Made in the Mountains: Alpine Gold’s Tallow Skincare Story

Tallow is having a moment. From the kitchen to the skincare aisle, this ancient remedy is popping up everywhere. But what exactly is tallow, and why is it gaining so much attention? We sat down with local entrepreneur Megan Couser- founder of Alpine Gold, a local skincare company to learn more.

Born from her passion for natural living and the need for cleaner options on the market, Alpine Gold offers handcrafted tallow skincare products ranging from nourishing lip balms to rich body balms. Each batch is made with care in the pristine mountains of Whitefish, Montana.

Though she’s a busy wife and mom of three, Megan pours her heart into every product, infusing Alpine Gold with the same dedication she brings to her family and community.

We asked Megan to share more about her journey, her products, and why tallow deserves a spot in your skincare routine.

When did you start your tallow business?

I officially started my business in November 2023, but I had been making tallow balm for my family and friends for about a year prior.

Why tallow? Did you know certain local farms already, or tallow’s reputation? Do you source locally?

In my late thirties, I was using an expensive and complicated six-step skincare routine. After a couple of years, I realized my skin hadn’t improved and if anything, it was getting worse. Frustrated, I started researching clean, affordable alternatives. At the time, tallow wasn’t very popular, but I found a few brands making tallow products. I was intrigued, but none were using certified organic tallow.

With my background in chemistry and biology, I knew toxins are stored in animal fat. That made grass-fed, grass-finished, certified organic tallow absolutely essential for me. So, I decided to make my own, sourcing the highest quality ingredients I could find. The rest is history!

I haven’t found any Montana ranches that are certified organic yet, but if you know of one, send them my way!

What inspired the name Alpine Gold?

The name came from my love of adventuring high in the mountains with my family and the rich, golden moisturizing power of tallow.

What is tallow exactly?

Tallow is rendered fat from ruminant animals such as cattle, elk, or bison. I know it may sound unusual, but this is true ancient skincare. Tallow was once a staple in soaps and moisturizers until chemical alternatives became the norm. I love making products with simple ingredients that our bodies recognize.

What was your first product?

My first product was the Lavender + Frankincense Original Balm, which made its debut at the Two Bear Stock Up Sale. I’m so thankful for that first sale as it gave me the confidence to keep going!

What is your most recent addition to the line?

Most recently, I launched a men’s line, which includes a tallow shaving soap, and I introduced my very first non-tallow product: Golden Hour Oil Cleanser. It’s been a long time coming, but I love how it turned out and how beautifully it pairs with our tallow moisturizers.

Where do you see Alpine Gold going from here?

I see Alpine Gold continuing to grow as long as it’s truly serving people well. I put my heart into creating top-notch products and customer experiences, but my greatest joy comes from the conversations I have with customers whose lives have been positively impacted. That motivation to help people will keep pushing me to new heights.

Do you cook with tallow as well?

I do! It’s a fabulous fat for frying or sautéing.

What’s the most surprising way you like to use tallow?

Tallow is incredibly versatile! I’ve used it for sunburns, eczema, diaper rash, scarring, and as a cuticle cream. Customers often share even more creative ways they’ve found it helpful, which is always exciting to hear.

If someone is brand new to tallow skincare, what’s the first product you recommend they try?

I’d suggest starting with one of our tallow balms. If you have sensitive skin, the unscented version is a safe choice, but we also offer several lovely scents. Each balm comes in both Whipped and Original: the Original provides deep hydration and works especially well for skin issues, while the Whipped goes on lighter and makes an excellent everyday face or body moisturizer.

How does Tallow help keep skin moisturized during the colder winter months?

The colder months are especially hard on skin. Between the cold air outside and the dry heat indoors moisture is often stripped away leaving dry and itchy skin. The key is not just adding hydration, but also locking it in. That’s where tallow really shines.

Because tallow is so structurally similar to our own skin’s natural oils, it absorbs beautifully and creates a protective barrier without feeling heavy or greasy. It nourishes deeply with vitamins A, D, E, and K, while helping the skin hold on to its own moisture. Personally, tallow has been a game-changer in the winter. I use tallow balm to soothe chapped hands, calm dry patches, and keep my face comfortable in harsh weather.

For colder months, I use our Original balm for its richer hydration, though the Whipped is still wonderful for daily use and a lighter application. Both help keep skin thriving all season long.

What Alpine Gold product makes the perfect holiday gift and why?

Our tallow balms make such wonderful holiday gifts because they’re simple, natural, and truly useful for everyone. They can be welcomed into any home without worry about the ingredients inside. Whether it’s the unscented version for sensitive skin or a beautifully scented option like Lavender + Frankincense, it’s a gift that feels both luxurious and practical. I love that people can give something nourishing and safe that the whole family can enjoy.

How does Montana’s environment—its climate, seasons, or lifestyle—shape the way you think about skincare?

Living in Montana means dealing with extremes: dry winters, sunny summers, and plenty of time spent outdoors. Those shifts really highlight the need for skincare that protects and restores the skin’s natural barrier. I keep my products simple, deeply moisturizing, and made with clean, effective ingredients because that’s what our environment demands.

What has been the biggest challenge of starting Alpine Gold and the most rewarding moment so far?

The biggest challenge has been wearing all the hats — formulator, marketer, customer service, bookkeeper — all while learning as I go. It can feel overwhelming at times, but it’s also pushed me to grow in ways I never expected.

The most rewarding moments are always when I hear from customers who’ve found real relief or confidence using my products. Knowing that something I created with my own hands is making a tangible difference in someone’s life keeps me motivated and makes every challenge worthwhile.

Alpine Gold at Haskill Creek

The Tallow Lip Balms are also wildly popular. In four varieties:
BARE: 100% organic grass-fed beef tallow, organic cold-pressed olive oil, pure beeswax
SUNNY: 100% organic grass-fed beef tallow, organic cold-pressed olive oil, pure beeswax, Citrus Bliss therapeutic grade essential oil
CRISP: 100% organic grass-fed beef tallow, organic cold-pressed olive oil, pure beeswax, Spearmint, Basil, and Citrus Fresh therapeutic grade essential oil
DAYDREAM: 100% organic grass-fed beef tallow, organic cold-pressed olive oil, pure beeswax, Chamomile therapeutic grade essential oil

A Thank You to Megan for sharing more about her brand story with us!

For more information check out Megan’s website. And be sure to pick up some of her quality tallow goods at Haskill Creek!