Ancestral cosmetics with tallow from Santa Maria, Azores

Free shipping on orders over €50 in Portugal and €70 worldwide

International shipping

Worldwide shipping, fast and secure.

Fast and secure payments

Certified payment methods that are simple and completely secure.

No chemical fragrances, no essential oils.

Natural, gentle formulas suitable for the whole family.

Handcrafted and limited production

Products made with quality ingredients, using local products whenever possible.

Custom support

We prioritize close monitoring, clarifying your doubts whenever necessary.

Introducing Our New Product

A natural magnesium spray designed to support muscle comfort and suitable for daily use as a deodorant.
|
Variante
Subscription
See more details

Our Best Sellers

The products most chosen by those who have already discovered the ancestral care of Sebodoria

Why We Chose Tallow

The science behind the choice

Before laboratories existed, there was only nature. For thousands of years, the most effective forms of skin care came directly from it. Tallow is among these ancestral ingredients: simple, nourishing, and deeply compatible with the human body. Civilisations as diverse as the Egyptians, Romans, and Nordic peoples used it to protect, regenerate, and restore the skin.


Today, modern research explains what these cultures already knew. Tallow has a composition very similar to the lipids of our skin barrier, making it highly biocompatible. This natural affinity allows it to hydrate deeply, reinforce the skin barrier, and support its natural balance. At Sebodoria Ancestral, we choose tallow for its simplicity, effectiveness, and respect for both nature and the human body.


Tallow is an ancestral ingredient validated by contemporary science.

Why We Do Not Use Essential Oils

The reasoning behind the decision

At Sebodoria Ancestral, we hold essential oils in deep respect. We recognise their value, their potency, and the place they occupy in well-guided therapeutic practices. However, we have consciously chosen not to use them in our formulas.

Essential oils are highly concentrated substances, obtained from large quantities of plant material. That concentration, which gives them efficacy, is also what requires deep knowledge, professional guidance, and specific precautions, especially when applied directly to the skin.

Some essential oils can cause photosensitivity, reacting with sunlight and leading to persistent pigmentation, inflammation, or even burns. Others are associated with contact dermatitis, skin sensitisation, and allergic reactions, which may not appear immediately, but rather days after application. When stored improperly, essential oils oxidise, becoming even more irritating and reactive to the skin.

In sensitive, inflamed skin, or in conditions such as eczema, acne, or psoriasis, these risks are increased. The skin is more vulnerable and may react intensely to compounds that, under other circumstances, would be well tolerated. In addition, some essential oils may cross the skin barrier and produce undesirable systemic effects, particularly when used frequently or at higher concentrations.

There are also groups that require special caution. Pregnant women, babies, and children have a different, more sensitive physiology, and many essential oils are not recommended or contraindicated, even for diffusion. This information is not always clearly stated on labels, and for us, that is an ethical line that cannot be ignored.

It would be simpler to add essential oils solely to scent our products. But we choose a different path. We opt to infuse whole plants in their natural state, respecting time, raw materials, and the skin, to create formulas that are gentle, effective, and deeply compatible.

We believe that care should not raise doubts or concerns. Therefore, we choose simple, honest, and universal formulas, designed for the whole family, at every stage of life.

It is not a rejection. It is a conscious choice.

And above all, a gesture of respect for the skin, the body, and nature.

Why We Avoid Oils Rich in PUFAs

Stability and integrity of the skin barrier

In addition to essential oils, there are also vegetable oils widely used in cosmetics that raise important concerns. At Sebodoria Ancestral, we make informed choices about every ingredient we use and, in the case of vegetable oils with a high percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly linoleic acid, we have consciously chosen not to include them in our formulations.


Many oils commonly used in cosmetics, such as sunflower oil, soybean oil, grapeseed oil, rosehip oil or hemp oil, present very high percentages of linoleic acid. This lipid profile, characterised by a high number of double bonds, makes these fats chemically less stable and highly susceptible to oxidation.


When exposed to light, heat or prolonged storage, polyunsaturated fatty acids degrade more easily, generating reactive compounds that can increase cutaneous oxidative stress and compromise the skin’s barrier function. In these cases, fat ceases to fulfil a protective role and may become a silent factor of imbalance.


Additionally, a high predominance of omega-6 PUFAs, particularly in the form of excessive linoleic acid, is associated with the activation of inflammatory cascades, potentially aggravating conditions such as acne, dermatitis or reactive skin. In sensitive or already compromised skin, these effects tend to manifest more noticeably.


It is important to clarify that not all fats containing PUFAs have the same impact. Ingredients such as tallow or olive oil include polyunsaturated fatty acids only in reduced percentages, which does not compromise their stability nor cause relevant cutaneous imbalances.


At Sebodoria Ancestral, we prioritise fats that are structurally stable and biologically compatible with human skin, characterised by a low proportion of linoleic acid. Tallow stands out for its resistance to oxidation and for its natural affinity with the lipids of the skin barrier, allowing the skin to be nourished without being overloaded.


This is not about rejecting ingredients, but about choosing consciously. For us, caring for the skin begins with respecting its biology.

What you will not find in our products

Frequently Asked Questions

Here we aim to answer the questions we are most frequently asked.

If you cannot find the answer to your question, please contact us. We will be happy to help.

Our balms support the skin’s natural moisture retention and reinforce the skin barrier thanks to tallow, a lipid naturally rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K. Its composition is very similar to that of the skin’s own lipids, which gives it high biocompatibility and helps reduce dryness, sensitivity, and irritation. Research demonstrates significant increases in hydration and improvements in skin comfort following the application of tallow-derived lipids, including soothing and anti-inflammatory effects. The infused plants we use add specific properties according to each formulation, offering natural, balanced care tailored to different needs.
Sources: Russell et al., 2024; Kowalska et al., 2017; Lee et al., 2020; Abd Rahman et al., 2011.

Yes. Our tallow comes from grass-fed cows raised on the Island of Santa Maria, in the Azores, a territory where animal welfare and regenerative agriculture are part of the local identity. The natural conditions of the archipelago allow animals to grow freely and calmly, resulting in a purer, more nourishing tallow with a well-balanced lipid profile, ideal for supporting the skin barrier and nourishing the skin effectively. For us, working with Azorean raw materials means honouring the land, respecting the animal, and choosing quality from the very beginning.

Our products use tallow as the base ingredient, a lipid with a composition very similar to the skin’s natural lipids. This biocompatibility facilitates its integration into the skin barrier and contributes to restoring hydration, comfort, and balance. Research demonstrates significant improvements in water retention and overall skin condition following the application of tallow-derived lipids, confirming their effectiveness for compromised skin. In dry skin, tallow helps reinforce the barrier, reduces water loss, and provides deep nourishment with an immediate effect.
In oily skin, purified tallow has a low to moderate comedogenic index and is generally well tolerated. Its affinity with the skin’s natural lipids tends to stabilise oil production, helping to balance the skin without clogging pores when used in appropriate amounts. Every skin is unique, and we recommend starting with a small quantity to observe how your skin responds.
Sources: Russell et al., 2024; Kowalska et al., 2017; Abd Rahman et al., 2011.

Yes. Tallow can bring comfort to sensitive or compromised skin because it reinforces the skin barrier and helps reduce irritation. Studies show improvements in skin affected by atopic dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis when lipids compatible with those of the skin are applied, including tallow-based preparations. There are also reports of good tolerance in acne-prone skin due to its soothing and balancing action. However, we believe that skin health begins from within: a nourishing diet and a balanced lifestyle always have a positive impact. Our products can support this foundation by providing natural hydration and comfort.
Sources: Kowalska et al., 2017; Lee et al., 2020.

We choose not to use essential oils because, although natural, they are highly concentrated and can sensitise or irritate the skin, especially in babies, children, pregnant women, and individuals with sensitive skin. We prefer to work with plants infused in tallow, an ancestral and balanced method that gently extracts the benefits of plants, allowing for minimalist, safe formulations suitable even for the most delicate skin.
The tallow we use is of high quality and comes from parts of the animal that are naturally less intense in their characteristic scent. For this reason, we apply only a light purification process, sufficient to soften that scent without compromising the ingredient’s natural properties.

A very subtle residual aroma inherent to tallow may remain, but most of the fragrance comes from the plants we macerate. The result is a light, natural, and pleasant aroma. Some people even say that our vanilla balm smells so delicious it feels almost edible.
Yes. Our formulas are simple, gentle, and free from essential oils, synthetic fragrances, and harsh preservatives. They are generally well tolerated by babies, children, and adults. We simply recommend performing a small initial application, as is advisable with any natural product.
In general, yes. Our formulas are minimalist and do not include fragrances or essential oils, making them suitable for most pregnant and breastfeeding women. Still, it is always sensible to perform a small patch test and to consult a healthcare professional if there is a history of skin sensitivity.

Orders are dispatched via priority mail, ensuring a fast and secure delivery. Within mainland Portugal, delivery typically takes up to two business days after dispatch. For the islands and for international destinations, delivery times may be longer and vary depending on the destination and the selected shipping service.


Once the order has been dispatched, customers receive email and/or SMS notifications with shipping and tracking information. During periods of higher volume, such as public holidays or festive seasons, additional delays by the carriers may occur. Nevertheless, we always make every effort to ensure that each order is prepared and delivered with the utmost care and efficiency.

Section title