Tallow has been used to nourish human skin for many years. Highly compatible with the makeup of our skin, it has long been used to protect, nourish, and restore our skin. Tallow balm is easy to make and a fantastic way to incorporate this underutilized skincare product.

Here on our homestead, we render tallow on a routine basis. A fantastic fat, full of tons of uses, we use it for everything from grilling and frying to skincare.
Once revered by our ancestors, tallow balm fell out of "fashion" as a skincare product when fat was demonized and fell out of favor. Petroleum-based, often endocrine-disrupting, products came into the spotlight as better, and less expensive alternatives.
Despite this, tallow still remains an incredible moisturizer for our skin. Full of vitamins A, D, E, and K it also has fatty acids similar in structure to our cell membranes making it far easier to absorb than any plant-derived material.
What is Tallow Balm Good For?
Since tallow so closely resembles our cell membranes, it can lock in moisture without clogging your pores or feeling greasy.
If you have cracked, dry, and calloused skin tallow balm could be the answer to your skins prayers. It's also excellent for damaged skin, wrinkles, itchy and burning skin and so much more.
No more petroleum jelly on your feet with socks pulled over them at night. Tallow balm is far superior for deeply moisturizing those dried-out tootsies. This stuff is absolutely incredible for just about any skin problem you face.
What Essential Oils Should I use In Tallow Balm?
You don't have to use any if you don't want to. Personally, I like to use frankincense and lavender.
Frankincense is good for protecting the skin cells as well as tightening the skin, reducing the signs of aging.
Lavender can lessen acne as well as even the skin tone and reduce wrinkles. Plus, both of these oils smell absolutely amazing.
Tallow to Use for Tallow Balm

Tallow either rendered yourself from the suet of a grass-fed, grass-finished cow or purchased from a reputable source is your best bet for all tallow applications, not just skincare.
Grass-fed, grass-finished beef (and fat) contains more vitamin E as well as more omega-3s.
Utilizing real, rendered tallow (not the fat scooped from the bottom of your pan or broth-making project), means that this tallow balm will last for a year, or longer... even at room temperature. So, unlike my goat milk lotion, which requires preservatives... this option is completely natural and preservative free and will keep on the shelf for months.
How to Make Tallow Balm
This recipe will make about 8 ounces in total. I prefer to store it in a cobalt jar or amber-colored jar so the light can't get to it. It can be stored in any glass jar or metal container, however. I do not recommend storing it in plastic mostly because the chemicals in the plastic could possibly leach into your skincare product and that would kind of defeat the purpose of natural skin care.
Ingredients for Homemade Tallow Balm

- Tallow - this can be beef tallow (most typical), but it could also be from a lamb or even deer tallow. Beef tallow tends to work the best, though.
- Olive Oil - olive oil has been used since ancient times and is has soothing and moisturizing properties.
- Frankincense oil - optional, but as I mentioned it has some great properties for skincare applications.
- Lavender oil - again, optional, but same as the frankincense, it has some great skincare properties.
Directions for Making Tallow Balm
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat tallow slowly over low heat until it is completely melted. Remove the pan from the heat and gently stir in the olive oil and essential oils, if using.
Let the mixture sit for about an hour to begin to solidify. Then, using a whisk attachment on an electric mixer, or do it by hand, whip the mixture until it's light and fluffy. While this is optional, whipped tallow balm is easier to apply than if you choose not to whip it.
Store in an airtight container, in a cool, dark place for a year or more.
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📖 Recipe

Homemade Tallow Balm
This easy, four ingredient, whipped tallow balm is perfect for your skin and super easy to make at home.
Materials
- 8 Ounces Grass Fed Tallow from Beef Suet
- 2 Ounces Quality Olive Oil
- 24 Drops Lavender Essential Oil (optional)
- 24 Drops Frankincense Essential Oil (optional)
Tools
- Small Saucepan
- Mixer With Whisk Attachment
- Jar
Instructions
- Place tallow in a heavy bottomed saucepan and heat slowly over low heat until melted.
- Remove from heat, add in olive oil and essential oils, if using and stir.
- Allow the mixture to sit for approximately one hour until it begins to solidify.
- Using a mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, whisk the mixture until it thickens.
- Store in a glass jar or metal container with a lid for up to one year in a cool, dark place.
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