No, our tallow does not have a strong “beefy” smell. That odor is usually the result of aged or overheated tallow, poor sourcing from lesser-quality ranches, or improper handling during the rendering process. When tallow is treated casually or processed at high temperatures without care, it often develops a rancid, unpleasant scent that lingers in the final product.

You cannot mask poor quality. If the raw tallow is compromised from the beginning, that scent will carry through to the end.

At Summer Solace, we use only fresh suet from trusted ranches such as Stemple Creek Ranch in Tomales Bay. We render it by hand in small batches using a slow and careful method. This traditional, hands-on approach preserves the purity and integrity of the fat. Our tallow is fresh and may have a very subtle animalic scent, which is a sign of its quality and freshness. That gentle scent assures you it was made properly using the highest standards.

If a brand cannot name its sources, does not render its own tallow, or uses synthetic fragrances, it is worth questioning. Integrity matters.

If you value regenerative sourcing and traditional skincare, we are honored to be part of your routine.

Many of our products are also infused with organic essential oils or botanical extracts, which create a pleasant, subtle, buttery aroma. For those who prefer fragrance-free options, our plain tallow balms are neutral in scent and free of anything offensive or unpleasant.

Summer Solace Tallow stands apart through a deep commitment to tradition, sustainability, and whole-animal stewardship. Founded by chef and natural perfumer Megan Bre Camp, we handcraft each balm, soap, and candle in-house using time-honored techniques and the highest quality ingredients sourced exclusively from Northern California.

Our skincare is made with nutrient-rich suet tallow from Stemple Creek Ranch, processed through whole-animal butchery at The Local Butcher Shop in Berkeley. We blend this with hand-harvested calendula from Sonoma, made into a holistic CO2 extract, extra virgin olive oil from Séka Hills produced by the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation in Capay Valley, and beeswax from Oakland’s Khaled Almaghafi.

Unlike many brands, we never whip, overheat, or dilute our tallow. Each product preserves the full integrity of the ingredients to deliver a balm that melts effortlessly into the skin, offering deep nourishment and lasting results.

As pioneers of the Slow Body Care Movement®, we do not follow fleeting trends. We stay rooted in the seasons, guided by the land, and devoted to ancestral practices that promote regeneration, transparency, and care.

Our tallow soaps are crafted using traditional cold-process methods and only the highest quality, regionally sourced ingredients. What sets them apart is our use of suet tallow rendered in-house from regeneratively raised, grass-finished cattle at Stemple Creek Ranch. Unlike many natural soaps that rely solely on plant oils, our tallow creates a rich, long-lasting lather and a deeply nourishing cleanse that supports the skin’s natural barrier.

We never use palm oil, seed oils, synthetic fragrances, or unnecessary fillers. Instead, we blend our tallow with organic extra virgin olive oil from Séka Hills, raw honey or hand-harvested herbs, and essential oils chosen for their therapeutic benefits. Each bar is slow-cured to preserve its integrity and extend its lifespan.

Our soaps reflect a return to traditional soapmaking. They are made by hand, in tune with the seasons, and rooted in the land from which they come.

Summer Solace Tallow candles are unlike any other.

Hand-poured in small batches, they are made with pure suet tallow rendered in-house from regeneratively raised cattle and blended with local beeswax from Khaled Almaghafi’s Oakland apiaries. This unique base creates a clean-burning, nourishing flame that emits a warm, grounding glow.

Unlike conventional candles made with paraffin, soy, or palm wax, our candles are entirely free from synthetic waxes and petroleum byproducts. They are scented with a thoughtful blend of organic essential oils, natural absolutes, and a trace amount of high-quality, EU-compliant synthetics from Firmenich, a leader in fine perfumery standards. This creates a complex, long-lasting fragrance that is gentle and non-irritating.

For best results, we recommend burning our candles for at least four hours at a time to create an even wax pool. After each use, trim the wick and gently remove any burned or charred tip that may remain. This is a natural occurrence and helps maintain a clean, steady flame.

Rooted in ancestral practice and regional integrity, each candle is a reflection of the land and a testament to slow, intentional living.

Tallow is a nutrient-dense, rendered fat from ruminant animals that has been used for centuries as one of the most effective forms of skincare.

Rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K, it closely mirrors the natural lipids found in human skin, making it highly compatible for moisturizing, healing, and protecting. Long before the rise of industrialized and synthetic skincare, our ancestors turned to wholesome animal tallow to nourish and maintain resilient, healthy skin.

Unlike modern formulations filled with water, petroleum byproducts, fragmented plant ingredients, and synthetic vitamins, tallow is a whole, complete fat with deeply rooted therapeutic value.

Regeneratively raised cattle are part of farming practices that restore soil health, sequester carbon, and promote biodiversity. These methods go beyond sustainability, actively reversing environmental damage. We source our fresh suet exclusively from local ranches practicing these techniques.

We use tallow because it works in harmony with the skin. It is deeply nourishing, restorative, and balancing.

Tallow naturally contains fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, along with palmitoleic acid and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which support skin health, reduce inflammation, and help protect against microbial concerns.

No plant oil or synthetic alternative matches the depth of nutrition or compatibility with the human body that tallow provides. As human beings, our skin recognizes animal fat as food, not plant matter.

We render our tallow in-house using fresh, whole suet, specifically the prized kidney fat—not trim or scraps. This distinction is vital for purity, stability, and quality. We never use the wet rendering method and do not add water, emulsifiers, or fillers. Our process is slow and careful, preserving the integrity of the fat and maintaining its maximum therapeutic value.

We proudly source our suet from regenerative ranches, including Stemple Creek Ranch in Tomales Bay, California. These beef cattle are 100 percent grass-fed and pasture-raised without the use of hormones, or pesticides.

The integrity of their care produces a cleaner, more nutrient-rich fat, full of naturally occurring vitamins and minerals, just as nature intended.

At Summer Solace, we use only the highest quality ingredients and techniques in our products. Every week, Megan hand-renders fresh suet fat from the ranch using a slow and gentle dry rendering method.

This ensures that no water touches the tallow, preventing water contamination and inhibiting the growth of mold and bacteria. Our commitment to excellence guarantees you receive the purest, most nourishing tallow possible.

Tallow provides unparalleled moisture and barrier protection, thanks to its similarity to our skin’s natural oils.

Unlike plant-based products, tallow deeply penetrates the skin, delivering nutrients directly to where they’re needed most.

Our tallow is sourced from regeneratively raised cattle, ensuring the highest quality and sustainability.

A small amount of olive oil is blended with our tallow to enhance spreadability and offer additional skin-supportive properties. Olive oil has long been revered for its soothing and moisturizing qualities, containing antioxidants like vitamin E and oleuropein.

We source our extra virgin olive oil directly from SEKA Hills in Capay Valley, California, where it is freshly pressed and never adulterated—unlike many imported oils on the market today.

Our commitment to regional, traceable, and pure ingredients ensures quality you can trust.

Our Tallow Balm absorbs quickly and leaves the skin supple, not greasy. Because tallow is naturally a waxy, saturated fat, it nourishes deeply without sitting heavily on the skin. If you notice any residue, you may have applied more than needed. A small amount warmed between your hands and pressed gently into the skin is all it takes.

We use a proprietary blend of SEKA Hills extra virgin olive oil to enhance spreadability. This high-quality, California-grown oil complements the tallow beautifully, adding smoothness without compromising purity or integrity.

Yes! Tallow is gentle, hypoallergenic, and naturally soothing. Our unscented products are especially popular among customers with eczema, psoriasis, or highly sensitive skin.

Tallow's anti-inflammatory properties and rich nutrients help calm irritation and restore the skin’s natural balance.

Yes, we offer a range of unscented balms and soaps that are perfect for sensitive skin or those who prefer fragrance-free options. These are crafted with the same high-quality tallow and are gentle enough for babies and eczema-prone skin.

Tallow balms are intensely moisturizing, help repair the skin barrier, and provide lasting hydration. They are rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins that support skin health, making them excellent for dry, damaged, or irritated skin.

Absolutely! Tallow is beneficial for most skin types, even sensitive ones like facial skin.

Its composition closely resembles human skin, making it easily absorbable. Rich in essential vitamins such as A, D, K, E, and B12, organic tallow, especially from pasture-raised cattle, works wonders on skin issues like eczema and diaper rashes.

Consider it a healthier substitute for mainstream synthetic creams.

Place your tallow balm in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight. Our shelf-stable tallow does not require refrigeration.

Our Tallow Balm is naturally shelf-stable thanks to the absence of water and the inclusion of antioxidant-rich ingredients.

While our tallow is of exceptional quality and can last for years without going rancid—especially when stored in a cool, dry place or the refrigerator—we recommend using our products within nine months of purchase to enjoy them at their freshest.

We make everything in small batches weekly to ensure the highest quality and honor the natural seasonality of our ingredients.

We refrain from whipping our balm products or incorporating water into them.

Whipping introduces air and bacteria, potentially misleading consumers with inflated volume.

Picture a whipped product left on a shelf during summer—it would likely melt, leaving only half the product in the jar.

Instead, we meticulously hand-pour our tallow to preserve its full benefits. We consider whipping an amateur technique employed to conceal the scent of inadequately rendered tallow.

Our commitment lies in revealing the authentic essence of our fresh suet tallow through careful hand-pouring.

Most people are familiar with soft, whipped hand creams like Nivea or commercial lotions. Our balm is different. It is nutrient-dense, solid, and firm—a true whole-fat skincare product made without water, stabilizers, or synthetic ingredients.

It adjusts naturally with the ambient environment and temperature. In colder climates or winter months, it may become firmer, while in warmer weather, it softens and becomes more supple.

This is completely normal for any truly natural fat. These natural variations are part of what makes our balm so special and aligned with our values of simplicity, seasonality, and integrity.

Achieve your preferred texture by immersing the closed container in warm water. Once melted, remove the lid and let it cool in the refrigerator.

This will ensure your balm remains soft and easy to spread. Remember, tallow behaves like many natural fats – solidifying in cold conditions and becoming soft in warmer temperatures. The balm's consistency can vary with temperature changes, especially during winter.

If your balm feels grainy, uneven, or unusually firm, it has likely experienced natural temperature fluctuations during shipping or storage. This is completely normal and not a sign of spoilage. Our tallow is pure and unrefined, made without any emulsifiers, stabilizers, or synthetic ingredients. Because of this, the fat molecules in the balm can shift and separate slightly with changes in temperature, especially in transit.

To restore a smooth and even texture, gently immerse the sealed jar in warm to hot water until the balm is fully melted. Once cooled and solidified, the fat molecules will recombine, forming a firm yet smooth consistency. For everyday use, simply warming a small amount between your palms will soften the balm and allow it to glide on easily.

At Summer Solace, we take great care in producing the highest quality tallow skincare. We use only fresh suet kidney fat from regeneratively raised beef cattle, including from Stemple Creek Ranch in Tomales Bay. Each batch is rendered slowly by hand using traditional methods to preserve the full nutrient profile and therapeutic benefits of the fat.

We believe that true skincare should align with nature. If your values reflect a holistic, seasonal, and whole-animal approach to self-care, then these subtle variations are a welcome part of the experience. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, we are here to support you on your path to naturally radiant skin.

Because our balm is handcrafted in small batches using whole food, nutrient-dense ingredients, natural variation is a mark of authenticity and quality. The color of the tallow, the time of harvest, and the essential oils or botanical blends we use may shift slightly from batch to batch.

These subtle changes are to be expected and celebrated in truly artisanal skincare.During the spring and summer months, the beef cattle at Stemple Creek Ranch graze on fresh grasses, wild herbs, and blooming flowers, all kissed with morning dew and the saline-rich mist of the nearby Pacific Ocean.

This diverse, seasonal forage imparts a unique character to the suet, which is reflected in the richness and hue of the finished balm. These natural variations do not affect the purity, potency, or effectiveness of our tallow. Rather, they are a testament to our commitment to working in harmony with the land, the seasons, and traditional methods.

Our essential oils are selected in collaboration with expert aromatherapists and natural perfumers. Each one is chosen for its therapeutic value and historical use in skincare.

They are of the highest grade—steam-distilled, never extended or chemically processed, and entirely free of synthetic fragrances. Because we maintain direct relationships with growers and distillers, we avoid the widespread adulteration common in the essential oil industry.

The essential oils, absolutes, and attars we use are so exquisite and rare that you will not find our level of sourcing at any supermarket or health food store. These are artisanal materials, crafted with care and intention, chosen for both their purity and their potency.

We also use CO₂-extracted calendula, grown holistically for its powerful skin-soothing properties. This gentle extraction method retains the full vitality of the flower without relying on heat or harsh solvents, preserving its healing qualities in their most complete form.

Apply Summer Solace Tallow Balm anywhere your skin needs nourishment—face, hands, feet, lips, eyelids, elbows, groin area, or scalp. There is no need for multiple products. Our balm is designed to support all skin types and concerns with simplicity and effectiveness.

It is especially beneficial for chapped skin, eczema, and other delicate or sensitive areas. Because it is rich and concentrated, a little goes a long way.

Our Tallow Balm can also be layered with any serum, vitamin C, or retinol to help seal in active ingredients and reduce potential irritation. For enhanced results, we recommend pairing it with our Emanations Animal-Based Face Oil, which improves absorption and adds another layer of healing, nutrient-dense support.

Simply apply a small amount of balm to the affected area and massage gently until absorbed. For best results, use after a shower or bath when your skin is slightly damp to lock in moisture.

Before using our products, we strongly advise seeking medical attention or consulting with an allergist, especially if you have known allergies or sensitive skin.

It is essential to conduct patch tests on small, inconspicuous areas of the body before applying products to larger areas or the face. This precautionary measure helps to minimize the risk of adverse reactions.

We care about your well-being and want to ensure your safety and satisfaction with our products.

Our tallow-beeswax candles are distinct from regular candles, both in ingredients and in their gentle, prolonged burn. Often referred to as "living candles," wick trimming is optional and can be done according to your preference.

For safety, always refer to the warning label located on the bottom of the candle.

We take pride in using Eco wicks, made from cotton locally sourced from the West Coast. These wicks are free of lead and designed to burn cleanly.

Before lighting, allow your tallow candle to burn for approximately 4 hours to create an even pool of tallow and beeswax. Trim the wick only when necessary, removing any charred or “dead” wick to expose the fresh wick underneath.

And as always, never leave a lit candle unattended.

At Summer Solace Tallow, quality and safety are the foundation of our candle-making process. We meticulously craft each candle using regional raw beeswax blended with regenerative suet tallow, infused with locally sourced, Sonoma-grown calendula, high-end absolutes, and essential oils. This combination of ingredients creates a luxurious and sustainable product that reflects the natural beauty of California and delivers a clean, safe burn.

Our candles adhere to the highest safety standards, with each ingredient rigorously tested to meet the European Union’s (EU) stringent guidelines, which are among the most rigorous in the world and exceed U.S. safety standards. As a result, every Summer Solace Tallow candle is 100% paraben-free, phthalate-free, and fully compliant with California’s Prop 65 regulations. Produced in small batches, our candles embody the regenerative spirit of Summer Solace Tallow, prioritizing quality, safety, and environmental responsibility in every carefully crafted piece.