Long Lane Naturals FAQs
Because our products are made from natural, farm-rendered fats and are free from stabilizers and synthetic emulsifiers, slight variations in texture and appearance are normal.
What is tallow?
Tallow is rendered beef fat.
When carefully rendered and filtered, it becomes a clean, stable, nutrient-rich base that has been used traditionally in cooking, soapmaking, and skincare for generations.
Our tallow is rendered in small batches on our farm.
Does tallow smell like beef?
Properly rendered tallow should not have a strong “beef” smell.
That said, it is an animal-based product. Depending on the batch and your sensitivity to scent, there may be a faint natural aroma.
We filter our tallow carefully and render it slowly to reduce scent as much as possible. In scented products, essential oils provide the primary fragrance. Our unscented options will have only the natural scent of the finished ingredients.
Is tallow greasy?
Tallow is a rich, concentrated moisturizer.
When used in small amounts (a pea-sized amount is often enough), it absorbs into the skin and leaves it feeling conditioned rather than coated.
Because our formulas are water-free, a little goes a long way.
Will tallow clog pores?
Tallow closely resembles the natural oils found in human skin. Many people find it absorbs comfortably.
As with any skincare product, individual responses vary. We always recommend patch testing when trying a new product.
Why don’t you use preservatives?
Our core products are anhydrous, meaning they contain no water.
Water-based products require preservatives to prevent microbial growth. Because our balms and salves do not contain water, they do not require broad-spectrum preservatives.
We recommend storing products in a cool, dry place and avoiding introducing water into the container.
Where does your tallow come from?
We render and filter the tallow for our products ourselves in small batches. It is not outsourced or private-label.
This allows us to maintain full control over quality and sourcing.
What is the shelf life?
Our products are shelf-stable when stored properly.
For best quality, we recommend using within 6–12 months and keeping containers tightly sealed, away from direct heat and sunlight.
Are your products all-natural?
We use simple, intentionally sourced ingredients including:
- Farm-rendered beef tallow
- Farm-rendered pastured pork lard (in soap)
- Plant oils
- Beeswax
- Essential oils (where used)
We avoid synthetic fragrance, petroleum-derived fillers, and unnecessary additives.
Why use lard in soap?
Pastured pork lard has been used in traditional soapmaking for generations.
It creates a firm, long-lasting bar with a creamy, stable lather and a balanced cleanse.
Are your products safe for sensitive skin?
Our formulas are intentionally simple and free from synthetic fragrance.
However, everyone’s skin is different. We recommend patch testing before full use, especially if you are sensitive to new products or essential oils.
Why does my lotion look like it has “wet spots” or small beads on the surface?
Because our products are anhydrous (water-free) and made with natural fats and oils, you may occasionally notice small glossy spots or beads on the surface.
This can happen with temperature fluctuations during storage or shipping. The natural oils can slightly shift or soften at different temperatures.
This does not affect the quality or safety of the product.
If desired, you can gently stir the surface with a clean utensil or simply use as normal. The product will perform the same.
My tallow lotion froze during transport and looks slightly separated. Can I still use it?
Yes.
Because our formulas are water-free and made from natural fats and oils, temperature changes during shipping - especially in winter - can cause the product to firm up, soften, or appear slightly separated.
If your lotion has frozen:
- Allow it to return to room temperature naturally.
- If the texture appears uneven, you can stir gently with a clean utensil.
Freezing does not compromise the product. It simply changes the texture temporarily.
As with all natural formulations, extreme heat or repeated temperature swings may alter texture, but the product remains usable.