Recently, I've been learning more about using tallow in homemade soaps, salves and balms. A simple and nourishing way to care for your skin, tallow balm is made from grass-fed tallow and other natural ingredients to offer deep hydration for many skin types. Here's a simple recipe for a lavender tallow balm.
Tallow for Skincare
Although I've used beeswax, coconut oil and almond oil in many of my soap and salve recipes, using tallow for skin care products is new to me. But it's been around for ages—literally.
People have used tallow from pasture-raised cattle for its skin benefits for centuries. Rendered tallow is the solid form of beef suet or leaf fat from grass-fed cows. At first, I wasn't so sure about slathering what I thought of as beef fat on my skin. But then my teenage daughter reminded me that we use goat milk soap regularly, and it's just another animal fat.
Tallow contains fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamin E and vitamin K, along with essential fatty acids like linoleic acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid. These help support skin regeneration and the skin's natural barrier.
This makes tallow a great product for tackling dry hands, chapped lips, and fine lines, which we all suffer from living in the cold Canadian north. Homemade tallow soaps and balms can also serve as a natural alternative to chemical-laden beauty products that often contain preservatives and additives.
Tallow Balms vs Salves
Many beginners confuse balms and salves. A balm often has a firmer texture because it uses a small amount of beeswax or other thickening agents. A salve, like my oregano salve, tends to be softer due to a higher ratio of oils.
Balms are easy to store at room temperature for days of use without worrying about temperature changes affecting the consistency. Salves, on the other hand, may become softer in warmer weather.
Choose Grass-Fed Tallow for Skincare
Thanks to its composition of essential vitamins and its similarity to human skin's natural sebum, grass-fed tallow is a favorite way to support the skin's natural oils. It offers anti-inflammatory properties while also helping defend against oxidative stress caused by free radicals.
Whether you have sensitive skin, oily skin, or combination skin, a simple jar of tallow balm can go a long way toward helping maintain a healthy skin tone. And by the way, my rose tallow face cream is in the works!
Some people even view whipped tallow balm as a game changer for certain skin conditions. It serves as a facial moisturizer, body butter, or lip balm all in one. Best of all, it's pretty simple to create this clean product at home with organic ingredients and plant oils you may already have on hand.
How to Make Tallow Balm
Here's a simple method to make a great tallow balm infused with lavender. This recipe makes about four ounces of balm, but it's easy to adjust if you prefer an unscented tallow balm or an essential oil blend with sweet orange or other fragrances.
Ingredients
Here's what you need for your DIY tallow cream. Each item plays a part in creating a smooth skin feel while offering natural antimicrobial properties and nourishment.
- Grass-Fed Rendered Tallow (½ cup): Using fed beef tallow (ideally from a local farmer) ensures the highest quality. Grass-fed tallow contains essential fatty acids that support collagen production at a cellular level.
- Carrier Oil (3 teaspoons): Extra virgin olive oil, cold-pressed olive oil, or jojoba oil are great choices. They contribute to skin health by providing additional fatty acids and help soften the overall texture.
- Lavender Flowers (a small amount): Dried lavender flowers add a light floral scent and anti-inflammatory properties. You could also try making this with other herbs or flowers.
- Beeswax (1 teaspoon): Beeswax helps thicken the mixture, resulting in a balm texture rather than a liquid salve. I like the small cosmetic beeswax beads.
- Essential Oils (optional): Lavender essential oil is popular, but you could also try sweet orange or a custom essential oil blend. A few drops of essential oil can offer a soothing aroma and extra skin benefits.
All of these natural ingredients work well together to create a balm that supports the skin's natural oils. If you like experimenting, consider substituting coconut oil for some of the carrier oil or adding honey balm into the mix for extra moisture.
You might also replace part of the beeswax with plant oils to get a softer texture. Test small batches until you find your favorite combination.
Directions for Making DIY Tallow Balm
Follow these steps to turn simple kitchen staples and garden herbs into a soft and nourishing balm. Remember to use low heat to protect the nutritional value of the organic ingredients.
- Infuse the Oil: Place a few lavender flowers in a small jar. Pour your chosen carrier oil (such as cold-pressed olive oil or jojoba oil) over them. Screw on the lid and leave the mixture in a cupboard or on a shelf away from direct sunlight for about six weeks to let the lavender infuse fully. If you prefer a quicker approach, you can warm the oil over very low heat for an hour or two, but the long infusion brings out more fragrance.
- Strain: After four to six weeks (or a shorter infusion if you prefer), strain out the lavender flowers, keeping your lavender-infused oil.
- Melt the Ingredients: Place the grass-fed tallow, beeswax, and lavender-infused carrier oil in a double boiler. Keep the heat low and stir gently until the ingredients melt together. This step keeps the temperature mild, so fewer nutrients are lost.
- Add Essential Oils: Once the mixture cools slightly, add a few drops of essential oil if you like. Lavender essential oil is the most common choice, but feel free to try an essential oil blend. A little bit of sweet orange, peppermint, or geranium can add a bright scent.
- Pour and Cool: Transfer the mixture into a clean jar. Then, let the jar of tallow balm solidify at room temperature. Label and date your balm for easy access later.
Optional Ingredients
Optional ingredients or substitutions are endless. You might create a whipped tallow balm by blending the cooled mixture with a hand mixer. If you're looking for a unique gift, you could add a sprinkle of dried lavender or rose petals on top. Some folks also like to add coconut oil, shea butter, or extra virgin olive oil for a softer feel that can work as a facial moisturizer for sensitive or mature skin.
Try Tallow in Your Salves and Balms
Tallow balm is a simple way to enjoy the benefits of natural products while avoiding synthetic chemicals found in many beauty brands. Whether you source your rendered tallow from a local farmer or an online store that offers free shipping, homemade tallow balm can be a clean product for the whole family.
Some companies specialize in offering tallow-based skincare items with exceptional service and the highest quality ingredients. Yet making your own can be just as satisfying and cost-effective. With a handful of organic ingredients and a little practice, you can craft a balm that supports healthy, radiant skin all year long.
FAQs
Do you have questions about making or using tallow balm? Below, you'll find answers to the most common ones. If you don't see your question, leave it in the comments so we can help you.
Is tallow balm good for all skin types?
Tallow balm tends to work well for a wide range of skin types, including dry skin and sensitive skin. It mimics the natural sebum of human skin and contains components that help preserve skin barrier function. However, patch tests are always wise if it's your first time trying new skincare products, especially on facial skin.
Can tallow balm replace my regular skincare products?
Many people use tallow balm as a substitute for their usual lip balm or facial moisturizer. Grass-fed tallow has anti-inflammatory properties and natural antimicrobial properties, which can really impact certain skin conditions.
That said, the one thing you may want to consider is how your skin responds to changes. Balms are thicker than lotions, so you might find you only need a small amount each time.
If you prefer a lighter skin feel, consider blending tallow with plant oils or choosing an unscented tallow balm for everyday use. You could also try my healing herbal salve recipe if you suffer from dry patches or excema.
How should I store my tallow balm?
Keep your original tallow balm at room temperature or in a cooler place. It's best to avoid storing it in direct sunlight or near heat sources.
Thanks to the fats in tallow and the beeswax content, it stays stable even with mild temperature changes. Most folks find their homemade tallow balm lasts through the winter months and beyond, but keep an eye out for any odd smells or texture changes, as homemade items may vary in shelf life.
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How to Make Lavender Tallow Balm
With grass-fed tallow, dried lavender and a few other ingredients, this may be the best tallow balm recipe out there! Easy to make and it smells amazing. Great for dry skin.
Materials
- ½ cup grass fed rendered tallow
- 3 teaspoon carrier oil
- Lavender flowers
- 1 teaspoon beeswax
Tools
- measuring cup
- measuring spoons
- mason jars
- double boiler
- spatula
Instructions
- First, you'll need to make your lavender-infused oil. Place your lavender flowers in a large, clean jar and pour your carrier oil on top. Let sit for four to six weeks, then strain.
- Combine the tallow, beeswax, and lavender-infused oil in a glass jar and melt slowly in a double boiler.
- If you're using essential oils, add a few drops. I suggest no more than four and pour the mixture into a glass jar.
- Let it sit until it hardens. Then, it is ready to use!
Notes
This works with other flowers as well. Try roses, chamomile, or geranium. Wild mint makes this a delightful balm for feet and rough elbows.