Tallow balm combines 2 simple and all-natural ingredients to make what will become your new favorite moisturizer!
This tallow balm recipe gets created over and over in our home. We all love it year round. It is really simple to make and therefore doesn't feel burdensome to create again as the jar gets low.
Learning how to make tallow balm yourself is a great way to save money, swap out a conventional product that may be filled with yucky ingredients, and to use tallow more often in your home. You may render your own beef tallow, buy it from a local farmer, or even purchase it online! Making your own tallow candles is another non-cooking related use for tallow that you may enjoy creating as well.
I like to use my tallow balm after I exfoliate my hands with a homemade salt scrub and treat my nails with DIY cuticle oil.
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Why you'll love this DIY!
- Natural - Beef tallow and olive oil are all that are needed for this tallow balm recipe. No other crazy or toxic ingredients are necessary!
- Simple - All you have to do is melt and combine 2 ingredients and allow them to cool overnight! It is so simple to do you'll happily make more the next time you need it!
- Replaces old products - This one product can be used to replace so many others! It can be used to replace your other moisturizers that either contain toxic ingredients or that are quite costly for "better" options. I use mine in place of all other creams!
Yes, you can! While tallow balm may be better for some skin types than others, it is perfectly fine to use on your face. Test on a small patch of skin to ensure it agrees with your specific skin type.
Whipped tallow balm VS tallow balm
The only difference between a tallow balm and a whipped tallow balm is the texture. You can use this same recipe and whip it to create a whipped tallow balm! Personally, I do not whip my balm as I want it to last as long as possible. Whipping your balm introduces more oxygen and therefore shortens its shelf life.
Don't worry, I include the steps if you'd like to make whipped tallow balm!
Tip: Make a small bit whipped in a mini jar to enjoy short term if you'd like to try it!
Ingredients
- Beef tallow - Tallow is rendered beef fat. Source the best quality you are able to find for optimal results!
- Olive oil - Choose a good quality single origin from the USA olive oil for this DIY.
Store your balm in an airtight container in a cool dark place for 6 months to 1 year! Ensure there is no moisture exposure as that will make it go bad.
Sourcing tallow
You may be rendering beef tallow from your own homestead or from a local source. If you are able to, that is the way to go for sure! Zero waste and local sourcing is absolutely wonderful and should be done whenever possible. If you can't, or just simply don't want to, that is also completely okay! You can buy tallow online for use in your homemade balm!
Materials and supplies
- 8 ounces rendered and filtered tallow (1 cup)
- 2 ounces good quality olive oil (¼ cup)
- Double boiler
- Stirring spoon
- Glass jar(s) with an airtight lid or metal tins
- Labels
- Optional: stainless steel funnel
- Optional if making whipped tallow balm: Stand mixer OR hand beaters
- Optional if making whipped tallow balm: piping bag
How to make tallow balm
- Fill the bottom pot of your double boiler with 1-2 inches of water. Bring to a boil.
2. In the top pot, add your tallow and olive oil. Stir occasionally as it melts down to combine.
3. For a solid tallow balm: Carefully pour it into your airtight glass container(s) or metal tins. Allow it to cool at room temperature overnight, properly label, and enjoy!
4. If making whipped tallow balm: Carefully transfer the melted ingredients into a mixing bowl. Allow everything to cool at room temperature. Once solid, use your beaters or stand mixer to whip it! Transfer to your airtight glass container(s) using a piping bag. Store in a properly labeled airtight container in a cool dark place and enjoy.
Notes
- Properly label with the name, ingredients, and date.
- Store in a cool dark place in an airtight container for 6 months-1 year.
- A solid tallow balm's shelf life is longer than that of a whipped balm.
- Ensure no moisture gets into your tallow balm as it will make it go bad.
Tallow Balm Recipe
Equipment
- Double boiler.
- Stirring spoon
- Glass jars with an airtight lid or metal tins
- Labels
- Optional: stainless steel funnel
- Optional if making whipped tallow balm: Stand mixer OR hand beaters
- Optional if making whipped tallow balm: Piping bag
Ingredients
- 8 ounces rendered and filtered tallow 1 cup
- 2 ounces good quality olive oil ¼ cup
Instructions
- Fill the bottom pot of your double boiler with 1-2 inches of water. Bring to a boil.
- In the top pot, add your tallow and olive oil. Stir occasionally as it melts down to combine.
- For a solid tallow balm: Carefully pour it into your airtight glass container(s) or metal tins. Allow it to cool at room temperature overnight, properly label, and enjoy!
- If making whipped tallow balm: Carefully transfer the melted ingredients into a mixing bowl. Allow everything to cool at room temperature. Once solid, use your beaters or stand mixer to whip it! Transfer to your airtight glass container(s) using a piping bag. Store in a properly labeled airtight container in a cool dark place and enjoy.
Mariana
Jean,
It truly is the perfect time to make some! Have fun!!
-Mariana
Jean
Perfect, just in time for the start of the cooler weather! Can't wait to make a batch to use this fall.