Zinc + Tallow Sun Lotion

We don’t make an SPF claim on this product — and that’s intentional.

In the US, any product that claims a specific SPF rating is regulated as an over-the-counter drug by the FDA. That means extensive clinical testing, strict labeling requirements, and a lengthy approval process. As a small batch brand, we’ve chosen not to go through that process, so we don’t label or market this as a sunscreen.

What we can tell you is what’s in it.

This formula contains 16% non-nano zinc oxide — a concentration that places it in the range used by many SPF 30+ mineral sunscreens on the market. But the percentage is only part of the story. Zinc oxide is notoriously difficult to disperse properly — clumping and uneven distribution are common problems in mineral formulas that result in inconsistent coverage and a gritty, heavy feel.

We take that seriously. Every batch is processed using a lab-grade high shear mixer to break apart zinc agglomerates down to a uniform particle dispersion. We also use PHSA (polyhydroxystearic acid) — a non-toxic cosmetic dispersant that coats each zinc particle individually, preventing them from clumping back together after processing. The result is a smooth, even, lightweight lotion where the zinc is distributed exactly where it needs to be throughout every ounce of the formula.

Our recommendation: use it as part of a thoughtful approach to sun care alongside protective clothing, shade, and mindful sun exposure. Don’t rely on any single product as your only line of defense.

Honestly — no, and we’d rather tell you that upfront than let you find out at the beach.

Water resistance is a specific FDA-tested claim that requires standardized testing to earn — either 40 or 80 minutes of water resistance verified in a clinical setting. We haven’t put this formula through that testing, so we won’t make that claim.

What we can tell you is that tallow is naturally hydrophobic — it doesn’t love water — and the zinc oxide in this formula is a mineral that sits on top of your skin rather than dissolving into it. So it’s not going to rinse off the moment you splash your face. But we can’t promise it holds up to a full swim or an afternoon of heavy sweating the way a tested water-resistant formula would.

Our recommendation: reapply after swimming, toweling off, or any extended water exposure. And as always, pair it with protective clothing and shade for the best coverage.

We get this question a lot — and it’s a fair one. Most mineral zinc products leave a thick, chalky residue that never quite blends in. We worked hard to make sure ours doesn’t.

Two things work together to minimize white cast. First, our formula is lightly tinted with iron oxides, which neutralize the stark white of the zinc and help it blend naturally into skin. Second, our zinc oxide is processed using a lab-grade high shear mixer and a specialized non-toxic dispersant called PHSA, which breaks the zinc down to a fine, even dispersion throughout the formula. The result is a lotion that blends out smoothly without the chalky, pasty finish you might be used to from other mineral formulas.

It’s not invisible — it’s a mineral product and we’ll always be honest about that. But it’s a far cry from the white cast most people are picturing.

This is one of the most common concerns we hear about tallow — and one of the biggest misconceptions.

Grass-fed tallow has a fatty acid profile that closely mirrors your skin’s own sebum. Because your skin recognizes those lipids, it absorbs tallow readily rather than letting it sit on the surface and clog pores. Many of our customers with acne-prone and combination skin find tallow actually works better for them than conventional lotion bases loaded with synthetic emollients.

We also formulated this to be genuinely lightweight. Coco-caprylate and jojoba oil — both known for their non-comedogenic profiles — help keep the texture fast-absorbing and skin-friendly.

As always, every skin is different. If you’re trying tallow for the first time, patch test first and give your skin a few days to adjust.

Yes — and it’s something we’re genuinely proud of.

Our formula contains no oxybenzone, no octinoxate, and no chemical UV filters of any kind. These are the ingredients most commonly linked to coral reef damage and marine ecosystem disruption. Our only active mineral is non-nano zinc oxide, which is widely considered the most reef-compatible UV filter available.

Non-nano specifically matters here. Nano-sized zinc particles are small enough to be absorbed by marine organisms — non-nano particles are not. We use non-nano zinc oxide in every batch, every time.

Clean for your skin. Clean for the ocean.

Sourcing is everything to us — it’s literally in our name.

Our tallow is rendered from grass-fed cattle from American farms, not the commodity feedlot fat that ends up in most tallow products. Grass-fed tallow has a richer nutrient profile, a cleaner smell, and a consistency that performs better in cosmetic formulations. We’re selective about where it comes from because we believe what goes into the formula directly impacts what your skin gets out of it.

Small batch. Single origin. Made with ingredients we’d put on our own skin — because we do.