Tallow Based

Tallow is the fat that comes from around beef organs. It has a lipid profile similar to that of human skin. Tallow matches the structure of the skin barrier so the absorption is extremely effective creating a stronger function in the skin barrier which regenerates damaged skin cells overtime. Tallow is a noncomedogenic source; it is so compatible with our skin’s natural sebum, it works to moisturize, soothe, and repair without clogging pores.

We choose tallow for skin care primarily because of its nutrients and secondly as a carrier for other nutrients. Tallow’s nutrients are within its fatty acid composition which are as follows:

• Alpha linoleic and linoleic acids in almost a perfect ratio of 1:1. These are also known as omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, and they maintain the structure and barrier function of skin. They are also helpful for anti inflammatory and immune responses in skin, including eczema and rosacea. 

• Stearic acid and oleic acid are fatty acids that are found in the outer layer of our skin, and in our sebum. They are softening, moisturizer, regenerative, and anti inflammatory. Stearic acid helps to repair skin,  improve the flexibility of skin, improves skin’s barrier function. Oleic acid helps the various beneficial nutrients penetrate deeply into skin. 

• Conjugated linoleic acid or CLA has powerful anti inflammatory properties, and is also antimicrobial. 

• Palmitoleic acid is a very active antimicrobial in our skin. It is also one of the basic building blocks of our skin, but it decreases as we age. 

• Palmitic acid helps improve the smoothness of skin, and helps with skin’s barrier function, and decreases as we age.

We source our tallow from grass-fed and grass-finished American pastured cows.

Essential Oil Free

Essential oils behave like irritants on the skin and can trigger sensitivity rather than support skin health. They don’t provide nutrients to the skin — they simply add fragrance.

Their volatile compounds break down the lipids that hold skin cells together which weakens the barrier.

With repeated use they can push skin into long-term reactivity making redness and irritation more common.

Many essential oils increase UV sensitivity which raises the risk of pigmentation and sun damage.

Their antibacterial nature kills the skin’s protective microbiome.

Oxidation makes essential oils even more irritating especially once a bottle is opened.

Purity is a marketing claim because all essential oils contain compounds harsh enough to harm skin.

Repeated use can create new allergies that never existed before.

The process of making essential oils involves using large quantities of plant matter for a small quantities of potent oil. This method is less sustainable.

Herb Infused

Soul and Soil Shoppe’s products are powered by herbs that either homegrown, wildcrafted and sustainably harvested, or organically sourced.

We use the method of infusion in our products.

Infusion is a process that involves extracting medicinal properties by steeping an herb, resin or botanical in an oil, fat, water or alcohol.

The herbs are steeped in the tallow which makes a great carrier for the desired qualities of the herbs. We then strain the herbs from the tallow resulting in an aromatic, pure, and strong infusion.

The infusion provides bioavailable active compounds that offers a range of benefits such a hydration, antioxidant protection, soothing benefits, and promoting collage production.

Infusions are soft and gentle on sensitive skin.

Soul and Soil Shoppe practices the art of folk herb growing where the intention of our products are to connect people to the natural world.

Folk herb growing is not just about cultivating plants, but deeply rooted in ancestral knowledge, seasonal awareness, and intuition. “The maker is not separate from the medicine.”