A Dublin based family are drawing attention for their use of natural ingredients in developing personal care products.
Ancestral Cosmetics– which is run by Mihael Sanko, his wife, and their four children – was launched last February.
Having been left unimpressed by the ingredient lists on many products sold as natural skin care, Mihael decided to resurrect the ancient ingredient beef tallow (fat) which he says is “plentiful in Ireland”.
“There’s a lot of cows, great quality kind of beef, and everything that comes from cows here,” he said
Mihael says he noticed that a lot of products use words like ‘plant based’ in their marketing but that after doing some research he discovered that “there is a better way” to make products like these “even more effective”.
He says that a desire to provide alternatives that don’t use ‘unnecessary chemicals’ and “curiosity” led him to try and make some natural moisturiser from beef tallow to give to friends.
He says his initial attempts were well received with claims that the homemade mixture absorbs quickly and can even help with conditions like dry skin and eczema.
The family also makes lip balm. ‘lickable’ dog balm, baby balm, and tooth powder made from ingredients like eggshells and charcoal.
Ancestral Cosmetics say their products need to meet the standards of having been used by our ancestors, that they are natural, and that there is scientific backing for their efficacy.
Although the products are not currently available in stores Mihael says they’re “a great hit” and are selling well online with orders coming in from almost 40 counties.
Mihael says the beef fat, which is sourced from a local farm, is melted at home to ‘clarify’ it and remove any “beefy smell”.
“Then I mix it with local honey, olive oil, beeswax, and some essential oils,” he said.
Miheal says the additional ingredients give the balm a ‘pleasant smell’ and ‘comfortable feeling’
The end product is ‘not very greasy’ and ‘absorbs well’ providing moisture for about 24 hours.
Although the balm does not contain preservatives, Miheal says the self life is ‘about 13 months’.
“It lasts quite a long time,” he said, adding that an approximately 2,000 year old pot of cream discovered from an ancient Roman site “was made from animal fat as well”.
Laughing he said, “It’s probably still good,” adding, “Tallow lasts a really long time,”