow with higher levels of beneficial fatty acids, including omega-3s and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), compared to grain-fed sources.
Fewer contaminants: Animals raised on pasture are less likely to accumulate pesticide residues, antibiotics, or hormones that can concentrate in fat.
Better for skin products: Grass-fed tallow more closely resembles the natural oils in human skin, making it especially nourishing, stable, and gentle for soap and skincare.
How are your ingredients chosen?
We source high-quality, responsibly raised, grass-fed beef tallow and combine it with simple, time-tested, certified organic ingredients like olive oil, coconut oil, beeswax, and essential oils. Every ingredient is chosen for purpose, not marketing.
Are your soaps and balms safe for sensitive skin?
Our products are made with minimal, clean ingredients and no synthetic fragrances, dyes, or preservatives. Many customers with sensitive skin, eczema, or dryness find tallow-based products gentler than commercial soaps. However, everyone’s skin is different — we always recommend a small test area first.
Are your products safe for kids?
Yes. Many families use our soaps and balms for children. We also offer unscented options for those who prefer zero essential oils.
How is Savannah Tallow Company soap made?
Our soap making with grass fed beef tallow, organic olive oil, organic coconut oil, distilled water, and lye follows a traditional cold-process method:
The oils and fats are first prepared by gently melting the tallow and coconut oil, then combining them with liquid olive oil. Separately, lye is carefully dissolved into distilled water, creating a lye solution that is allowed to cool. Once both the oils and lye solution reach a similar safe temperature, the lye solution is slowly mixed into the oils. This mixture is blended until it thickens to “trace", indicating that saponification has begun. The soap batter is then poured into molds, insulated, and left to harden. After unmolding, the soap is hand cut and cured for six weeks, allowing excess water to evaporate and producing a mild, long-lasting bar of soap.
Why does tallow soap feel different from store-bought soap?
Most store-bought soaps are actually detergent bars that strip natural oils. Tallow soap cleans while nourishing the skin, which is why many customers notice their skin feels softer and less dry after switching.
What is the size of a Savannah Tallow Company face, hair, and body soap bar?
Our bars are hand-cut the old-fashioned way — no machines, no shortcuts. Each bar starts at a minimum of 6 ounces and cures naturally for six weeks, finishing at 5 ounces or greater as moisture evaporates.
How long does a bar of soap last?
Our soap bars are hard, dense, and long-lasting. With proper care (keeping the bar dry between uses), one bar can last several weeks to months, depending on usage.
Do your products contain fragrance oils?
No. We only use pure organic essential oils or leave the product unscented. You will never find artificial fragrance oils in our products.
How are the essential oils chosen?
All of the essential oils used in Savannah Tallow Company products are hand selected to be organic and steam distilled or cold pressed because these methods extract aromatic compounds without the use of synthetic solvents or added chemicals.
Steam-distilled essential oils are produced by passing steam through plant material such as leaves, flowers, bark, or roots. The heat releases the plant’s natural oils, which rise with the steam and are then cooled and separated. This traditional method preserves the oil’s natural properties while keeping it free from chemical residues.
Cold-pressed essential oils are most commonly used for citrus fruits like lemon, orange, and bergamot. In this process, the oil is mechanically pressed from the peel without heat. This gentle extraction helps maintain the oil’s fresh aroma and natural composition.
Both methods result in pure, concentrated essential oils that reflect the plant’s original scent and characteristics, making them especially desirable for traditional soap making, aromatherapy, and natural personal care products.
Why are some products out of stock or limited stock?
All products at Savannah Tallow Company are artisan crafted in small batches to ensure quality and consistency. Because of this hands-on process and limited production scale, quantities are naturally limited and availability may vary.
What is your Sun Balm?
Our Sun Balm is a mineral-based skin protectant made with grass-fed tallow, organic olive oil, beeswax, and non-nano zinc oxide. It’s designed to create a physical barrier on the skin to help protect against sun exposure while nourishing the skin.
Does your Sun Balm contain chemical sunscreens?
No. Our Sun Balm uses non-nano zinc oxide only. We do not use chemical UV filters.
Does your Sun Balm provide SPF?
Our Sun Balm is comparable to an SPF 30–style mineral sun product, but it is not laboratory SPF tested. Because of this, we do not make an official SPF claim. It functions as a physical sun barrier using zinc oxide.
Can the Sun Balm be used on the face?
Yes. Many customers use it on the face, ears, neck, lips, and hands. Apply lightly — a small amount goes a long way.
Does the Sun Balm clog pores?
Our formula is made with skin-compatible fats and oils. However, skin types vary. We recommend starting with a small amount and adjusting as needed.
What does “non-nano zinc oxide” mean?
Non-nano zinc oxide sits on top of the skin and reflects UV rays rather than being absorbed into the body. This makes it a preferred option for families looking for a mineral-based sun product.
What is in your tallow balms?
Our balms are made with grass-fed tallow, organic olive oil, beeswax, and essential oils (or unscented). They are designed to deeply moisturize and protect skin without clogging pores.
What is the consistency of Savannah Tallow Company Face and Body Moisturizing Balm?
Savannah Tallow Company balms are lightly whipped to have a smooth, lotion-like consistency that absorbs easily without feeling airy or fluffy. Carefully whipped just enough to enhance spreadability, it delivers deep nourishment while remaining rich, creamy, and grounding on the skin, leaving a soft, well-hydrated finish.
Can your balms be used on the face?
Yes. Many customers use our balms on their face, lips, hands, and even beards. A little goes a long way.
Does your deodorant contain aluminum?
No. Our deodorant is aluminum-free.
Our deodorant is made with grass-fed tallow, beeswax, arrowroot powder, kaolin clay, and essential oils (or unscented). Each ingredient is chosen for a specific purpose and nothing extra is added.
Is your deodorant an antiperspirant?
No. Our deodorant is not an antiperspirant. It is designed to help control odor while allowing your body to sweat naturally.
How does it control odor without aluminum?
Odor is caused by bacteria, not sweat itself. Our formula helps absorb moisture and neutralize odor-causing bacteria using arrowroot powder, kaolin clay, and essential oils.
Will I still sweat when using your deodorant?
Yes — sweating is normal and healthy. Our deodorant does not block sweat glands.
Is there an adjustment period when switching to natural deodorant?
Some people experience a short adjustment period when switching from conventional deodorant. This is normal and typically temporary as your body adapts.
How should I store your products?
Store soaps in a dry area between uses. Balms should be kept out of direct heat and sunlight. Because we don’t use preservatives, proper storage helps maintain quality.
Do you offer returns or exchanges?
If there’s an issue with your order, please contact us. We stand behind our products and want every customer to be satisfied. Due to the nature of handcrafted skincare, used products cannot be returned, but we’re always happy to make things right.
Do you test on animals?
Never. Our products are cruelty-free and only tested on willing family members.
Is your Sun Balm reef-safe?
Our Sun Balm contains non-nano zinc oxide and does not include chemical sunscreen ingredients commonly associated with reef damage.