With so many soaps to choose from—seventeen bars and counting—we hear one question more than almost any other: "Which one should I start with?"

It's a great question. And the honest answer is: it depends. Not on a complicated quiz or a ten-step skincare analysis, but on two simple things: what your skin needs and what experience you're looking for in the shower.

Every bar we make starts with the same foundation: grass-fed tallow sourced from local farms, cold-processed the traditional way. That means every soap on this list cleanses gently, lathers richly, and leaves your skin feeling nourished rather than stripped. What changes from bar to bar is the added ingredients, such as essential oils or other specialty additives like coffee, pumice, and zinc, which makes each bar suited to a slightly different person or purpose.

Here's a simple way to find yours.

If you have sensitive skin or want to start simple: Pure tallow soap (Unscented)

This is our most popular bar for a reason. No fragrance, no extras, just saponified grass-fed tallow. If you've struggled with soaps that irritate your skin, dry you out, or trigger reactions, this is where to begin. It's also the bar we reach for most often at the handwashing sink. Sometimes the simplest thing is the right thing.

Good for: sensitive skin, fragrance sensitivities, multiple chemical sensitivities, babies and children, and anyone who wants a no-fuss daily bar.

If your skin needs extra calming support: Zinc tallow soap

Our newest bar, and one we're proud of. This is our Pure tallow soap with the addition of 2% zinc oxide, an ingredient long valued for its ability to soothe irritation, help balance oil, and support a more comfortable cleanse for reactive skin. If you find that even gentle soaps leave your skin feeling off, or if you're dealing with redness, breakouts, or that frustrating combination of oily and sensitive at the same time, this bar was made with you in mind.

Good for: acne-prone skin, oily or combination skin, redness-prone skin, and anyone whose skin feels easily irritated.

If you deal with eczema, psoriasis, dry skin, or rashes: Pine Tar 20% tallow soap

Pine tar has been used in skincare for centuries, and there's a reason it has never gone away. Our pine tar soap contains 20% kiln-burned pine tar from Sweden—the highest grade available, made the traditional way by burning pine stumps in kilns. That 20% concentration is intentional: we want you to actually feel the benefit, not just have it listed as a trace ingredient. Customers with eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, poison ivy reactions, and stubborn dry skin reach for this bar again and again. It has a distinctive, earthy, campfire-like scent that many people come to love.

Good for: eczema, psoriasis, dry or itchy skin, rashes, and anyone seeking the deep-cleansing and anti-inflammatory properties of traditional pine tar.

If you want a workhorse bar for dirty hands: Pumice tallow soap

Gardeners, mechanics, woodworkers, painters—this one's for you. Ground pumice gives this bar a gentle but effective scrubbing action that lifts grease, grime, paint, and sap without the harsh chemicals found in most industrial hand soaps. It's unscented and tough enough for a full day's work, but because it's still a tallow base, it won't leave your hands cracked and dry. Keep it in the garage, the garden shed, or by the kitchen sink.

Good for: working hands, outdoor workers, anyone who needs a deeper clean without drying ingredients.

If you want to energize your morning: Eucalyptus or Eucalyptus and Peppermint tallow soaps

These two bars are our go-to recommendation for people who want their shower to feel like a reset. Eucalyptus is cool, clean, and clarifying. Add peppermint to the mix, and it becomes even more invigorating, the kind of bar that wakes you up faster than your first cup of coffee. Both are popular choices for body and face wash alike.

Good for: morning showers, mental clarity, and skin that benefits from antibacterial and anti-inflammatory essential oils.

If you want to wind down at night: Lavender or Lavender and Spearmint tallow soaps

Lavender is a classic for good reason; it's soothing, antioxidant-rich, and genuinely calming. Our Lavender tallow soap is soft and floral. When you add spearmint, it becomes something a little more interesting: still relaxing, but with a fresh, uplifting brightness that keeps it from feeling heavy. One of Jen's personal favorites, for what it's worth.

Good for: evening routines, sensitive or irritated skin, and anyone who wants their shower to be a moment of calm.

If you want something fresh and citrusy: Lemongrass, Lemon Lime, or Rosemary Mint tallow soaps

These three are the bright, clean options in the lineup. Lemongrass is earthy and citrusy with natural antibacterial properties—a great everyday bar. Lemon Lime is light and uplifting, high in antioxidant vitamin C. Rosemary Mint is herbal and fresh, with a clean scent that works as well in the morning as it does after a workout. All three make excellent hand soaps to keep by the kitchen sink, too.

Good for: everyday use, oily or acne-prone skin, post-workout showers, and anyone who prefers a clean, fresh scent.

If you want something warm and grounding: Cedarwood, Orange Clove, or Patchouli tallow soaps

Our second-biggest seller, Orange Clove, is spicy, warm, and cozy, and our customers tell us it smells like the holidays in a bar. Cedarwood is woodsy and earthy, great for people who like a more grounded, rich scent. Patchouli is rich and distinctive, with naturally regenerative and cell-renewing properties. All three are popular as gifts and as personal favorites for people who want their bar to feel a little more luxurious.

Good for: cooler months, gifting, and anyone who prefers warm, earthy, or spiced scents.

If you want targeted skin support from your essential oils: Tea Tree, Lavender and Tea Tree, or Coffee! tallow soaps

Tea Tree is widely known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, and it's a popular choice for acne-prone skin and for people who want a cleanser that does a little more. Lavender and Tea Tree pairs those cleansing qualities with the calming benefits of lavender, making it one of our most versatile bars. And Coffee!, our exfoliating bar made with real coffee grounds, is a favorite for people who want a gentle morning scrub. It's also one of the best bars to keep by the kitchen sink to neutralize stubborn odors from garlic, onion, or fish.

Good for: acne-prone skin, oily skin, exfoliation, and kitchen hand-washing.

Still not sure? Here's the short version:

The good news is that because all of our soaps start with the same tallow base, there's no wrong choice. They all cleanse gently, last longer than conventional soap, and leave your skin feeling clean and conditioned rather than stripped. The scent and specialty ingredient are really just about finding what feels right for you.

In the past year or so, tallow has begun to have its moment on social media. With more people exploring all the variations of skincare available to them and the internet making skincare information more accessible, it is no surprise that tallow was brought into the conversation. Tallow is a great natural skincare option known for its moisturizing and cleansing properties. However, with more people trying tallow, it is important to mention that not all tallow soaps are created equal.

The source of the tallow used in soaps and balms can significantly impact the quality and benefits. Even if you are making your own tallow soaps rather than purchasing them, it’s important to know the variations of tallow available to you. In this blog, we will explore the advantages of using grass-fed tallow soap over tallow derived from conventionally fed cattle.

What Is Tallow?

Tallow is a versatile and traditional fat obtained from the rendered fat of animals, typically cattle. It has been used for centuries in various applications, including soap making. Tallow is rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, making it a valuable ingredient for skincare products.

What are the benefits of grass-fed tallow soap?

Nutrient-Rich Composition: Grass-fed cattle have a diet that primarily consists of nutrient-dense grasses and plants. As a result, the tallow derived from these animals is richer in essential nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, D, and E, and antioxidants. When used in soap, these nutrients can nourish and support the health of your skin.

Enhanced Moisturization: Grass-fed tallow is particularly high in oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid that is highly compatible with human skin. This composition allows grass-fed tallow soap to provide superior moisturization and hydration, helping to soothe dry and sensitive skin.

Reduced Risk of Allergies: Conventionally raised cattle are often exposed to antibiotics and growth hormones, which can potentially transfer into their fat. Grass-fed cattle, on the other hand, are less likely to be exposed to such substances. Using grass-fed tallow soap reduces the risk of skin allergies or irritations caused by residues from conventional farming practices.

Sustainable Farming Practices: Supporting the production of grass-fed tallow soap encourages sustainable and ethical farming practices. Grass-fed cattle are typically raised in more humane and environmentally friendly conditions.

Improved Skin Barrier Function: The natural fats and lipids found in grass-fed tallow closely resemble the lipids present in our skin’s barrier. This similarity allows grass-fed tallow soap to support and strengthen the skin’s natural barrier function. A healthier skin barrier can help prevent moisture loss, reduce inflammation, and protect against environmental stressors.

Gentle Cleansing: Grass-fed tallow soap is known for its mild and gentle cleansing properties. It effectively removes dirt and impurities from the skin without stripping away its natural oils. This makes it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and dry skin.

Don’t some of these benefits apply to tallow from traditionally fed cattle?

Some of the benefits listed above apply to tallow derived from traditionally fed cattle. Tallow, in general, is a valuable skincare ingredient due to its rich composition of fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Conventionally fed cattle may still provide tallow with moisturizing and cleansing properties, making it useful for skincare products. However, the key difference lies in the quality of the tallow. Grass-fed tallow tends to be superior in nutrient content, particularly in essential fatty acids and antioxidants, which can offer enhanced benefits for the skin. While both types of tallow have their merits, grass-fed tallow stands out as a premium option for those seeking the highest quality and added environmental and ethical considerations.

By opting for grass-fed tallow soap, you not only provide your skin with a nourishing and wholesome product but also support sustainable farming practices and the well-being of animals. It’s a win-win for your skin and the planet. So, the next time you shop for skincare products, consider making the nourishing choice of grass-fed tallow soap. Your skin will thank you for it!