Create a natural premium product, using a by-product, deeply sustainable and combining the best of the animal, botanical and old world wisdom…why wouldn’t we?
About Us
We are a small MPI registered on farm abattoir that believes in doing things the right way—not just the easy way.
Our roots are grounded in our core values of reduced-stress on our animals, traceable and sustainable farming and whole-animal utilisation. For us, every part of the animal has value—not just the prime cuts. That philosophy naturally led us to something beautiful: premium tallow-based skincare, made from suet (otherwise known leaf fat)—a deeply nourishing ingredient that’s been trusted for generations by many cultures.
Nestled in the shadow of Mount Taranaki, where we raise our animals on lush green pastures and handle them with compassion, we honour every part of their contribution. Out of this commitment to whole-animal utilisation and sustainability, our premium tallow-based skincare was born.
Why Skincare?
We started making skincare for the same reasons we started our butchery: to honor the whole animal, reduce waste, and offer real, honest premium products that work.
Suet or Leaf fat is a nutrient-dense fat found around the kidneys of healthy animals. When rendered down this can then be referred to as tallow—rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K, and incredibly similar to our skin’s natural oils, therefore is very easily absorbed by our skin when applied as a balm or cream. It’s deeply moisturising, gentle enough for sensitive skin, and free from the synthetic fillers and harsh chemicals found in many mainstream products.
A Natural Extension of Our Philosophy
Leaf Skincare isn't a side project—it’s an extension of the values we live by every day:
Sustainability: We use what others discard, turning waste into wellness.
Traceability: We know exactly where our ingredients come from—because we raised them or worked directly with those who did.
Integrity: Every jar is made with care, in small batches, using only the best suet from healthy, pasture-raised animals.
We believe that doing things properly takes time, care, and a deep respect for the process—from start to finish.
But what truly sets us apart? WE DO IT ALL.
Full Circle, In-House
From pasture to packaging, every step is handled by our own passionate hands.
We don’t outsource—we take pride in keeping it all under one roof:
We raise the animals ourselves on open pasture beneath Mount Taranaki, where fresh air, natural forage, and ethical care are the standard.
We operate under a reduced-stress model, meaning our animals are handled with respect, patience, and calm—right to the very end.
We harvest and render the suet (leaf fat) with precision and care, transforming it into pure, nutrient-rich tallow.
We then formulate, craft, and pour our skincare products in small batches, ensuring premium quality and consistency.
Finally, we package and send each order ourselves, closing the loop with pride.
This level of care is rare—and it shows. Because we control the entire process, we're able to guarantee an uncompromisingly pure, ethical, and effective skincare product. No fillers, no middlemen, no shortcuts. Just honest, hardworking skincare made with purpose.
MPI Regulated & 100% Suet/Leaf Fat - Nothing else
Leaf Skincare is truly premium as committed to the highest standards from start to finish. We hand-pick 100% grass-fed suet—also known as leaf fat—for rendering, ensuring that only the purest, most nutrient-rich fat goes into our products. There is absolutely no outsourcing, no mixing with other fats, and no compromises. This gives us full control over quality and allows us to guarantee a clean, effective, and genuinely premium Leaf Skincare product.
More Than Skincare
Leaf balms and creams aren’t just skin-deep. They’re a reflection of everything we stand for:
Sustainability: Honouring & utilising the whole animal.
Traceability: From the pasture to your hands, we know exactly where everything comes from.
Craftsmanship: Each jar is handmade with care by our team, not mass-produced in a factory.
We’re proud to bring you skincare that’s not only deeply nourishing but deeply responsible.
Animal
Botanical
LEAF benefits
Deep Moisturization Tallow is rich in healthy saturated fats that mimic the skin's natural oils, providing long-lasting hydration without clogging pores.
Nutrient-Rich Packed with fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, all essential for skin health, repair, and regeneration.
Supports Skin Barrier Function Strengthens the lipid barrier, which helps retain moisture and protect the skin from environmental stressors.
Soothes Irritation & Inflammation Contains naturally anti-inflammatory properties, making it helpful for calming skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, or dermatitis.
Promotes Healing Its combination of nutrients and fats helps repair damaged skin, reduce redness, and support wound healing and scar fading.
Anti-Aging Effects Vitamin E and other antioxidants in tallow help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, keeping skin supple and youthful.
Non-Toxic & Natural Free from synthetic chemicals, preservatives, and fragrances. Perfect for sensitive or allergy-prone skin.
Biocompatible with Skin Tallow's structure closely resembles human sebum, making it easily absorbed without greasiness or irritation.
but will it work for my skin…
Inflamed Skin (e.g., eczema, dermatitis, rosacea)
Rich in conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and palmitoleic acid, which have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Contains vitamin K and E, which promote healing and reduce irritation.
The fatty acid profile mimics your skin’s natural barrier, which helps calm and protect irritated areas.
Customers have experienced less redness, less itchiness, and faster recovery from flare-ups.
Aging Skin
Packed with antioxidants like vitamins A, D, E, and K, which fight free radical damage — a major cause of ageing.
The fatty acids deeply hydrate and plump the skin, helping reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Vitamin A supports cell turnover and collagen production, improving skin texture and elasticity.
May result in smoother, firmer, more radiant skin with consistent use.
Sensitive Skin
100% natural and free from synthetic additives, fragrances, and irritants.
The composition is biocompatible, meaning it’s almost identical to your skin’s natural oils.
It creates a protective, breathable barrier that helps reduce sensitivity over time.
Can result in calmer skin with fewer reactions and more resilience to environmental stressors.
Acne-Prone Skin
Contrary to what you'd think, tallow is non-comedogenic (doesn’t clog pores) and helps balance oil production.
It contains antibacterial compounds (like CLA and palmitoleic acid) that fight acne-causing bacteria.
Rich in vitamin A, which supports healthy skin turnover and helps prevent clogged pores.
User may notice clearer skin with less breakouts and more balanced oil levels.
Our other ingredients
BLUE TANSY ESSENTIAL OIL
Blue tansy essential oil (Tanacetum annuum) is beloved in skincare for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to a compound called chamazulene, which also gives the oil its rich, deep blue color. It’s particularly helpful for calming irritated, reactive, or inflamed skin, making it a favorite for conditions like acne, eczema, and rosacea. Beyond its soothing effects, blue tansy is also an antioxidant, supporting skin regeneration and fighting off free radical damage. It can even help balance oil production, which makes it ideal for those with combination or oily skin types.
BERGAMOT ESSENTIAL OIL (FCF FREE)
Bergamot essential oil (Citrus bergamia) is another citrus-derived oil that brings a lot to the table. It’s naturally antibacterial and antiseptic, which makes it a great option for acne-prone skin or anyone dealing with breakouts. Bergamot also helps regulate sebum production, balancing oily skin without over-drying. Its fresh, citrusy scent is uplifting and stress-relieving, which can indirectly benefit your skin by helping to lower stress-related inflammation. It’s important to note, though, that bergamot oil can make skin more sensitive to sunlight unless it’s a bergapten-free (FCF).
COCOA BUTTER
Cocoa butter is a rich, creamy fat extracted from cocoa beans, and it's a staple in skincare for its deeply nourishing, protective, and healing properties. It has been used for centuries to moisturize and soothe the skin—and it’s especially loved for its ability to treat dry or damaged skin.
One of the key benefits of cocoa butter is its intense hydration. It forms a protective barrier over the skin that helps lock in moisture, making it an excellent remedy for dry, cracked, or rough areas. This is why it's commonly found in body butters, balms, and stretch mark creams.
Cocoa butter is also rich in fatty acids, including oleic, stearic, and palmitic acids, which nourish the skin and help improve elasticity. These fatty acids support the skin’s natural barrier and promote a smoother, more supple texture.
It’s loaded with antioxidants, particularly vitamin E and polyphenols, which help fight free radical damage, support skin regeneration, and protect against premature aging. These antioxidants can also help even out skin tone and improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks, and other forms of discoloration over time.
Because of its soothing and anti-inflammatory nature, cocoa butter is also beneficial for calming sensitive or irritated skin. It’s gentle enough for use on eczema-prone skin, though it’s best used with caution on acne-prone areas since its richness can be a bit heavy for those who are very oily or highly breakout-prone.
OLIVE SQALANE
Olive squalane is a lightweight, natural compound derived from olives, and it’s a game-changer in skincare.
One of the standout benefits of olive squalane is its superb hydration. It acts as a moisture-locking agent, forming a protective barrier on the skin that helps prevent water loss, ensuring that the skin remains hydrated and plump.
Olive squalane is also renowned for its skin barrier repair properties. It helps to strengthen and restore the skin's natural barrier, which is crucial for protecting the skin from environmental damage and irritation. Its soothing properties help calm and hydrate irritated or inflamed skin, making it especially beneficial for conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or even sunburn.
Rich in antioxidants, olive squalane also works as a protective agent against free radicals, helping to defend the skin from oxidative stress caused by pollution, UV rays, and other environmental aggressors. This antioxidant activity can help reduce the visible signs of aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and dullness, promoting a more youthful and radiant complexion.
Its ability to improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines makes it a popular ingredient in anti-aging formulations. Olive squalane helps to boost collagen production, which in turn improves the skin's firmness and smoothness, contributing to a more supple and youthful look.
ROSEHIP OIL
Rosehip oil is a highly regarded skincare oil known for its remarkable ability to nourish, rejuvenate, and repair the skin. It’s extracted from the seeds of the wild rose bush (Rosa canina) and has a rich profile of essential fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants, making it a powerful ingredient for various skin concerns.
One of the main benefits of rosehip oil is its ability to promote skin regeneration and healing. The oil is packed with vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene) and vitamin C, both of which are key players in collagen production and skin cell turnover. These vitamins help to improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and promote a more youthful and radiant complexion. The presence of trans-retinoic acid, a form of vitamin A, also gives rosehip oil a mild exfoliating effect, helping to renew the skin and improve its overall tone.
Rosehip oil is particularly famous for its ability to fade hyperpigmentation, including sun spots, dark spots, scarring, and uneven skin tone. Its high levels of vitamin C and lycopene, an antioxidant, help to lighten dark spots and promote a more even skin tone by reducing melanin production.The oil is also deeply moisturizing due to its abundance of essential fatty acids like omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9. These fatty acids help to replenish the skin’s moisture barrier, ensuring that the skin stays hydrated, soft, and smooth. This makes rosehip oil an excellent option for dry or dehydrated skin.
Rosehip oil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe irritated or inflamed skin, making it ideal for sensitive skin or conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. It helps to calm redness and irritation, promoting a more balanced and comfortable complexion.Additionally, rosehip oil is known to boost skin elasticity. The fatty acids in the oil help to maintain and improve the skin’s firmness, which can reduce the appearance of stretch marks over time, making it a popular choice for pregnant women or anyone looking to prevent stretch marks.
JOJOBA OIL
Jojoba oil is one of the most beloved and versatile oils in skincare—and for good reason. Although it's commonly referred to as an oil, jojoba is actually a liquid wax ester that's incredibly similar in structure to our skin’s own natural sebum. That similarity makes it exceptionally compatible with human skin and lends it a long list of benefits.
In skincare, jojoba oil is most prized for its moisturizing and balancing properties. It’s a lightweight yet deeply hydrating oil that absorbs easily without leaving a greasy residue. It helps lock in moisture by forming a protective barrier on the skin’s surface, while still allowing the skin to breathe. Since it's non-comedogenic, it won’t clog pores, making it an excellent choice for all skin types—including oily and acne-prone skin.
Jojoba oil also helps to regulate sebum production. When applied to the skin, it can "trick" the skin into thinking it has produced enough oil, which helps reduce excess oiliness. This makes it particularly useful for people with combination or oily skin who want moisture without the shine.
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, jojoba oil can soothe irritated or inflamed skin, making it beneficial for conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. It’s also rich in vitamin E, which supports skin repair and helps defend against environmental stressors like pollution and UV damage.
BEESWAX
Beeswax is a natural wax produced by honeybees, and it’s long been a staple in skincare due to its impressive moisturizing, protective, and healing properties. It’s a common ingredient in many balms, lotions, and lip products because of its versatility and skin benefits.
One of the main benefits of beeswax is its ability to create a protective barrier on the skin. Unlike many other oils or butters, beeswax doesn’t just moisturize—it locks in moisture, helping to prevent dehydration and protect against harsh environmental elements, such as cold weather and pollution. This makes it especially beneficial for people with dry or sensitive skin.
Beeswax also has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help soothe irritated or inflamed skin. It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin and can be used to calm conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and minor burns or cuts. Additionally, the mild antimicrobial effect can help protect the skin from external bacteria or impurities, making it a popular choice for acne-prone skin in combination with other antibacterial ingredients.
Rich in vitamins A, E, and fatty acids, beeswax supports the skin’s natural barrier and can promote healing and cell regeneration, which is great for repairing damaged skin and improving its overall texture. It can help reduce the appearance of scars, stretch marks, and wrinkles over time, leaving skin looking soft and smooth.
WHITE GRAPEFRUIT ESSENTAIL OIL
White grapefruit essential oil (Citrus paradisi) is known for its detoxifying and toning properties. It supports lymphatic drainage, which can reduce puffiness and promote a brighter, more radiant complexion. This oil is also naturally astringent, helping to tighten pores and refresh tired or oily skin. With gentle brightening effects, it can help even out skin tone and improve dullness. Like bergamot, though, white grapefruit oil can increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight, so it’s best used at night or with good sun protection.
SHEA BUTTER
Shea butter is a true skincare powerhouse—deeply nourishing, incredibly soothing, and packed with skin-loving nutrients. Extracted from the nuts of the African shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa), it's been used for centuries to treat a wide range of skin concerns, especially dry or damaged skin.
One of shea butter’s standout qualities is its intense moisturizing ability. Rich in fatty acids like oleic, stearic, and linoleic acids, it helps restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier, locking in moisture and preventing water loss. This makes it ideal for dry, flaky, or irritated skin.
What makes shea butter particularly special is its high content of vitamins A and E, which support skin regeneration, improve elasticity, and protect against environmental stressors like UV rays and pollution. These vitamins also help soften rough skin and can reduce the appearance of fine lines, scars, and stretch marks over time.
Shea butter is also known for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties. It calms redness, itching, and swelling, making it beneficial for conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin and even safe to use on babies.
OLIVE OIL
Olive oil is a wonderful, all-natural skincare ingredient that has been used for centuries to nourish, protect, and heal the skin. Known for its rich content of healthy fats, antioxidants, and vitamins, olive oil offers a range of benefits that make it a go-to choice for many skincare routines.
One of the main benefits of olive oil is its intense moisturizing ability. It’s rich in oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat that deeply hydrates and nourishes the skin, making it ideal for dry or dehydrated skin. Olive oil helps to lock in moisture while also helping to restore the skin's natural barrier, preventing water loss and maintaining soft, smooth skin.
Olive oil is also packed with vitamin E, which is a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from oxidative damage caused by free radicals and environmental stressors like pollution and UV rays. This makes olive oil great for combating signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles. Its antioxidant properties also support skin regeneration, helping to keep the skin looking youthful and radiant.
In addition to vitamin E, olive oil contains vitamin A and other antioxidants like polyphenols, which help to repair and soothe the skin. These properties are particularly useful for reducing inflammation and calming irritated skin, making olive oil a great option for people with conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or sunburn. Its anti-inflammatory effects also help to reduce redness, swelling, and irritation.
Because olive oil is rich in fatty acids like linoleic acid and palmitic acid, it helps to maintain skin elasticity, making it great for preventing or reducing the appearance of stretch marks. It’s also known to help with skin repair and healing, which is why it’s commonly used in remedies for minor cuts, burns, and scars.
