Easy Homemade Tallow Balm Recipe

Tallow balm has become quite popular lately, and I would say there’s a lot to love about it.

It's made from rendered animal fat (usually from grass-fed cows or sheep) and has been around for centuries, helping people take care of their skin.

But if you’re wondering why this old-fashioned remedy is getting so much attention, this article will explain why and, most importantly, show you how to make your own.

If you're interested in creating natural skincare products, this could even be a great addition to a profitable homestead business that focuses on homemade goods.

What is Tallow and Why is it Beneficial for Skin?

So, what exactly is tallow?

Tallow is basically animal fat that’s been melted down and purified.

It’s full of fatty acids (the same kind of good fats we talk about when we mention things like olive oil), plus vitamins A, D, E, and K.

These vitamins are helpful for the skin in all sorts of ways, like supporting cell regeneration and boosting skin hydration. That’s a pretty solid list of benefits, if you ask me.

The best part is that tallow’s composition is similar to the oils naturally found in our skin, which makes it easy for our bodies to absorb.

It helps your skin lock in moisture, making it great for dry or irritated areas.

It’s been used for centuries, often by those who embrace the homesteading lifestyle and prefer natural, simple solutions for personal care.

What is Tallow Balm?

Tallow balm, simply put, is a balm made from tallow, which is (again) the rendered fat from animals like cows or sheep.

It’s packed with good-for-your-skin nutrients and can be used to moisturize, heal, and protect your skin.

The good thing about tallow balm is that it’s simple (no expensive chemicals)—just a natural way to nourish your skin, much like tallow soap.

If you're looking for more ways to use tallow, be sure to check out our tallow soap recipe.

What Do You Need to Make Tallow Balm?

To make tallow balm, make sure to prepare these ingredients:

• 1 cup of rendered tallow (preferably from grass-fed cows)
• 1/4 cup of olive oil (or substitute with coconut oil, jojoba oil, or sweet almond oil)
• 1 ounce of beeswax (roughly 2 tablespoons)
• 10-20 drops of essential oils (lavender, tea tree, or rosehip are great options)
• 1 teaspoon of Vitamin E oil (optional)

What Equipment is Needed to Make Tallow Balm?

For the equipment, these are the things you’ll need:

• Double boiler or slow cooker to melt the tallow. (You don’t want to use direct heat, so this method is best.)
• Mixing bowl and stirring spoon to combine everything once it’s melted.
• Measuring spoons or cups for the oils and beeswax.
• Storage containers like small glass jars or tins to hold your balm once it’s ready.

How Do You Make Tallow Balm?

Making tallow balm is actually simpler than it sounds, and it doesn’t require any complicated steps. 

Once you’ve got your tallow melted, the rest comes together quickly and easily, so here’s how you can make your own.

1. Gently Melt the Tallow

If you're starting with raw tallow, you'll need to melt it down. If your tallow is already melted, you can skip this step and go straight to the next one.

To melt the tallow, you can use a double boiler or a slow cooker. If you’re using a double boiler, fill the bottom pot with water and place the tallow in the top pot.

Set it to low heat and let it melt (it doesn’t take long—just a few minutes).

If you're using a slow cooker, set it to low and let it take its time. Keep an eye on it, but don’t rush it.

The goal is to get it nice and smooth. Once it’s melted, you should have a clear, liquid tallow.

If you started with raw fat, now’s the time to strain out any bits that didn’t fully melt. You want the tallow to be as smooth as possible.

2. Stir in Oils and Beeswax for Texture

Once the tallow is melted and smooth, mix in the other ingredients.

Start by adding ¼ cup of your chosen carrier oil (olive oil, coconut oil, or jojoba oil).

These oils help soften the balm and make it easier to apply.

Next, add 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of beeswax. This is what will help the balm hold its shape and prevent it from being too runny.

Stir it all in, making sure the beeswax is fully dissolved. This is where the balm starts to take on a thicker, more solid texture.

3. Add Essential Oils for Scent and Skin Benefits

At this moment, add the essential oils! You don’t actually need a lot—about 10–20 drops is enough.

You can choose oils like lavender for a calming scent, tea tree oil if you want something that’s great for acne-prone skin, or eucalyptus for a refreshing feel.

To add the essential oils, hold the bottle just above the balm mixture and gently tilt it so the drops fall in one at a time.

Once the drops are in, use your spoon or spatula to stir thoroughly. Make sure the essential oils are fully mixed in so the scent and benefits are evenly distributed.

Now your balm is fully blended and ready for the last step.

4. Let the Balm Cool and Set

Once everything is mixed, pour the balm into your containers. You can use glass jars, tins, or whatever you prefer—just make sure they’re clean and dry.

After you’ve poured it in, let the balm sit at room temperature. It’ll start to solidify after about an hour, but give it a few hours to cool completely.

If you’re feeling impatient, you can speed up the cooling process by putting it in the fridge for about 20–30 minutes.

Once it’s fully set, it’s ready to use!

It’s as simple as that.

How Should You Store Tallow Balm?

There are a few things to keep in mind to make sure your tallow balm stays fresh.

I suggest keeping it in a cool, dry place (somewhere away from direct heat or sunlight). That way, it’ll stay firm and in good shape.

If you live in a warm climate, or if your home tends to get hot, sticking it in the fridge isn’t a bad idea to keep it from melting (and to make sure it’s always at the right texture when you use it).

For most people, though, room temperature is perfectly fine, especially if your home isn’t prone to high temperatures.

Just make sure the balm is kept in a sealed container to prevent moisture or contaminants from getting in.

How Long Does Tallow Balm Last?

As for how long it lasts, you can expect your tallow balm to last anywhere between 6 to 12 months, depending on how well you store it and what kind of ingredients you’ve used.

Adding a bit of vitamin E oil can help extend its shelf life, acting as a natural preservative. Just be sure to store it in a clean, airtight container (because exposure to air and moisture can shorten its life).

And when you use it, try not to dip your fingers into the jar (unless your hands are clean, of course)—you don’t want to introduce bacteria into the mix.

In short, with proper storage, your tallow balm can last a long time, so you can enjoy its skin benefits for months to come.

How Do You Use Tallow Balm in Your Daily Routine?

Just apply it like you would any other moisturizer. You can use it on your face, body, or hands. Here’s how to use it:

As a moisturizer: After cleansing, rub a small amount into your face or body.

For dry patches: If you have elbows, knees, or other dry spots, you can apply a thicker layer to those areas for extra hydration.

Healing balm: If you’ve got cuts, scrapes, or even things like diaper rash (yes, it works for that too), tallow balm helps speed up healing and reduce irritation.

You can even use it as a lip balm if you’re dealing with chapped lips (yeah, it works).

Is Tallow Balm Safe for Sensitive Skin?

If you’ve got sensitive skin, tallow balm is actually one of the gentler options.

Since it doesn’t contain any artificial fragrances, preservatives, or fillers, it’s much less likely to cause irritation.

The natural fats and vitamins in tallow help strengthen your skin’s barrier, making it effective for conditions like eczema or rosacea.

It’s always a good idea to test it on a small patch first, just to be safe.

How Can You Customize Your Tallow Balm Recipe?

One of the best parts about making your own tallow balm is how easy it is to customize.

You can tweak it however you like.

Want a firmer balm? Just add more beeswax.

Want it smoother? Add a little extra carrier oil.

You can also experiment with different essential oils for various scents or skin benefits.

Tea tree oil is great for acne-prone skin, while lavender is relaxing and soothing (perfect for bedtime).

It’s really about making something that works for you. You get to be the creator of your own skincare (how cool is that?).

If you're looking to expand your homesteading skills, learning how to create your own natural skincare products is a fun and practical skill.

Can You Use Tallow Balm for Hair?

Yes, you can use tallow balm for your hair! It’s great for moisturizing dry hair, calming an itchy scalp, and smoothing frizz.

The healthy fats and vitamins in tallow help nourish and repair your hair naturally.

You can use it as a deep conditioner, apply it to your scalp to keep it moisturized, or rub a little on the ends of your hair for extra shine and softness.

Make Your Own Tallow Balm Now!

Making tallow balm at home is simple, cost-effective, and customizable.

It’s a great way to take care of your skin naturally, without relying on commercial products full of chemicals.

Plus, you get to experiment and make a balm that works best for your skin.

I’d say give it a try—who knew something so simple could do so much for your skin?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If you're new to making tallow balm or just want to get it right, you might still have a few questions. Here are some helpful answers to clear things up.

Why is my tallow balm too hard or too soft?

If your balm is too hard, you may have added too much beeswax. To fix it, melt it down and add a little more carrier oil. If it’s too soft, add a bit more beeswax to firm it up.

Can I make tallow balm without beeswax?

Yes, but the texture will be softer. Beeswax helps thicken the balm and keep it from melting easily. If you want a wax-free version, try using shea butter or cocoa butter as an alternative.

How do I keep my tallow balm from getting grainy?

Graininess can happen if the balm cools too slowly or unevenly. To prevent this, stir well while it’s cooling and place it in the fridge to set up quickly.

How do I know if my tallow balm has gone bad?

Spoiled tallow balm may develop an off smell or change in texture. As long as it’s stored properly, it should stay good for months, but if it smells rancid, it’s time to make a fresh batch.