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Which Cleanser Is Right for You? A Simple Guide to Our Three Face Cleansers Choosing a cleanser isn’t about which one is “best”—it’s about finding the right match for your skin and your routine. Cleansing should work with your skin, leaving it comfortable, balanced, and ready for the next step (not tight and stripped).  This is a clear guide to choosing between: Anaconda Copper (Goat Milk & Tallow Bar)  Yellowstone (Goat Milk & Tallow Facial Cleanser) Oil Cleanser  The shared foundation: why we start with tallow Your skin barrier is built on lipids—especially fatty acids. Those fatty acids are part of what helps skin stay resilient, comfortable, and balanced, which is why we use grass fed & finished suet tallow as the foundation in our cleansers. A good cleanser should: lift away dirt, sunscreen, excess oil, and buildup leave your skin feeling clean but calm, and not stripped support a routine that keeps the barrier strong (especially in dry, windy conditions)  1) Anaconda Copper Goat Milk & Tallow Facial Cleanser Best for: a deeper, clarifying cleanse (great for face + body), without feeling harsh Ingredient benefits Suet tallow + goat milk (the nourishing base) Goat milk has long been valued for gentle cleansing and naturally occurring vitamins that support healthy-looking skin—especially when you want clean skin without that “squeaky” feel.  Activated charcoal + clays (the clarifying side) Activated charcoal is used in skincare for its ability to bind to oils and impurities, making it a solid choice when you want a more clarifying wash. (Health) Rhassoul clay is commonly used to help cleanse and reduce surface oil, while still feeling gentle. (Healthline) Cedarwood + frankincense essential oils (the finish) Included for a grounded, earthy cleanse experience. If you’re very sensitive, patch testing is always a smart move.  Where it fits in a routine PM: when you want a more thorough cleanse (especially after a day outdoors, sunscreen, sweat). Also a great “one bar” option if you want something that works for face + body.  All around cleanser that gently exfoliates and detoxifies. Best suited for Normal or dryer skin types, or anyone who likes a cleaner, more clarified finish Anyone who wants one hardworking bar for face + body  2) Yellowstone Goat Milk & Tallow Facial Cleanser Best for: a gentle daily facial cleanse that also targets pores + redness Ingredient benefits Suet tallow + goat milk (daily comfort + balance) This base is designed to cleanse while still leaving skin feeling supported, not stripped.  Willow bark (pore support) Willow bark contains salicin, often used as a gentler, plant-based way to support clearer-looking pores and smoother texture. (Byrdie) Turmeric (calm + visible redness support) Reviews of topical curcumin/turmeric discuss its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in skin-supportive use cases. (Karger Publishers) Lavender + rosemary + tea tree (clarity support + aromatic cleanse) These oils are commonly used in cleansing formulas aimed at clarity and balance; if your skin is reactive, patch test first. Where it fits in a routine PM: as your second cleanse after Oil Cleanser (classic double cleanse setup)   Best suited for Oily, acne prone, or combo skin that wants gentle daily cleansing Skin or pores that gets congested and wants targeted botanicals (willow bark) 3) Oil Cleanser Best for: the gentlest cleanse, makeup/sunscreen removal, and barrier-friendly cleansing Ingredient benefits Oil cleansing (why it works) “Oil attracts oil.” Oil cleansing is widely used to dissolve makeup, sunscreen, excess sebum, and buildup—and this formula is designed to emulsify with water and rinse clean.  Rosehip oil (smooth + glow support) Rosehip is discussed in scientific literature for its vitamin content (including vitamin C) and its use in skin-focused formulations aimed at tone and texture support. (Frontiers) Pumpkin seed oil (barrier nourishment) Pumpkin seed oil is valued for being rich in fatty acids and antioxidants that support a soft, nourished feel. (Skincare Lab) Calendula oil (comfort + calm) Calendula is frequently described in research reviews for skin-soothing and wound-healing supportive properties in topical contexts. (ScienceDirect) Montana emu oil (deep nourishment) Emu oil is often used when skin needs extra comfort and nourishment—especially helpful when cleansing tends to leave you feeling dry. Where it fits in a routine PM first cleanse, or AM stand alone cleanse: best for removing sunscreen/makeup, dirt, grime and daily buildup Follow with Anaconda Copper (or Yellowstone) if you prefer a more clarifying/ thorough finish) for a complete double cleanse  Best suited for Dry/sensitive, or acne prone Anyone who wears sunscreen or makeup Anyone who wants the most barrier-friendly cleanse option  Most gentle cleanser, great for irritated or dry skin How to cleanse without overdoing it A theme from our routine guidance: clean doesn’t have to mean stripped. If your skin feels tight irritated after washing, it’s a sign to go gentler, simplify, or back off.  Use Oil Cleanser at night, or AM if desired Keep your bar cleanse gentle and consistent—especially in dry air If you’re double cleansing, you don’t need to scrub—let the formulas do the work  Choose your cleanser (30 seconds) 1) What’s your main goal? Gentlest cleanse + makeup/sunscreen, oily/dirt  removal → Oil Cleanser  Gentle and simple daily facial cleanse,  or body wash → Anaconda Copper More clarifying cleanse + pore/redness support,  → Yellowstone  2) How does your skin feel after cleansing? Tight/dry easily → start with Oil Cleanser (then Yellowstone if double cleansing)  Fine, but gets congested → Yellowstone or Anaconda Copper  3) Are you building a simple “2-step night routine”? Yes → Double Cleansing Kit (Oil Cleanser + Yellowstone)  No, I want one cleanser only → choose Anaconda Copper (daily gentle) or Yellowstone (more clarifying), Oil Cleanser (most gentle)

Which Balm Is Right for You? A Simple Guide to Our Three Balms Choosing one of our balms is not about which one is "best", it's about finding the right match for your skin, and your routine. Balms are about support: working with your skin, helping it stay comfortable, balanced, and nourished. This is a clear guide to choosing between: Tallow & Honey Balm Body Balm Glow Balm The shared foundation: why we start with tallow Our skin barrier is built on lipids—especially fatty acids. Those fatty acids are the building blocks of skin, which is why we use suet tallow as the base for our skincare. Tallow nourishes, and moisturizes skin with the nutrients it can recognize, and reinforces the skins natural barrier. It’s naturally rich in skin-conditioning lipids and is “skin-compatible” in a way that supports comfort, softness, and radiant skin. What a balm does  holds onto moisture, without feeling greasy  keep skin feeling comfortable and protected support and nourish the skin barrier so skin can settle down instead of staying tight or reactive-feeling 1) Tallow & Honey Balm Best for: daily face moisture + barrier support with honey’s skin-comfort benefits Core ingredients: suet tallow + raw honey (plus optional essential oil depending on version) Ingredient benefits (what they’re known for) Suet tallow Lipid-rich nourishment that gives a balm its “seal + soften” effect—helping skin feel less tight and more comfortable, especially after cleansing or in dry weather. Raw honey Honey is widely written about in skin research for supporting a healthy skin environment (commonly discussed for its skin-soothing and skin-supportive properties in stressed-skin contexts). In everyday use, many people love honey-forward formulas because they can feel calming and conditioning when skin is easily bothered. Where it fits in a routine After cleansing: apply a small amount to slightly damp skin, in the morning if your skin is particularly dry, or a daily moisturizer, suited for use throughout the day Best suited for Normal to dry, or acne prone skin Daily use when you want simple, steady support Skin that prefers short ingredient lists 2) Body Balm Best for: deeper moisture + recovery support (face + body) with a limited ingredient list Core ingredients: suet tallow + emu oil  Why it feels “deeper” than Tallow & Honey Balm Body Balm keeps the same minimalist approach, but swaps honey for emu oil—often translating to a more nourishing, recovery-focused feel, especially in winter, wind-worn, or aggravated skin. Ingredient benefits (what they’re known for) Suet tallow The same barrier-nourishing, biocompatible, and moisture-sealing foundation. Emu oil Research has explored emu oil in skin-repair contexts (including wound-healing and inflammation pathways). In real-life skincare terms, it’s commonly used when skin needs more comfort, more nourishment, and more recovery support—without adding a long ingredient list. Best suited for Very dry, or aggrivated facial skin (especially winter / low humidity) Wind-worn, outdoors-heavy week, or post travel Hands, elbows, legs—anywhere you want a true workhorse balm Anyone who wants deep moisture without a long ingredient list 3) Glow Balm Best for: hydration + antioxidant support + the look of brighter, smoother skin Core ingredients: suet tallow + emu oil + bakuchi oil + sea buckthorn oil + astaxanthin (+ essential oils of lavender & frankincense) Ingredient benefits (what they’re known for) Bakuchi oil (bakuchiol source) Bakuchiol is well-known in modern skincare as a “retinol alternative” ingredient and is studied for supporting the look of smoother texture and more even-looking tone. Sea buckthorn oil Naturally rich in fatty acids and antioxidant compounds—often used to support barrier comfort, softness, and a healthy-looking glow. Astaxanthin (from algae) A powerful antioxidant often used in skincare for supporting the look of skin vitality and “lit-from-within” radiance. Essential oils (lavender + frankincense) Targeted blend included for their skin loving properties (anti-aging, soothing etc.) Best suited for Skin that feels moisturized but looks dull Anyone wanting balm comfort plus tone/texture + antioxidant support People who want a more targeted formula PM use, after cleansing How to use balms so they don’t feel “too heavy” Apply on slightly damp skin Face: rice-grain to pea-size amount "more" isn't always better. Small amounts + consistency = support Choose your balm (30 seconds) 1) What’s your main goal? Daily comfort + simple hydration → Tallow & Honey Balm Deeper cushion + recovery support → Body Balm Glow + tone/texture support → Glow Balm 2) How dry does your face get? Mild–moderate → start with Tallow & Honey Balm Very dry /stressed → start with Body Balm 3) Are you keeping ingredients as minimal as possible? Yes → Tallow & Honey Balm or Body Balm No, I want targeted glow ingredients → Glow Balm Read our guide to picking your cleanser here.

Traditional ingredients, a little extra goat milk, and beef tallow from a ranch down the road...

J Bar L Ranch: Behind the Scenes on the Ground We’ve shared why we choose tallow—because when it’s sourced well, it becomes one of the most effective, uncomplicated ingredients in skincare. The key is the source: the animal’s diet, the land it’s raised on, and the standards held by the people managing it. Our suet tallow is 100% grass fed and grass finished, sourced through Old Salt Co-op in Montana. That supply chain matters to us because it’s built on transparency and relationships—ranches we can visit, practices we can see, and sourcing we can stand behind. One of those ranches is J Bar L—and we recently spent time there. What We Saw at J Bar L The first thing that stands out is how intentionally everything is managed. Pasture rotations and animal management are meticulously planned months, or years in advance.  They walked us through their stockpile grazing strategy: how they rest pasture at the right times so there’s standing feed available later in the season, allowing the pastures to rest, recover, and become more productive overtime. This planning has reduced their reliance on harvested feed, and the result is simple and impressive: they feed very little hay compared to many other operations. Even more notable: their cattle are on pasture year-round, grazing and consuming native grasses as the foundation of their diet. Why Stockpile Grazing Matters Seeing their stockpile system in person makes its value obvious. Instead of cutting, hauling, and feeding as a default, the goal is to keep cattle harvesting their own forage for as long as conditions allow. That approach supports the land and the operation at the same time: less equipment use and less disturbance nutrients returned directly to the pasture a higher quality forage-first diet for the herd healthier animals, and healthier land It’s easy to say "regenerative", it's another to be regenerative, especially in winter. How This Connects Back to Tallow (and Why We Source This Way) It’s easy to use labels. It’s harder to build a supply chain where the ranches, people and practices behind the ingredient are known—and where the work on the ground consistently improves land and animal health. That’s why we created our tallow supply chain with Old Salt Co-op. It priotizes Montana grasslands, Montana ranchers and healthy animals. That investment shows up directly in the tallow. Regeneratively raised, grass fed and finished tallow is different because the animals are raised differently. Staying on fresh ground and eating high-quality forage produces cleaner, more nutrient dense fat—something skin can feel.  "Montana Grown" is not a slogan for us, it's a core value, because sourcing from ranches like these supports working land, working families, and the highest-quality tallow we can source.

5 Changes That Helped Me Heal My Skin (After 7 Years of Acne) For years, I thought of acne like a surface level problem—something I could “fix” if I just found the right product, followed the right routine, or stayed strict enough. I tried a lot. I stayed consistent. And I still felt like my skin was stuck in the same cycle. What eventually helped wasn’t a miracle step or a complicated regimen. It was stepping back and treating acne like a whole-body signal, then making a few steady, repeatable changes that supported my skin instead of constantly pushing it. Below are the five shifts that made the biggest difference for me, plus what I learned to look for when choosing skincare going forward. Quick note: I’m sharing what worked for me, not giving medical advice. Acne can have a lot of causes (hormones, stress, diet, products, underlying conditions). This is just what worked for me after 7 years of struggling. 1) I simplified my diet (and got serious about ingredients) This was the first domino. I shifted toward a more animal-based, higher-fat, higher-protein way of eating and cut out the foods that tend to keep inflammation high and skin unpredictable. The three things I removed first: Processed sugar Soy Peanuts Here’s why: high-glycemic/added-sugar diets are consistently associated with worse acne, and studies consistently show that shifting to a low-glycemic-load diet can improve acne. Research also supports that high glycemic load can increase insulin/IGF-1 signaling, which is tied to acne pathways.  Soy and peanuts were next because they’re common allergenic/sensitizing foods. Food allergy reactions can show up on the skin (like hives and swelling), and for acne-prone skin, reducing frequent immune “hits” can make everything easier to calm down. If you want to test this (without overhauling everything): Pick 2–3 weeks and keep meals simple and repeatable. Prioritize whole foods (meat, eggs, fruit, root veggies, simple dairy if tolerated). Remove the big “unknowns” (snacks, sweet drinks, ultra-processed foods with long ingredient lists). Watch for changes in new inflamed breakouts, redness, and oiliness—those are usually the first signals. What I noticed: fewer angry flare-ups, less irritation, and steadier energy.  2) I reduced hormone-disrupting inputs (starting with fragrance) This one surprised me, mostly because it wasn’t just “skincare.” I started paying attention to fragrance—not only in my products, but in my home: laundry detergent, dryer sheets, candles, room sprays, plug-ins, and soaps. Here’s the simple version: “fragrance” is often a blend of chemicals, and some ingredients used in fragranced products (like phthalates) are widely discussed for their potential endocrine-disrupting effects. Hormone balance matters because it’s closely tied to oil production and inflammation—two things acne-prone skin is already battling. Separately, fragrance is also one of the most common triggers for skin irritation and allergy in personal care products, showing up as redness, itching, and sensitization. And it’s not just fragrance—some cosmetics can also include PFAS (used to affect feel, texture, or wear). If you’re trying to reduce overall “chemical load,” PFAS is another category worth being aware of. What I did: Switched to fragrance-free laundry detergent first (biggest exposure, all-day contact). Cut candles/plug-ins/room sprays. Swapped fragrance for essential oils in my personal care items. What I noticed: less redness, fewer “mystery” breakouts, and skin that feels calmer and less reactive overall. 3) I stopped fearing the sun I grew up in the era of “avoid the sun at all costs.” But I eventually realized I felt better—and my skin looked calmer—when I got regular outdoor time. This doesn’t mean burning or ignoring sun safety. It means: getting outside daily when possible aiming for consistent exposure using common sense: shade, hats, timing, and your own skin’s limits Try this: 10–20 minutes outside most days (morning or late afternoon is easiest to tolerate). Build slowly if you’re not used to it. If you prefer sunscreen, opt for mineral based rather than chemical. 4) I prioritized exercise  I began working out consistently—especially strength training—and I started sweating regularly (whether that was lifting, walking hills, or anything that got my heart rate up). Why it mattered for me: better stress tolerance improved sleep quality steadier mood sweat detox Try this: 3 strength sessions/week (even short ones) 2–4 “sweat days” (walks, hikes, intervals, sauna if you tolerate it) prioritize consistency, over intensity 5) I reset my skincare routine, and kept it intentionally basic This was the turning point: I realized my “acne routine” was actually irritating my skin barrier. I stopped everything—cold turkey. At first my skin felt good… and then I learned I still needed two basics: a gentle cleanser a simple moisturizer Here’s what I learned the hard way: when skin is already inflamed, more products rarely equal more progress. What I learned to look for in skincare  Here’s the checklist that took me years to create.  1) No added fragrance  fragrance-free, or essential oils used thoughtfully and sparingly (if I tolerate them) 2) Fewer ingredients, and ingredients I recognize A long label isn’t automatically bad—but if I can’t pronounce it or understand why it’s there, I pause. A simple question that helps:“What is this product mostly made of?”(Usually the first 3–5 ingredients tell the story.) 3) Pay attention to what your skin actually prefers I tried a lot of “natural” options. What I found personally is that my skin did better with animal-based ingredients (like tallow and emu oil) than with many common plant oils. After a season of simplifying everything and learning what my skin actually responded to, we started making our own basics at home—and that eventually became Rocky Mountain Traders. My simple “reset” routine  If you’re overwhelmed and want a starting point, here’s a simple framework: Evening Gentle cleanse (our facial cleansers were formulated specifically with this in mind) Moisturize (consider one of our limited ingredients balms) And alongside it: remove processed sugar, & common food allergens (soy, peanuts, etc.) switch laundry + home products to fragrance-free  add 20 minutes of exercise daily get outside! Final thought If you’ve tried everything and your skin still feels stuck, it might not be because you need more—it might be because your skin needs a break from constant input. Skincare is holistic. Your skin is responding to your food, stress, sleep, movement, environment, and what you put on it—together, as a system. That’s also how we view products: not as a “magic fix,” but as one supportive piece of healthier living—helping reinforce the barrier, calm irritation, and make a simple routine easier to maintain. Start simple. Give it time. Stay consistent. Calm is progress. -Skylee

Our Tallow: The Ranches, the Relationships, the Reason It Matters Beef tallow is a time tested staple for skincare. It's simple, and packed with bio available nutrients. But that's only true when the source is solid, because tallow holds the story of the animal and the land it came from. We've developed a supply chain for our tallow that is 100% grass fed and grass finished, and sourced through the Montana based, Old Salt Co-op. The Ranches Behind Our Tallow Our tallow comes through Old Salt Co-op, comprised of Mannix Ranch and J Bar L Ranch. Two Montana operations connected by the same bigger aim: keep land healthy, keep animals thriving, and keep ranching viable without cutting corners. Mannix Ranch (Helmville, Montana — Blackfoot Valley) Mannix Ranch is family-owned, and it shows in the way the land is talked about and managed, like something to be cared for and poured into, not exploited. The Mannix family has been in the Blackfoot Valley for generations. That kind of continuity changes the way decisions get made. You don’t manage for the next quarter when you’re thinking about your kids—and their kids—stewarding the same ground. This ranch is known for intentional grazing management and for working alongside conservation partners in the Blackfoot watershed. It’s not branding or marketing, but a real commitment.  It’s the unglamorous, long-term work of fences, water, timing, recovery, and paying attention. The result is a landscape that can keep producing grass, habitat, and a healthier foundation for everything that depends on it. J Bar L Ranch (Centennial Valley, Montana) J Bar L is family-run, the day-to-day operations are managed by Andrew and Hillary Anderson, in the Centennial Valley—wide, weather-shaped country in the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem. Located in SW Montana, the centennial valley is a high country desert posing a unique set of challenges. With its delicate native grasses, and frequent droughts, ranching here takes planning and an astute steward to leave things better than they found them.  These two ranches make up the bulk of our beef tallow supply chain. We also source grass fed & finished suet tallow from other regenerative Montana ranches who meet our sourcing standards to supplement our supply.  A Supply Chain Built On Transparency Old Salt Co-op is built around something that’s gotten rare: producers staying connected to what they produce, and customers being able to trace a product back to real places and real people. The co-op relationship is what makes this possible. Montana ranchers working together around shared regenerative practices and standards, to produce a reliably quality product, on a greater scale and with greater impact than anyone could on their own.  This model values the whole animal, which is why we've chosen Old Salt as the supplier of our tallow, making for a clean, nourishing fat that makes an incredibly effective, no-frills moisturizer and lets skincare stay simple. Supporting this kind of sourcing reinforces regenerative stewardship, working ranches, and a resilient supply chain. Why “Partnership” Is the Point It’s easy to say “local” or “Montana-made.” It’s another to build a supply chain built on relationships, where the people and places behind the ingredient are known, and their practices are tangibly improving the quality of the land and animals they steward. That’s what this is. Old Salt Co-op makes it possible to source with integrity because it’s not anonymous. This is ranchers working together, building something that is good for ranchers, the land, the animals, and the consumer. Nobody can do it all on their own. From raising the animals, caring for the land, having them processed, selling the beef, making the skincare, it's a lot of work for just one outfit.  We believe that working with those who share our values for how land is managed and animals are cared for, allows everyone to do what they're best at, and keep the mission moving forward.  What That Means for the Tallow Itself Grass fed and finished tallow is different because the animals are raised differently. Staying on fresh ground and consuming the highest quality forage creates the highest quality fat, that makes for a difference the skin can feel.  When the starting point is this clean and this intentional, the formulas don’t need to be complicated. The base ingredient is already doing what it’s supposed to do: support skin, with bioavailable nutrients. We've also intentionally chosen suet, for our tallow. The pure fat around the kidneys of the animal; Suet fat is more nutrient dense, and pure than trimming tallow (the fat trimmed from muscle tissue). Suet also absorbs quicker, not leaving behind a greasy residue. Although both can be called "tallow" it's an important distinction, and one that we've intentionally chosen. Keeping Montana in the Product We don't treat our supply chain as "interchangeable" we view it as an integral part of our product.  Because when tallow comes from ranches like these—connected through a co-op that prioritizes stewardship—it’s more than an ingredient. It’s a way to support working land, working families, and the result is the highest quality tallow.  

The how, why, and when guide to double cleansing. 

Why We Built Rocky Mountain Traders People ask a fair question: why start a tallow company when there are already so many? For us, it was never about "pushing a product". It was about building a standard rooted in Montana ranch life, made with integrity, and crafted the way we believe it should be. The belief behind everything Rocky Mountain Traders was built on a simple belief: Skin thrives when it is supported, not overwhelmed. We don’t believe skincare needs to be complicated to be effective. We believe it needs to be intentional—designed to support the skin’s natural function over time. Takeaway: If your routine feels like a constant experiment, and skin is agitated, the most helpful shift is often fewer products, simple ingredients and constituency.  Before it was a business Skylee spent years navigating persistent acne and feeling what it's like when skin and body is constantly disrupted. Before Rocky Mountain Traders was ever a business, we were already making and using products at home with traditional ingredients like goat milk and beef tallow. We eliminated all other products, and only used what we made.Over time, her skin began to find balance in a way that was lasting and genuinely good for it. When we realized these formulas were worth sharing, the vision wasn’t just “start a skincare company.” It was to build a business rooted in local sourcing, traceability, and Montana ranch relationships. Takeaway: When skin is reactive, steady, gentle and nourishing, usually beats fast and intense, and active ingredients... Calm is progress. Quality begins at the origin Montana-sourced ingredients are the base for everything we do—beef tallow, beeswax, raw honey, and emu oil. Not chosen for novelty, but for their compatibility with skin and long history of use. Tallow is foundational for us because it closely mirrors the skin’s natural lipid structure, allowing it to nourish deeply without disruption when paired thoughtfully with other supportive ingredients. Takeaway: When you’re reading a label, the first 5 ingredients tell you what the product really is. That’s the base. From ranches to jar We’ve been intentional about building a local supply chain from Montana ranches to our jars. A standard rooted in relationships, quality, and traceability. It’s also a commitment to building local community and keeping ranchers ranching. Takeaway: Don’t just look at ingredients, look for clarity around sourcing. If a brand can’t explain where its primary ingredients come from, quality is harder to verify. Formulation, plainly At the heart of Rocky Mountain Traders is intentional formulation. Every ingredient we use serves a clear purpose. Nothing is added based on trends or to reduce cost. We don’t use fillers, additives, or over-formulation, because skin doesn’t need more, it needs better. Our non-negotiables:No fillers. No diluted formulas. No decisions made on cost over integrity. Takeaway: “More active ingredients” isn’t always better. If your skin barrier is compromised, simpler, biocompatible formulas are often the fastest path back to balance. Small batch, made in-house We keep our products small batch on purpose. If we don’t make it ourselves, we can’t promise the details stay intact. So our skincare is made in-house, start to finish.No outsourcing. No white labeling. Takeaway: If consistency, and quality matters to you, ask one question: is it made in-house or outsourced? It’s one of the clearest signals of process control. Stewardship as responsibility Our commitment to stewardship extends beyond formulation and into how our ingredients are raised. We are building a regenerative Icelandic sheep ranch in southwest Montana, and we partner with regenerative Montana ranches that share our values. By prioritizing whole-animal utilization, we honor the animal, reduce waste, and support land stewards who care deeply for their animals, ecosystems and communities. It is a slower way of doing business, but it is non-negotiable. Takeaway: “Sustainable” has become a marketing term. Look for specifics—how animals are raised, how land is managed, and whether a brand can describe its sourcing in real terms. The commitment We do not chase trends.We do not compromise on quality. Our commitment is clear: regenerative ingredient sourcing, purposeful formulations, support for Montana ranch partners, and products designed for long-term skin support. Takeaway: Good skincare isn't just about products, it's about process. A good skincare routine should feel repeatable, and it's ingredients should be traceable.  How it gets there is just as important as what it is.

There’s something about becoming a parent that makes you read every label twice. You start paying attention to what goes in your body… and what touches your baby’s skin. And even if you were already intentional about what you used, that care becomes magnified when you’re caring for someone so small and new. Pregnancy and newborn life can also make skin feel like it has a mind of its own. One day everything feels normal—and the next, skin is suddenly tight, dry, itchy, or extra sensitive. We didn’t want to put mystery chemicals on our skin, or our baby’s. We wanted something simple, clean, and trustworthy—something natural, and something that truly worked. That’s where tallow and emu oil come in: a time-tested way to support skin through every stage of change, with the kind of nourishment our bodies can use. The problem: skin in a season of change During pregnancy, your skin stretches quickly, and hormones change. The belly, hips, thighs, and chest are all going through a lot. Even with good hydration, it can still feel uncomfortably dry or itchy. After baby arrives, many moms notice their skin feels more reactive, more sensitive, or harder to keep moisturized. And babies? Their skin is brand new—thin, delicate, and easily affected by dryness, weather, and irritation. There’s nothing wrong with their skin (or yours)—sometimes it just needs extra support. The ingredient solution: tallow + emu oil Two ingredients we love for families are tallow and emu oil—because they’re time-tested, and completely natural, and free of chemicals that can disrupt hormones, or irritate skin. Beef tallow is rich in skin-friendly fats and fat-soluble vitamins that help nourish and support the skin barrier. It’s known for deep, lasting moisture—especially when skin needs extra support. Emu oil is lightweight, deeply penetrating, fast-absorbing, and naturally rich in essential fatty acids. It’s often used to help soften and soothe dry, irritated skin and support a smoother, more comfortable feel. Together, they create a simple formula that helps skin feel:soft, hydrated, and protected—without feeling greasy. We combined them into one creamy formula, Body Balm A real pregnancy story from our founder When we formulated Body Balm over a year ago, it was for dry, cracked skin from out on the ranch. Sure, it could be used anywhere, but we hadn’t fathomed just how important it would become during pregnancy. Skylee’s been using this tallow + emu oil blend consistently throughout pregnancy—focused on steady, everyday skin support. Now at 36 weeks pregnant, she’s been amazed to see:no stretch marks, no cracks, irritation, or itchiness. It’s nothing fancy, just simple ingredients and a routine that’s helped her skin stay nourished through every stage of change. Everyone’s skin changes differently during pregnancy and postpartum. Body Balm is made to moisturize and soothe dry, tight-feeling skin—but it isn’t a medical treatment and isn't intended to prevent or treat stretch marks or other skin conditions. A message we’ll never forget We also gave Body Balm to a friend to try on her baby’s skin who was experiencing some dryness and irritation, and then we received this message: “There’s already noticeable improvement in my baby’s skin. The NEXT day!” That kind of message means everything to us. Because when a family chooses something for their baby’s skin, it’s personal—and it takes trust. Knowing our balm is truly helping bring comfort and improvement makes us so happy to offer these formulas. It's exactly why we do what we do. If you’re looking for an easy way to bring these ingredients into your routine, Body Balm is made with Montana-grown, grass-finished beef tallow and Montana emu oil for deep, gentle moisture the whole family can use. A little goes a long way, and it works beautifully for: growing bellies postpartum skin baby dry patches hardworking hands and weathered skin skin needing extra support Our takeaway The perfect formula doesn’t have to be complicated. When skin is changing—for mothers, fathers, and babies—simple nourishment goes a long way. Tallow + emu oil is one of those combinations that just made sense to us. Because supported skin is healthy skin.

Anaconda, Montana was built by copper. Long before highways and power lines crossed the state, the hills of western Montana were already shaping the future. In the late 1800s, prospectors, miners, and railroad workers pushed into the Deer Lodge Valley chasing copper buried deep in the ground. What followed was a classic Old West boomtown—raw, fast-growing, and built almost entirely on hard labor. As mines expanded, so did the town. Saloons, boarding houses, rail yards, and supply shops rose alongside the smelter, serving a workforce drawn from across the country and around the world. The copper processed here was vital for the developing United States. It helped electrify cities, power industry, and connect a growing nation. At the center of it all stood the Anaconda Smelter Stack. Still standing today, it became a landmark of the town’s identity—visible for miles and symbolic of the long days, dangerous work, and determination it took to earn a living here. Growing up in Montana, we drove past that stack countless times. It was a constant reminder of the grit and natural resources that built this town. Life in Anaconda wasn’t easy. Mining demanded toughness and sacrifice, but it also created pride, strong communities, and a respect for things made the right way. That mindset—honest work, appreciation for quality tools, and reverence for what the land provides—is a big part of Montana’s character. Like many mining towns, the boom was a flash and today Anaconda is a remnant of what it once was. But the character and pride of the town built off copper is still palpable.  The Inspiration Behind Anaconda Copper Over two years ago, we made our first bar of soap. We wanted it to pay homage to this piece of Montana history. That’s where the idea for Anaconda Copper was born. Our values guide us to the past. Not out of nostalgia, but because many of the old ways still make sense, prioritizing real benefits, over profit or shelf life.  We wanted this bar to reflect the same straightforward, hardworking values that defined Anaconda—using Montana-grown, natural ingredients and traditional methods that focus on function over flash. Goat milk has long been valued for its gentle cleansing properties and natural vitamins that help support healthy skin. Tallow, a traditional ingredient used for generations, closely resembles the skin’s natural oils and helps leave it feeling nourished and balanced rather than dry or stripped. Together, they create a rich, creamy lather that cleans effectively while treating the skin with care—especially after long days spent outdoors or working with your hands. We didn’t know it at the time, but Anaconda Copper would become the soap we’re best known for. Honoring Montana Heritage Anaconda Copper is more than a bar of soap. It’s a nod to a town intertwined in Montana's history, shaped by the earth and the people who worked it. It reflects our belief that everyday essentials should be simple, honest, and made with intention. Inspired by Anaconda, Montana. Crafted with respect for the land. Made for those who still value tradition, quality, and a job done right.

The holiday season can be hard on skin. Cold air, stress, disrupted routines, and seasonal foods all impact the body — and skin often reflects those internal shifts. This post shares practical, holistic ways to support skin through the holidays, from daily habits to gentle skincare choices that nourish and protect the skin barrier rather than overwhelm it.