FAQ
Section 1 - About Tallow
Q: What is grass-fed tallow and why do you use it? Grass-fed tallow is rendered beef fat from grass-fed cattle. It's biologically similar to your skin's own sebum — the oils your skin naturally produces. Because your skin recognizes it, it absorbs without leaving a greasy residue and nourishes without clogging pores. Grass-fed specifically means higher concentrations of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K plus conjugated linoleic acid — all naturally occurring compounds that support healthy skin barrier function. We use only grass-fed tallow because we know exactly what went into the animal and therefore exactly what goes on your skin.
Q: Does tallow soap smell like beef? No. Our tallow is carefully rendered and filtered to remove any animal smell. In our scented bars the fragrance oil or essential oil completely masks any residual scent. In our unscented bars like Colloidal Oatmeal, the tallow has a very clean, neutral smell that most customers describe as similar to unscented commercial soap, not beefy or animal-like.
Q: Is tallow soap safe for my face? Yes! Grass-fed tallow is actually one of the best ingredients for facial skin because it's non-comedogenic and biologically compatible with your skin's own oils. Many of our customers use our bars exclusively on their face and report clearer, softer, more balanced skin. Start with our Colloidal Oatmeal bar if you have sensitive or reactive facial skin.
Q: Is tallow skincare ethical? We source only from grass-fed cattle raised on pasture in the United States. Tallow is a byproduct of the beef industry, using it in skincare is one of the most sustainable choices in personal care because it prevents waste from entering landfill. We believe in using the whole animal and supporting regenerative farming practices.
Section 2 - Ingredients & Formula
Q: How many ingredients are in your products? Every Small Batch Lab product contains 5 ingredients or less. We believe in minimal, traceable formulas, nothing unnecessary, nothing hidden. You can read and recognize every ingredient on our labels.
Q: Are your products fragrance-free? Some are and some aren't. Our Colloidal Oatmeal bar is completely fragrance-free, no essential oils, no fragrance oils, nothing. Our essential oil bars like Organic Lavender Oats, are scented with certified organic essential oils only. Our fragrance oil bars use phthalate-free, skin-safe fragrance oils. Every product page clearly states the scent type so you always know exactly what you're getting.
Q: Are your essential oils organic? Where we use essential oils we specifically source certified organic versions, including our organic Bulgarian Lavandula angustifolia and our organic Bllue Tansy. We believe organic matters especially for sensitive and eczema-prone skin where the barrier is compromised and ingredients absorb more readily.
Q: What colorants do you use? All natural botanicals and minerals like turmeric root, madder root powder, French green clay, indigo powder, and spirulina powder. No synthetic dyes, no artificial colorants, no FD&C dyes. Every color in every bar comes from a traceable natural source.
Q: Are your products vegan? No, our products contain grass-fed beef tallow and some formulas contain beeswax. We are transparent about this. We believe grass-fed tallow from regenerative farms is one of the most ethical and skin-beneficial ingredients available, and we stand behind that position.
Q: Do your products contain parabens, sulfates, or PEGs? Never. No parabens, no sulfates, no PEGs, no synthetic preservatives, no formaldehyde releasers, no petrochemicals. Our preservative system relies on the naturally stable fatty acid profile of tallow and vitamin E as an antioxidant.
Section 3 - Sensitive Skin & Eczema
Q: Are your products safe for eczema-prone skin? Small Batch Lab was founded specifically for eczema-prone skin, our founder's son has had eczema since birth. Our formulas are held to the standard we set for his skin. Our most eczema-friendly bars are Colloidal Oatmeal (fragrance-free, colloidal oats, and grass-fed tallow) and our Organic Lavender Oats bar with certified organic Lavandula angustifolia. We always recommend patch testing first on reactive skin.
Q: What is the gentlest bar for eczema? Our Colloidal Oatmeal bar is our most therapeutic and eczema-specific formula. Colloidal oats are FDA recognized as a skin protectant for eczema relief. Calendula adds anti-inflammatory and skin barrier support. Completely fragrance-free. Safe for the whole family including babies and children.
Q: Is lavender safe for eczema skin? Yes, with an important distinction. The hormone disruptor and sensitization concerns associated with lavender are specifically linked to processed lavender blends, lavandin, and lavender 40/42 standardized blends. We use only certified organic Lavandula angustifolia, true lavender grown in Bulgaria, which is the specific species studied and shown to have anti-inflammatory and atopic dermatitis inhibitory effects. In rinse-off soap with seconds of skin contact the risk is minimal. We always recommend patch testing for reactive skin.
Q: Are your products safe for babies and children? Our fragrance-free bars (Colloidal Oatmeal) are safe for babies and children of all ages. Our Organic Lavender Oats bar is safe for children over 3 months. Our fragrance oil bars are generally safe for children but we recommend patch testing first. Our Blue Tansy Whipped Cream is recommended for adults and children over 5 years only. Always consult your pediatrician if you have concerns about specific skin conditions.
Q: My skin is very reactive. Where should I start? Start with our Colloidal Oatmeal bar, it's our most gentle, fragrance-free formula with the fewest ingredients. Use it exclusively for 2-4 weeks before introducing any scented products. This gives your skin time to adjust and helps you identify whether any reaction is related to fragrance rather than tallow itself.
Section 4 - Products & Usage
Q: How long does a bar last? A single bar typically lasts 4-6 weeks with daily use. To extend the life of your bar store it on a well-draining soap dish between uses and keep it away from standing water. Tallow soap softens in water so keeping it dry when not in use makes a significant difference.
Q: How do I use whipped tallow cream? Apply a small amount to clean dry skin and massage in gently until fully absorbed. A little goes a long way. Start with a pea-sized amount and add more if needed. For best results apply to slightly damp skin to lock in moisture. Store at room temperature away from direct heat and sunlight.
Q: Can I use your soap on my face? Yes! all our bars are gentle enough for face use. We recommend starting with Oatmeal for sensitive or reactive facial skin. Many customers use our bars exclusively on their face and report improved skin texture and reduced dryness.
Q: Do your products have a shelf life? Our soap bars have a shelf life of 12-18 months from purchase date when stored properly in cool, dry, away from direct sunlight. Our whipped tallow creams have a shelf life of 6-12 months. Because we use no synthetic preservatives we recommend using products within this window for best results.
Q: Can I use tallow cream on my face? Yes, many of our customers use our Vanilla and Blue Tansy whipped tallow cream as a facial moisturizer or night cream. Tallow is non-comedogenic and biologically compatible with facial skin oils. Our Blue Tansy cream is particularly popular as a facial moisturizer for its anti-inflammatory and skin-calming properties.
Section 5 - Shipping & Orders
Q: How long does shipping take? We ship within 3-5 business days from Orange County, California. Standard shipping typically takes 3-7 business days depending on your location. Expedited shipping is available at checkout.
Q: Do you offer free shipping? Yes, free shipping on all orders over $50 within the United States.
Q: Do you ship internationally? Currently we ship within the United States only. International shipping is something we are working toward. Please join our email list to be notified when international shipping becomes available.
Q: What is your return policy? All sales are final on handmade goods. If there is an issue with your order, damage during shipping, incorrect item, or quality concern, please reach out within 7 days of receiving your order and we will make it right. Email us at hello@smallbatchlab.com.
Section 6 - Retail & Wholesale
Q: Where can I buy small batch lab in person? We are currently available at three retail partners in Orange County, California — L'emi Boutique in Mission Viejo, Lucky Penny in Long Beach, and Clementine in the Mission Viejo Mall. Visit our Stockists page for current locations and hours.
Q: Do you offer wholesale? Yes, we work with select boutiques and wellness retailers in Southern California. If you are interested in carrying small batch lab in your store please reach out at hello@smallbatchlab.com with your store name, location, and a brief description of your retail environment. We respond to all wholesale inquiries within 3-5 business days.
Q: Do you do custom orders or private label? We do not offer private label. We do occasionally accept custom orders for special events, corporate gifting, and wedding favors, minimum quantities apply. Contact us at hello@smallbatchlab.com to discuss your needs.
Section 7 - Brand & Story
Q: Where is small batch lab made? Every product is handmade by our founder in Orange County, California. We never outsource production and we never mass produce. Small batches only and always.
Q: How did small batch lab start? small batch lab started with our founder's son who has had eczema since birth. After years of trying everything on the market she decided to make her own skincare, something with ingredients she could trace and a formula she could control. Grass-fed tallow became the foundation. Every product is still held to that same standard today. Read the full story on our About page.
Q: Are you certified organic? Our business is not certified organic as a whole but we specifically source certified organic essential oils where we use them, including our lavender and blue tansy. We are transparent about which ingredients are organic on every product page.
Q: How do I stay updated on new products and limited editions? Join our email list. Subscribers always hear first about new scents, limited editions, and restocks. We also announce launches on Instagram at @shopsmallbatchlab.