Making Your Own Tallow Balm, The Best Moisturizer
As a woman, I appreciate having soft skin. However, I’m not a fan of heavily fragranced lotions that inevitably leave your hands still dry (especially in the winter!). When I discovered tallow balm, I was a little hesitant to try it but once I did, I found it difficult to use anything else. The only drawback for me was the price tag. Although I think tallow balm is worth the price, I had a hard time paying $30-50 for a small jar. Especially when I wanted to use it as a body lotion!
Unlike most lotions in stores, this is non-toxic, easy to make & inexpensive to DIY.
What is tallow?
Tallow is raw fat/suet that has been slowly cooked to remove any impurities and then cooled until solidified. Although most commonly taken from beef, this fat can also come from deer, goats and sheep.
Why use tallow?
Until recent years, tallow has been a staple in many homes that was used in multiple ways. The homes of our ancestors used tallow to cook, make candles, soap, and other skincare.
Utilizing the fat from an animal you have harvested is a great practice as it reduces any potential waste along with respecting that animal.
This fat is rich in essential fat soluble vitamins and minerals such as: vitamin A, D, E and K. If used as a lotion, these vitamins and minerals can get absorbed through the skin and ultimately help your health more than other lotions.
The fatty acid profile of tallow has also been touted as being the closest to the makeup of what human oils are made of. Because of this, it’s easily and quickly absorbed into the skin.
Where to buy or get suet/tallow
Although tallow is still not as common as it once was, it’s gaining popularity with many homesteaders, health enthusiasts, and conscious minded individuals. Because of this, it’s gaining some traction in stores and general availability.
You may find tallow or suet at health food stores, Co-ops and with local farmers. These places will likely have beef tallow available.
If you purchase bulk meat from a farmer, you can ask if they can include the suet fat with your next order. If you are a hunter or you know one, you can ask them to save the deer fat with their harvests.
When talking to a local farmer and they’re not selling it, ask them if they would consider selling. They might surprise you!
If you need a resource to find a local farmer, a great an online resource to find one is The Weston A. Price Foundation. .
How to use Tallow Balm
I currently use my DIY tallow balm as my primary hand, face and body lotion to soothe dry skin. Many of my friends and family have used tallow balm to soothe cuts, scrapes, itching, eczema and dermatitis.
Looking for more DIY ideas? Try this Easy Homemade Vanilla Extract or this wood conditioner for all your wooden utensils.
Making Tallow Balm
Ingredients & Tools
1 cup rendered tallow- if you currently have raw suet, see HERE on how to render it)
¼ cup other oil (jojoba oil, olive oil or coconut oil) (optional but recommended)
Essential oils (optional)
A double boiler
A storage container (I like canning jars and glass storage containers) this recipe will make enough to fill approximately two pint jars.
A hand or stand mixer
Silicone spatula
A double boiler
A heat source
Directions
Begin melting your rendered Tallow in your double boiler on medium/low heat.
Once completely melted, pour into a heat safe glass or metal bowl and add in your additional oil. Stir to combine well.
If adding essential oils, begin adding your desired scents when you see the tallow mixture begin to solidify and gently stir to evenly distribute the scent.
Adding any desired essential oils at this cooling point is important to ensure the fragrance is maintained.
Once the essential oils have been added, leave to cool until almost all oils are solidified. You will know the mixture is ready when the contents of the bowl are mainly white but still warm.
At this stage, begin using your mixer to whip the tallow mixture until light and fluffy.
When your tallow mixture is light and fluffy, begin transferring to the storage jars with a silicone spatula.
Once transferred to your storage jars, secure the airtight lid. When you’re not using, store in a cool dark place.
Note: The most important step is to have the tallow mixture cool until almost solidified. Doing this creates a thick, luxurious, creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter texture, you can begin the whipping process when the tallow mixture is at a warmer temperature. If you begin whipping at a warmer temperature, it will take longer for it to whip.
Scenting Your Tallow Balm
Essential oil scent suggestions:
Citrus and Mint
Eucalyptus
Frankincense
Lavender
Lemon – this oil may make you more sensitive to sunlight and make your skin burn easier. If you add it to your balm, I suggest using the balm only at night or in the winter.
FAQ:
What is tallow?
Tallow is raw fat/suet that has been slowly cooked to remove any impurities and then cooled until solidified. Although most commonly taken from beef, this fat can also come from deer, goats and sheep.
Why use tallow?
The fatty acid profile of tallow has also been touted as being the closest to the makeup of what human oils are made of. Because of this, it’s easily and quickly absorbed into the skin.
This fat is also rich in essential fat soluble vitamins and minerals such as: vitamin A, D, E and K. If used as a lotion, these vitamins and minerals can get absorbed through the skin and ultimately help your health more than other lotions.
Where do I find tallow?
Although tallow is still not as common as it once was, it’s gaining popularity with many homesteaders, health enthusiasts, and conscious minded individuals. You may find tallow or suet at health food stores, Co-ops and with local farmers. These places will likely have beef tallow available.
If you purchase bulk meat from a farmer, you can ask if they can include the suet fat with your next order. If you are a hunter or you know one, you can ask them to save the deer fat with their harvests.
When you contact a local farmer and they’re not selling it, ask them if they would consider selling. They might surprise you!
How do I use Tallow Balm?
I currently use my DIY tallow balm as my primary hand, face and body lotion to soothe dry skin. Many of my friends and family have used tallow balm to soothe cuts, scrapes, itching, eczema and dermatitis.
Did you try this? Share your creations in the comments or by tagging @MissysHomestead on Instagram.
