Jojoba oil and squalane are lighter than tallow and are often chosen for the face or for oilier skin, while tallow is a heavy occlusive better suited to very dry areas of the body. Dermatologists quoted by Scripps Health note that plant oils such as jojoba and squalane provide similar fatty acids to tallow with a lower risk of clogged pores. If you don't need a heavy seal, one of these may suit you better.
We sell a tallow cream, so we'll be upfront that tallow isn't the right answer for every person or every part of the body. Here is how it compares with two popular lighter options.
Side by Side
| Tallow | Jojoba oil | Squalane | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Source | Rendered beef fat | Seed of the jojoba plant (technically a liquid wax) | Plant-derived (often olive or sugarcane) or animal-derived, so check the label |
| Vegan | No | Yes | Depends on source |
| Texture | Firm to whipped, rich | Light, liquid oil | Very light, silky liquid |
| Feel | Heavy, occlusive | Lightweight, absorbs fairly well | Lightweight, fast-absorbing |
| Pore-clogging risk | Can clog pores for some people | Generally considered lower risk | Generally considered lower risk |
| Best suited to | Very dry hands, heels, elbows, body | Face and body, combination skin | Face and body, oily or sensitive skin |
What They Share
All three are used to soften skin and help reduce water loss, though they do it in different ways and to different degrees. Tallow is the heaviest and most occlusive of the three.
Where They Differ
- Weight and feel. Jojoba and squalane are light and absorb quickly. Tallow sits on top of skin longer.
- Pore-clogging. Dermatologists quoted by Scripps Health note tallow can clog pores, and that jojoba and squalane provide similar fatty acids with lower risk of that.
- Source and values. Jojoba is plant-based. Squalane can be plant-derived or animal-derived, so check the label. Tallow is animal-derived.
- Evidence. Jojoba and squalane are widely used in cosmetics. Independent research on tallow specifically for skin is more limited.
Do You Need Animal Fat at All?
Not necessarily. If you have oily, combination, or acne-prone skin, or if you want a light finish, jojoba or squalane may simply suit you better. Tallow tends to make the most sense for very dry, rough areas of the body where a heavy seal is useful, and for people who prefer an animal-fat balm.
Who Might Prefer Which
- Jojoba oil if you want a plant-based, lightweight option for face or body.
- Squalane if you want a very light, fast-absorbing option, and have checked its source if that matters to you.
- Tallow for heels, hands, elbows, and very dry body skin, after a patch test.
Many people use a light oil on the face and a rich balm on the driest parts of the body. See our complete guide to beef tallow for skin and tallow vs. coconut oil.
FAQ
Is jojoba oil better than tallow?
Not universally. Jojoba is lighter and lower risk for clogged pores; tallow is heavier and suits very dry body areas better.
Is squalane vegan?
Not always. It can be plant-derived or animal-derived, so check the label.
Which is best for the face?
Many people find lighter options such as jojoba or squalane more comfortable on the face. Dermatologists often advise using tallow on the body only.
If you'd like a rich option for hands and body, see Whipped Beef Tallow for Skin Grass Fed by Natural Skin Tallow. It contains honey and calendula, so skip it or check with your doctor if you're allergic to bee products, pollen, or plants in the daisy family.