A Practical guide to skin health

rooted in the land

Grounded in ancestral tallow wisdom.


The Tallow collection

Backwoods Balm - Sandalwood

Earthy - Protective - Soothing - Brightening

Lavender

Calm - Everyday Soothing

Vanilla w/ Castor oil

Renew - Balance - Deep Nourishment

Immortelle & Chamomile

Repair - Luxury - Antiaging

Unscented

Pure - Sensitive-skin Safe


A hand holding a small brown jar labeled 'Mountain River Roots' supplement with black lid, with several similar jars on a woven surface in the background.

Build a better Relationship with sustainable skincare

WHY TALLOW?

We choose tallow because its fatty acid profile closely mirrors our skin’s natural oils. This allows it to absorb deeply, support the skin barrier, and deliver naturally occurring vitamins A, D, E, and K—without fillers, seed oils, or synthetic fragrance. The result is simple, effective care that works with your skin, not against it.

About Us

Multiple brown glass jars filled with white cream or yogurt on a wooden surface.

our standards

We believe skincare should be simple, honest, and made with intention. Every Mountain River Roots product is crafted in small batches using thoughtfully sourced ingredients and traditional methods. We prioritize quality over quantity, transparency over trends, and practices that respect both the land and the body.

Our Promise

  • Thoughtfully sourced, high-quality ingredients

  • No fillers, seed oils, or synthetic fragrance

  • Made slowly, in small batches

  • Formulated to support the skin’s natural barrier

Ingredients

  • Pure Beef Tallow

  • Pure Essential Oils

  • Vanilla Blend: Pure Castor Oil

Love By Our Customers

Your Questions, Answered

  • No. I clarify my tallow several times to remove impurities so only the clean, nourishing fats remain. This process helps eliminate the natural beef scent, making the balm much more enjoyable to use—especially on the face.

    Because my blends are safe for facial use, I take extra care to ensure the final product is smooth, clean, and pleasant.

    Face Tip: Start with a very small amount and gently pat it into the skin rather than rubbing, especially if you have sensitive skin. A little goes a long way. 🌿

  • Warm a small amount between your fingertips and apply to clean skin as needed. All our blends are safe for face and body.

    Face Tip: Start with a very small amount and gently pat it into the skin rather than rubbing, especially if you have sensitive skin. A little goes a long way. 🌿

  • Yes! Start slow and see how your skin responds. If you’re new to tallow, use it once or twice a week at night at first.

    Tip: Always start with a very small amount and gently pat it into the skin rather than rubbing. A little goes a long way. 🌿

    Since tallow is very similar to your skin’s natural oils, your skin will adjust over time and you’ll likely be able to use it daily.

  • Yes! Tallow is safe for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin. It can actually help balance oil production over time—just give your skin time to adjust.

    Start slow. After cleansing, use an alcohol-free witch hazel or rose water toner. While your skin is still slightly damp, warm a small amount of tallow between your fingers and gently pat it onto your face (do not rub in).

    We suggest starting with the Unscented or Lavender blend. And remember, other factors like diet, stress, and hormones can also affect your skin.

  • Our tallow helps balance your skin and strengthen your natural skin barrier, keeping moisture in and dryness out. Some of our blends are crafted for specific concerns, while most will deeply nourish, soften the look of fine lines, and leave your skin feeling smoother, healthier, and more youthful.

    Face Tip: Start with a very small amount and gently pat it into the skin rather than rubbing, especially if you have sensitive skin. A little goes a long way. 🌿

  • You can use tallow daily on both your face and body as part of your regular skincare routine. It also works beautifully as a weekly overnight moisture mask for deeper nourishment and repair.

    If you’re new to using tallow on your face, allow your skin a little time to adjust—start with a small amount and gradually increase as needed.

  • All of our blends are safe to use head to toe. Because tallow is very similar to your skin’s natural oils, it’s a versatile addition to your daily routine. Here are a few simple ways to use it:

    • Hair ends: Rub a very small amount between your hands and smooth onto clean, damp ends after showering. A little goes a long way.

    • Makeup remover: Pat onto dry skin, then wipe away with a warm, damp washcloth.

    • Cleanser (oil cleansing): Repeat the process to gently cleanse and help support your skin barrier.

    • After shaving: Apply a light layer to soothe and moisturize skin.

    • Scalp treatment: Massage a small amount into your scalp before bed and wash out in the morning. (Try: Vanilla Castor Oil)

    • Lip balm: Dab onto dry lips.

    • Cuticle care: Massage into cuticles and nails.

      • Oily or acne-prone skin: Using nourishing oils can help support balance and strengthen the skin barrier. (Pat first until skin gets acclimated)

    We always recommend starting with a small amount and adjusting as needed.

  • Store in a cool place, away from direct heat & sunlight.

  • Best by date on the bottom of our jars or 12 months after opening.

  • Because the balm is made with natural fats and no stabilizers, texture may change with temperature. Graininess or slight shifts in consistency are completely normal and do not affect quality.