Simple and natural, this tallow balm recipe is the perfect face and body moisturizer. It’s easy to make and filled with real ingredients that will nourish your skin, no chemicals needed!
A number of years ago when I was learning about clean living and diving into a world full of everything from homemade laundry powder to bone broth, I discovered tallow. I loved learning how it had been used throughout history, and I was excited to be able to use it to support my skin’s health as well.
At one point I even had a 5-star Etsy and local business selling my own handcrafted tallow products, but I decided to step away from that once my daughter was born.
From tallow sugar scrub to DIY lip balm with tallow, it’s my favorite “magic” ingredient in any skincare product. However, this simple tallow balm will always have the #1 spot in my natural skincare routine.
Why You’ll Love this DIY
Simple & easy – With only a few basic ingredients, you’ll have your own homemade tallow balm.
All-natural – Skincare without any toxic chemicals is always a huge win!
Cheap to make – Tallow balm is typically expensive to buy, but you can make it yourself at a fraction of the price.
Clean skincare option – If you’re looking to avoid harmful ingredients often found in skincare, tallow balm is a fantastic option.
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Benefits of Tallow on Skin
Incredibly moisturizing – Tallow has a rich and nourishing composition, making it a wonderful moisturizer for skin.
Contains CLA – CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) has been shown to have amazing anti-aging benefits, including the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles.
Has the same lipids as skin – Lipids create a protective, though permeable, barrier that prevents infections and maintains cell moisture, structure, and flexibility.
Packed with vitamins and antioxidants – Tallow has vitamins A, D, K, and E which can be readily absorbed through the skin and are known for their antioxidant properties.
Tips for Success
Use a double boiler – If you melt tallow too quickly, you can scorch it which may lead to a darker color and unpleasant oder. Melting tallow in a bowl over a pot of boiling water also works.
Avoid contamination with water – Water in tallow balm can lead to mold growth, so make sure to avoid getting any water in it during the melting process.
Swap other essential oils – I used frankincense essential oil for this balm, however, you can use any type of skin-safe essential oil or essential oil blend. You can even leave out the essential oil if you prefer.
Cool at room temperature – Once the tallow balm has been poured into containers, let it set at room temperature for a smoother finish.
How to Store
Tallow balm is shelf-stable and can be stored in a cool, dark location for up to a year. Depending on the purity of your tallow, it may last much longer. (I have seen tallow balm last at room temperature for over 2 years!)
If you’d like to preserve it even longer, it can be refrigerated.
FAQs
Avocado oil is the best oil for tallow balm due to its neutral odor, however, other oils such as olive oil and jojoba oil can also be great options.
The ingredients in tallow balm keep for at least a year at room temperature before going rancid. To extend its shelf-life, you can store it in the fridge.
No, it isn’t necessary to refrigerate tallow balm as it will keep at room temperature for at least a year. However, if you want to extend its life, you can refrigerate it.
Yes, tallow balm is a fantastic daily moisturizer for your skin.
Violet’s Tips for Applying
Tallow balm is extremely rich, so you only need to use a small amount at a time. It makes a fantastic tallow face cream or body lotion.
Tools You May Need
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Ingredients
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: First, in a mixing bowl, combine your melted tallow, avocado oil, and essential oil.
Step 2: Then gently pour it into glass jars (or whatever containers you want to store it in).
Let it set at room temperature for at least 45 minutes before moving to the fridge to speed the cooling process.
Step 3: Once your tallow balm has fully set, store at room temperature and use as a daily moisturizer.
If you try this tallow balm, let me know in the comments! Tag me on Instagram @violet_rightathome
More Clean Living Skincare DIYS
Tallow Balm
Equipment
- Double boiler or a bowl over a pot of boiling water
- Glass jars or other container to store it in
Materials
- 1 cup tallow melted in a double boiler
- 1/4 cup avocado oil
- 1/2 teaspoon skin-safe essential oil I used frankincense
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the melted tallow, avocado oil, and essential oil.1 cup tallow, 1/4 cup avocado oil, 1/2 teaspoon skin-safe essential oil
- Gently pour it into glass jars (or whatever containers you want to store it in).
- Let it set at room temperature for at least 45 minutes then move to the fridge to speed the cooling process.
- When the tallow balm has fully set, store at room temperature and use as a daily moisturizer.
Notes
- You can substitute olive oil for the avocado oil if you prefer. However, the smell of olive oil can clash with the essential oil.
- Tallow balm is shelf-stable and can be stored in a cool, dark location for up to a year.
If you love this tallow balm, please make sure to come back and leave a comment and a 5 star rating. I’d love to hear how it turned out for you!
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