When it comes to natural skincare, we often hear about plant-based oils and butters, but there’s one ingredient that’s making a quiet comeback in the beauty world: lard. Yes, you read that right—lard, a rendered fat from pigs, is finding its place in modern skincare routines due to its remarkable nourishing and healing properties. While it may seem unconventional, lard has been used for centuries as a skin moisturiser and healing balm, and recent interest in animal fats is shining a spotlight on its benefits once again.
In this post, we’ll explore the benefits of lard for the skin, its nutrient profile, and how it can contribute to healthy, hydrated, and glowing skin.
What is Lard?
Lard is rendered fat from pigs. It has been used in cooking and skincare for centuries, especially in traditional cultures. We source our Lard from leaf-fat (equivalent of suet), from happy pasture raised pigs. We render and purify our lard in-house resulting in a semi-solid, pale fat that has a neutral scent and texture. It is used in skincare for its emollient, moisturising, and healing properties and is known for being particularly rich in oleic acid, palmitic acid, and other beneficial lipids that are excellent for nourishing and protecting the skin.
While lard isn’t as widely used in the skincare industry as plant-based oils, it has begun to gain popularity as people return to more natural, whole-food, and animal-derived products. When sourced from healthy, pasture-raised pigs, lard can be a nutrient-dense addition to your skincare routine, offering numerous benefits to your skin.
The Nutrient Profile of Lard
Lard is packed with a range of essential fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants that are highly beneficial for the skin. Here's a closer look at the key nutrients that make lard so effective for skincare:
1. Oleic Acid (Omega-9 Fatty Acid)
Lard is rich in oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat that is also found in olive oil. Oleic acid is known for its ability to penetrate the skin easily, making it an excellent moisturiser. It helps to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier by promoting hydration and reducing water loss. Oleic acid also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help calm irritated skin and reduce redness, making it an ideal choice for those with sensitive or dry skin.
2. Palmitic Acid (Saturated Fatty Acid)
Another key component of lard is palmitic acid, a saturated fatty acid. Palmitic acid plays a critical role in supporting the skin’s natural lipid barrier, which helps prevent moisture loss and maintain the skin’s elasticity. It also has protective qualities that can help shield the skin from environmental stressors, such as pollution and UV rays. Palmitic acid is especially beneficial for dry or mature skin, as it helps keep the skin firm and plump by encouraging moisture retention.
3. Stearic Acid (Saturated Fatty Acid)
Lard also contains stearic acid, a fatty acid known for its ability to soften and hydrate the skin. Stearic acid works as an emollient, providing smoothness and helping to keep the skin soft and supple. It also has cleansing properties and helps emulsify products, making it a useful ingredient in creams, lotions, and balms.
4. Vitamin D
One of the standout nutrients in lard is vitamin D, a fat-soluble vitamin essential for the health of your skin. Vitamin D has been shown to promote skin cell regeneration, enhance collagen production, and reduce inflammation. It is particularly helpful for conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and other inflammatory skin issues. Vitamin D also plays a role in protecting the skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation.
5. Vitamin E (Tocopherol)
Lard is a source of vitamin E, a potent antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radical damage, which can contribute to premature aging and skin degeneration. Vitamin E also promotes healing, and helps with the skin's repair processes. It can soothe dryness and irritation and is often used to treat scars and stretch marks.
6. Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids
Though in smaller amounts, lard also contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, both of which play important roles in anti-inflammatory actions and skin hydration. Omega-3 fatty acids are known for their ability to soothe irritated or inflamed skin, while omega-6 fatty acids help maintain the skin's elasticity and promote a healthy, youthful appearance.
Benefits of Lard for Skin
Now that we understand the nutritional profile of lard, let's explore how it benefits the skin in more detail.
1. Deep Moisture and Hydration
Lard is an excellent moisturiser, particularly for dry or parched skin. The high content of oleic acid and palmitic acid helps to lock in hydration and form a protective barrier on the skin. This barrier helps to keep the skin hydrated and prevents water loss, making lard a great choice for chapped lips, dry hands, or rough elbows. It’s especially beneficial in colder months when skin tends to lose moisture more easily.
2. Supports Skin Regeneration
Thanks to the presence of vitamin D and oleic acid, lard promotes the regeneration of skin cells. This is important for the overall health and appearance of the skin, as it encourages the production of new, healthy skin cells, and helps repair damage caused by environmental stressors. Regular use of lard can give your skin a fresher, more youthful look by promoting healing and renewal.
3. Reduces Inflammation and Soothes Sensitive Skin
Lard has natural anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to its content of oleic acid and omega-3 fatty acids. This makes it highly effective in calming irritated or inflamed skin. Whether you’re dealing with conditions like eczema, rosacea, acne, or sunburn, lard can help soothe the skin and reduce redness, swelling, and discomfort.
4. Heals and Prevents Scarring
Due to its high content of vitamin E and oleic acid, lard can help with wound healing and prevent the formation of scars. It can be particularly beneficial for treating acne scars, stretch marks, or other skin abrasions. Vitamin E, in particular, helps speed up the skin’s natural healing process and promotes the formation of healthy, smooth skin.
5. Enhances Skin Elasticity
Lard's combination of palmitic acid and stearic acid contributes to enhanced skin elasticity. These nutrients help maintain the skin's firmness and suppleness by encouraging the retention of moisture and providing nourishment to the skin. As we age, the skin’s natural collagen production slows down, but by incorporating lard into your skincare routine, you can help support skin firmness and combat sagging and wrinkles.
6. Protection Against Environmental Damage
Lard can also help protect the skin from external stressors like pollution, harsh weather conditions, and UV damage. The fatty acids in lard help create a protective barrier on the skin, shielding it from harmful environmental influences. While it’s not a substitute for sunscreen, it can be a good addition to your routine for added protection.
FAQs About Lard for Skin
1. Is lard safe to use on the skin?
Yes, lard is safe to use on the skin, provided it is high-quality, organic, and sourced from pasture-raised pigs. Its nutrient-dense profile makes it highly nourishing, especially for dry, sensitive, or mature skin types.
2. Can lard clog pores?
Lard has a comedogenic rating of 1–2, meaning it is unlikely to clog pores for most people. Its high oleic acid content makes it deeply moisturizing without being overly greasy. It is also lower in saturated fats than Tallow, making it a more lighter and suitable option for those with acne prone and oily skin types.
4. Does lard have a smell?
When properly rendered and purified, high-quality lard has little to no smell. Some artisanal lards may retain a mild, neutral scent, but this can be masked with essential oils if desired.
5. Can lard help with skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis?
Yes, lard’s anti-inflammatory properties and high vitamin D content make it effective for calming eczema, psoriasis, and other inflammatory skin conditions. It helps repair the skin barrier and reduce itching and redness.
9. Is lard sustainable for skincare?
Lard can be a sustainable option, especially when sourced from local, pasture-raised pigs. It utilizes by-products of the food industry, reducing waste and promoting a circular economy.
13. Does lard work for anti-aging?
Yes, lard can improve skin elasticity, promote collagen production, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Its combination of fatty acids and vitamins D and E makes it effective for combating signs of aging.
To Summarise:
Lard is a powerful, natural ingredient for skincare, offering deep hydration, nourishment, and healing benefits. Rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants, it helps restore moisture, improve elasticity, and calm inflammation. Its unique composition closely mirrors the natural oils of the skin, making it an excellent moisturiser and barrier against dryness and irritation.
If you're looking for a soothing solution, our Soothing Balm is your go-to. This luxurious balm combines the goodness of lard with jojoba oil, beeswax, and soothing herbs like calendula, chamomile, marshmallow leaf, and lion’s mane. Together, these ingredients create a deeply moisturising and healing formula that calms irritated skin, promotes regeneration, and softens rough patches. Whether you're dealing with dry patches, eczema, or the effects of environmental stress, this balm will provide instant relief and long-lasting comfort.
Give your skin the nourishment it deserves with Soothing Balm—a natural, effective way to restore softness and balance to your skin. Try it today for healthier, more resilient skin!
