Ingredients Glossary

Ingredients We Use:

1.) 100% Grass-Fed and Finished Beef Tallow

This is the backbone of every product we make (except for the pure Aloe Vera spray)

2.) Aloe Vera

We source our full Aloe Vera leaves locally in Pacific Beach San Diego and harvest it by hand.

Aloe Vera plants are grown in modern times because they are beautiful plants, but their widespread presence was initially because of their medicinal purposes. The leaves from this succulent plant contain a thick gel that is considered very beneficial for healing the skin when used topically.

Historically, it was widely used in Latin American culture as a homeopathic treatment for a number of ailments. It is still popular today and used worldwide for its alleged effect on:

Relief of dry skin
Eczema
Insect Bites
Blisters
Rashes
Burns
Bruises

3.) Lye (Sodium Hydroxide, food grade)

Lye is used when making soft pretzels, etc.

Lye is an essential component in soap production. When combined with oils, it initiates the saponification process, transforming liquid oils into solid soap and glycerin. At Aloe Tallow, we ensure that no lye remains in our finished products by adding additional oils in a technique known as "superfatting." This applies to both our bar soaps and hand soaps.

Historically, soap making has roots in ancient civilizations, where potash, derived from wood ashes, was used as an early form of lye. Ancient Babylonians and Egyptians are known to have utilized potash mixed with fats to create the first soaps, which were primarily used for cleaning textiles and medicinal purposes. Over time, this evolved into more refined soap-making techniques, leading to the high-quality soaps we produce today at Aloe Tallow.

4.) Methylene Blue (food grade, USP 99.99%)

Methylene Blue is a dye and powerful antioxidant that has been used for over 100 years to treat conditions like malaria, snake bites, and certain poisonings.

 

Recently, it has gained attention in the skincare world for its revolutionary anti-aging properties.

 

Proven in clinical trials as a more powerful retinol alternative, methylene blue can reduce wrinkles while being gentle on the skin. It is even approved by the FDA for pregnant and nursing women.

This pivotal study conducted by researchers at the University of Maryland explored the anti-aging effects of methylene blue using 3D human skin models created from middle aged human skin cells. These models closely replicate the structure and function of actual human skin. The study found that methylene blue-treated skin retained more water, increased in thickness, and showed higher levels of collagen and elastin compared to untreated skin.

Dr. Cao’s 2017 UMD Research

(Linked)

Wound Healing and Repaired Mitochondria

 

Methylene Blue can also help combat cellular aging caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). This is achieved by reducing oxidative stress in mitochondria, which can increase during aging. As noted earlier, Methylene Blue also increases the expression of collagen and elastin, which are essential components for healthy skin.

"Our work suggests that methylene blue could be a powerful antioxidant for use in skin care products, indicating that its effects are not temporary but rather make fundamental, long-term improvements to skin health”

5.) Organic Banana

Vitamin E

6.) Organic Tumeric (food grade)

Reduces Inflammation

7.) Organic ACV 

Reduces Inflammation

 

Ingredients we DON'T use, but our competitors do:

1.) Palm Oil:

A vegetable oil with little to no nutritional value, often highly processed and toxic.

While Tallow is only 1% linoleic acid, Palm Oil is often 10% or higher.

When I saw a picture of a wheelbarrow hauling out traumatized orangs from a palm oil plantation, I immediately decided to avoid palm oil if possible. There's great evil taking place in this world because of palm oil. It's clear that money will inspire some people to destroy anything they can get away with.

Jury is still out on its harm towards the body - Some say it is very bad for you. It is also very cheap

1. • Inflammation: Some studies suggest that palm oil may contribute to inflammation in the body, which is associated with a range of chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis.

2. Oxidation of Palm Oil:

   • When palm oil is heated to high temperatures, as it often is in cooking and food processing, it can oxidize. Oxidized fats are harmful and have been linked to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and other cardiovascular issues.

3. Impact of Processed Palm Oil:

   • Refined palm oil, commonly found in processed foods, may contain trans fats if partially hydrogenated. Trans fats are known to increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

Nutritional Concerns:

• Lack of Essential Nutrients: Palm oil is not a significant source of essential nutrients. While unrefined red palm oil contains some vitamins A and E, the refined version used in most processed foods does not offer significant nutritional benefits.

 

2.) Fragrances

Synthetic fragrances can contain a complex mixture of chemicals, many of which are allergens or irritants. Some fragrance ingredients can also act as endocrine disruptors

3.) Essential Oils

There is nothing wrong with pure and high quality essential oils. The issue is, pure high quality expensive oils are so expensive that there is no way you would be able to make a bar of soap for under $10.

4.) Vegetable Glycerin

Triclosan:

An antimicrobial agent found in some antibacterial soaps, triclosan can contribute to antibiotic resistance and disrupt endocrine function. It has also been linked to environmental toxicity.

Phthalates:

Often used as fragrance carriers, phthalates can interfere with hormone function and have been associated with reproductive and developmental issues.

Parabens
Preservatives like methylparaben and propylparaben can mimic estrogen in the body, potentially leading to hormonal imbalances and increasing the risk of breast cancer.

 

5.) Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES):

These surfactants are used for their foaming properties but can cause skin irritation, dryness, and allergic reactions. SLES may also be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a potential carcinogen

Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives

Used to prevent microbial growth, formaldehyde is a known carcinogen. Ingredients like DMDM hydantoin and quaternium-15 can release formaldehyde over time.

DEA (Diethanolamine), MEA (Monoethanolamine), and TEA (Triethanolamine)

These are used as foaming agents and emulsifiers. They can cause skin and eye irritation and may form carcinogenic nitrosamines when they react with nitrites.

Artificial Colors

Synthetic dyes, such as those labeled FD&C or D&C, can cause skin irritation and have been linked to hyperactivity in children and potential carcinogenic effects.

Phosphates

While less common now due to environmental regulations, phosphates can still be found in some detergents. They contribute to water pollution and algal blooms, which harm aquatic ecosystems.

Nonylphenol Ethoxylates (NPEs)

These surfactants are persistent in the environment and can act as endocrine disruptors, affecting aquatic life and potentially human health.