The Timeless Tale of Tallow: Ancient Remedy & Local Treasure

Kelli McRobert | Jan 30, 2025

Once upon a time, in the annals of ancient civilizations, tallow—a form of rendered animal fat—was a prized possession. Its journey through history is a testament to its enduring value and versatility, especially when used topically on human skin.

In the days of the Egyptians and Romans, tallow was more than just a household staple; it was a vital component of their skincare routines. The Egyptians, known for their advanced understanding of beauty and health, mixed tallow with herbs and oils to create healing balms and ointments. These concoctions were used to protect and moisturize their skin in the harsh desert climate. The Romans, too, appreciated tallow's benefits, using it after baths to hydrate their skin and even to treat wounds, thanks to its natural healing properties.

As time marched on, tallow's popularity spread across Europe during the Middle Ages. It became a key ingredient in soap-making, providing a means to cleanse and moisturize the skin. Tallow candles also lit up homes and churches, though they were known for their smoky scent. In traditional medicine, tallow was often combined with medicinal herbs to create salves for cuts, scrapes, and burns, making it a valuable tool for healing.

Fast forward to the present day, and tallow is experiencing a rebirth in natural skincare. Amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life, there's a growing appreciation for the simplicity and effectiveness of traditional remedies. Enter Nictinis, a local gem in South Frontenac that has embraced the age-old wisdom of tallow.

Amidst the wafting aroma of hot chocolate, an intriguing encounter unfolded at the Snow Day festival. As I served up a steaming cup, a woman approached me with skin so radiant it could light up a room. My curiosity got the better of me, and I couldn't help but comment, "Your skin looks fantastic!"
With a warm smile, she responded, "Oh, thank you! It's tallow."

Tallow? The term immediately sparked questions in my mind. Isn't tallow used in candles? How does it transform into a skincare marvel? Intrigued, I couldn't resist delving deeper. "Can you tell me more about this tallow?" I inquired.
The woman enthusiastically shared her story, detailing the benefits and history of tallow in skincare. Before I left, she invited me to visit her display and promised to divulge all the secrets behind her luminous glow.

As I continued my hot chocolate duty, I couldn't shake off the sense of intrigue. What could tallow offer that other skincare products don't? The quest for radiant skin had just begun, and this unexpected encounter opened the door to a world of possibilities.

Nictinis specializes in small-batch, hand-crafted tallow skincare products. Their whimsical offerings include Whipped Tallow Melt Face and Body Cream, Pucker Up Lip Balm, Crack Me Up Heel, and Hand Lotion Bar, among others. Using only locally sourced tallow, Nictinis ensures that its products are not only luxurious but also sustainable. The fats in tallow are similar to the natural oils in our skin, making it easily absorbed and highly effective in restoring moisture and promoting a healthy complexion.

The story of Nictinis began quite serendipitously. Nickye, the owner, was inspired by her daughter's glowing skin, which was the result of using tallow balm. Determined to surprise her daughter, Nickye rendered some local tallow and created her signature Whipped Tallow Melt. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and soon, Nictinis was born.

Since then, Nickye, now retired, has been meticulously fine-tuning her craft, tirelessly rendering batches in her sunroom (while overlooking Devil Lake) multiple times to achieve that silky-smooth consistency. She then infuses these creations with all-natural ingredients, resulting in delightful scents like citrus and lavender. Her tallow sources come from local farms and reach as far as Smiths Falls, Napanee out to Hamilton to gather up her frozen ingredients. Her pet pooches Murphy and Harley, are her faithful helpers as they follow her around hoping for bits to tumble down for consumption. They too enjoy the luxury of soft paws as their ‘mom’ applies the salve lovingly after a long day romping outside.
Originally hailing from Oakville, Nickye has now settled just north of Perth Road Village where she’s truly found her calling. With a slew of events already lined up for the 2025 season, her calendar is buzzing with excitement. Her company is also a certified member of the Professional Business Member of the Handcrafted Bath and Body Guild and registered with Health Canada.

When we chatted, her enthusiasm and vibrant energy were palpable over the phone as she passionately described her rendering process and her innovative plans for the wedding season. One of her standout creations was a towering wedding cake composed of gorgeous jars brimming with luscious creams and lip balms—it was an absolute showstopper! And this season, her new rolled aluminum wedding jars are set to dazzle once again.

Today, Nictinis continues to bring the timeless elegance of tallow to the forefront of skincare, proving that sometimes, the best remedies are the ones that have stood the test of time.
For those wanting to order you can contact Nickye at www.nictinis.com or find them on Instagram @nictinistallow or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.