Why We Chose Every Ingredient in Our Tallow Sunscreen

When we set out to create Cayo Tallow Co., we had one goal: make a sunscreen we felt completely comfortable using on our own family.

Living in Key West and working as captains on the water, sunscreen isn't something we use occasionally—it's part of our everyday lives. We wanted a formula made with simple, high-quality ingredients we could trust, without a long list of unnecessary additives.

Here's why each ingredient earned a place in our sunscreen.

Grass-Finished Tallow

Grass-finished tallow is the heart of our formula. It closely resembles the natural oils found in healthy skin, helping it absorb smoothly while supporting the skin's moisture barrier. It's also naturally rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K, along with beneficial fatty acids that help keep skin soft, nourished, and hydrated.

We choose grass-finished tallow because the quality of the source matters. Cattle raised on pasture without synthetic pesticides align with our commitment to simple, thoughtfully sourced ingredients.

Non-Nano Zinc Oxide

Our sunscreen uses non-nano zinc oxide as its active mineral UV filter. Unlike chemical sunscreen filters that absorb UV energy into the skin, zinc oxide sits on the surface of the skin and reflects or scatters UV radiation to help protect against both UVA and UVB rays.

We choose non-nano zinc oxide because it's a well-established mineral sunscreen ingredient and an excellent choice for families looking for simple, effective sun protection.

Organic Virgin Coconut Oil

Virgin coconut oil helps soften the skin while contributing to the smooth application of our sunscreen. It also helps lock in moisture, leaving skin feeling hydrated throughout the day.

Organic Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil closely resembles the skin's own natural sebum, making it an excellent moisturizer for many skin types. It helps the sunscreen glide on easily while supporting a balanced, comfortable feel.

Organic Seabuckthorn Oil

Seabuckthorn oil is valued for its naturally occurring antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids. It's a nourishing botanical oil that complements our moisturizing formula.

Organic Carrot Seed Oil

Carrot seed oil is a popular botanical ingredient in natural skincare because of its antioxidant content. While it is not a substitute for sunscreen, we include it as part of our nourishing blend of plant oils.

Organic Beeswax

Beeswax helps create the smooth, protective texture of our sunscreen while helping it stay in place during everyday outdoor activities. It also supports the skin's natural moisture barrier.

Simple Ingredients. Thoughtfully Chosen.

We believe skincare doesn't need dozens of ingredients to be effective. Every ingredient in our sunscreen has a purpose, and every batch is handcrafted in Key West with the same care we'd expect for our own family.

Whether you're spending the day boating, enjoying a beach afternoon, or exploring the Florida Keys, our goal is simple: create skincare that nourishes your skin while giving you confidence in what you're putting on it.

From our family to yours, thank you for trusting Cayo Tallow Co.