How to Make Tallow Balm
Tallow balm is a nourishing, all-natural skincare product that has been cherished for centuries for its moisturizing, healing, and protective qualities. Made primarily from rendered animal fat (tallow) and oils, it’s ideal for soothing dry skin, supporting healing, and creating a natural barrier against environmental stressors. So many people are finding out the amazing benefits of tallow for skin. If you are looking for a natural alternative to common skin moisturizers in stores, this will be a game changer. Luckily it isn’t hard to make!
Learn more about the benefits of tallow for skin on our blog- click here.
Here's a simple guide on how to make your own tallow balm using 2 simple ingredients.
Ingredients
4 oz (1/2 cup) hard tallow (if your tallow is soft/almost liquid at room temperature using 1-2 tablespoons less carrier oil). Learn how to make tallow here.
3 tablespoons carrier oil of choice (such as jojoba, sweet almond, olive, or avocado oil) or herbal-infused oil
Equipment Needed
Double boiler or heat-safe bowl and pot
Stirring utensil (wooden spoon or silicone spatula)
Small containers, jars, or tins for storage
Kitchen scale and tablespoon measure
Optional hand mixer for whipped version
Optional piping bag
Instructions
Prepare the Tallow
Start by placing your 4 oz of tallow in the top part of a double boiler or a heat-safe bowl set over simmering water. Heat gently until the tallow melts completely. Avoid direct heat to preserve the nutrients and avoid burning.Add Carrier Oil
Once the tallow is fully melted, remove it from the heat and stir in 3 tablespoons of your chosen carrier oil/herbal-infused oil. This oil will add extra moisture and can customize the balm’s properties depending on your skin’s needs (e.g., jojoba for balancing, olive oil for deep hydration).Mix Thoroughly
Stir the mixture gently but thoroughly until both the tallow and oil blend seamlessly.Pour and Cool
Carefully pour the warm liquid into clean containers or tins. Leave the containers uncovered at room temperature until the balm solidifies—this may take a couple of hours. Move to step 7.Steps for WHIPPED Version!
Pour melted tallow and oil mixture into a medium bowl and pop it into the fridge until partially solidified (usually 30 min -1 hour). You can leave it at room temperature to solidify but I have found this leaves the tallow balm grainy once you whip it.
Time to Whip!
Once your tallow/oil mixture is slightly solidified go ahead and remove it from the fridge. Using a hand mixer, slowly whip the tallow balm for a few minutes until it reaches a nice whipped texture. Video Below!
Storage
Unwhipped: Once solid, cover with lids. Store your tallow balm in a cool, dry place. It can last as long as 1 year without refrigeration due to the preservative qualities of tallow and carrier oils. Use within 6 months after opening.Whipped: Once tallow balm is whipped, go ahead and either scoop your tallow into jars with a rubber spatula or scoop it into a piping bag and squeeze it into your desired jars. Place the lid on and store in a cool place for up to 1 year! Use within 6 months after opening.
Tips for Best Results
Use high-quality, grass-fed tallow made from beef suet, not trim fat.
Customize your balm by using carrier oils and herbs that suit your skin type/need.
Add a few drops of essential oils for fragrance and additional skin benefits, but ensure you are not sensitive to them. Popular essential oils include: lavender, sweet orange, vanilla oleoresin or vanilla CO2, ylang ylang, frankincense, almond, or magnolia.
Always conduct a skin patch test when using new ingredients.
New to tallow skincare and want to try it before making your own?
Try our handcrafted Tallow Body Creams and other tallow skincare products used and loved by hundreds of customers! Visit our natural store here or click Natural Store at the top of the website to explore our products.
What we offer:
Vanilla Tallow Body Cream
Lavender Tallow Body Cream
Tallow + Calendula Eczema Cream
Tallow + Arnica Pain Cream
Tallow Lip Balm
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