DIY Whipped Tallow Balm For Glowing Skin (Easy Recipe)

For years I paid top dollar for grass fed whipped tallow balm and face cream from a clean luxury skincare brand, until I realized that I could easily source the ingredients to make that exact same product at home for an eighth of the price. So that’s what I did. That was one year ago, and since then I have never looked back. Both my skin and my pocket book are reaping the benefits.

If you are someone who is new to incorporating tallow into your skincare routine or if you’re someone who has used tallow for years, but want to learn how to make your own. Then you’re in the right place.

This homemade whipped tallow balm is rich, creamy, and packed with nutrients that nourish your skin at a cellular level—without any synthetic ingredients or harsh chemicals. It’s one of my favorite skincare products to make in small batches, and it’s gentle enough for the whole family. I use it on myself, my 4 year old and my baby.

What Is Tallow Balm?

Tallow balm is a nutrient-dense tallow cream made from grassfed beef tallow, which is simply the rendered animal fat from cows. Because 100% grass fed beef fats are rich in stearic acid, vitamin E, vitamin K, and essential fatty acids, this balm closely mimics the natural oils in our skin.

That means it absorbs beautifully, delivering long-lasting moisture without clogging pores or leaving a greasy residue. Beef tallow has a comedogenic rating of 2 out of 5, indicating a low probability of clogging pores.

A lot of people are surprised to learn that tallow moisturizers work well for all skin types—even sensitive skin. Whether you use it as a daily body lotion, a nighttime face cream, or even a base for lip balms, tallow balm provides incredible hydration and skin benefits.

Tallow Balm Benefits

Before we dive into how to make it, here are a few of the top tallow balm benefits:

• Deeply moisturizes dry skin – Tallow’s unique mix of fatty acids helps restore the skin barrier and lock in moisture.
• Reduces fine lines and wrinkles – The stearic acid and vitamins support elasticity and collagen production.
• Soothes sensitive skin – Because it contains no synthetic ingredients or harsh chemicals, it’s ideal for even the most delicate skin.
• Nourishes at a cellular level – The natural vitamins and lipids work beneath the surface to repair and rejuvenate.
• Multi-use moisturizer – Works beautifully as a body butter, face cream, daily body lotion, or lip balm.
• Clean and simple – Made from organic ingredients and natural ingredients you can actually pronounce.
• Anti-inflammatory properties – Tallow contains a variety of fatty acids, including conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. 

Once you experience how soft and hydrated your skin feels after using it, you’ll understand why this simple grassfed tallow moisturizer has been a staple for generations.

Why You Should Use Grass-Fed Tallow

When it comes to making tallow balm, using grass-fed beef tallow instead of conventional is a must.

Tallow from grassfed cows is significantly higher in vitamin E, vitamin K, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and omega-rich fatty acids—all of which offer deep skin benefits and antioxidant protection. These nutrients help strengthen the skin’s barrier, fight inflammation, and promote healing at a cellular level.

In contrast, tallow from conventionally raised animals often contains fewer nutrients and may carry traces of unwanted compounds from feed and environmental factors.

So, when you’re sourcing ingredients for your tallow balm, always choose organic 100% grassfed beef tallow. You can find high-quality options online (often with free shipping). My favorite is the 100% grass fed organic tallow from Fatworks. Or if you are really ambitious you can source suet from a local farm that prioritizes regenerative, sustainable practices. And you can render your own tallow at home using the wet method.

It’s one of those small choices that makes a big difference in both the purity and performance of your tallow cream.

The Skin Benefits of Jojoba Oil

The other star of this tallow balm is jojoba oil, and it’s every bit as incredible as tallow itself.

Here’s why I love adding jojoba oil to my tallow moisturizers:

• It’s rich in vitamin E and antioxidants that help protect against free radical damage.
• Its structure is almost identical to our skin’s natural sebum, which makes it perfect for balancing dry skin and regulating oil production.
• It’s non-comedogenic and ideal for sensitive skin and all skin types.
• It adds a silky feel and helps create that light, fluffy texture when you whip your balm.
• It extends the shelf life of your tallow balm, especially when paired with a few drops of vitamin E.

Together, grassfed tallow and jojoba oil create a balanced, nourishing blend that hydrates deeply without clogging pores—making it a truly universal skincare product.

Coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil are other options that you can use, however they are both more prone to clog pores and so I will typically stick with jojoba oil, especially if I’m formulating a face cream.

Ingredients for Homemade Whipped Tallow Balm

Here’s what you’ll need to make your own batch of whipped tallow balm:

• 1 cup of organic 100% grassfed beef tallow
• ¼ cup jojoba oil (helps balance skin and adds a silky texture)
• 1/2 – 1 tsp Vitamin E oil (optional for added antioxidants)
• 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder (optional, for a smoother, non-greasy feel)
• 10–20 drops essential oils (optional—lavender, frankincense, or geranium are wonderful choices or keep it out if you prefer an unscented tallow balm)

How to Make Tallow Balm

Step 1: Melt the Tallow

In a small saucepan or double boiler, add the grassfed tallow. Warm gently over low heat until fully melted.

Step 2: Add The Jojoba Oil & Essential Oils

Remove from heat and let cool for about 5 minutes. Then add in the jojoba oil and essential oils (if using) and stir to combine. You could also add a few drops of vitamin E here. This adds extra skin benefits and help preserve freshness.

Step 3: Cool and Whip

Let the mixture cool until it’s slightly firm but still soft. Some people let it cool on the counter but usually put it in the fridge for about 1 hours to set. Then, using a hand mixer, whip until you get a light, fluffy texture—similar to body butter. Once you get a light fluffy texture, add in the Arrowroot powder and mix to combine.

Step 4: Store and Enjoy

Spoon or funnel your tallow balm into clean 4 oz glass jars and seal tightly. Store at room temperature, out of direct sunlight.

Because this recipe uses pure natural ingredients, it’s best to make it in small batches and use within a few months.

How to Use Tallow Balm

To use, apply a small amount to clean skin and massage gently. It’s rich, so a little goes a long way!

Use it as:

• A daily body lotion for dry skin
• A hydrating face cream before bed
• A soothing balm for sensitive skin or irritation
• A base for lip balms or hand cream

If you prefer unscented options, simply skip the essential oils—the beef fats and jojoba oil provide plenty of natural moisture and nourishment on their own.

Why Tallow Balm Is a Good Idea for Your Skin

Making your own tallow balm is such a good idea if you’re looking to simplify your skin care routine and avoid synthetic ingredients.

You’ll get all the skin benefits of vitamin E, vitamin K, and fatty acids, with none of the fillers found in most commercial creams. Plus, one jar lasts a long time, making it one of the most cost-effective clean skincare products you can make.

Final Thoughts on Homemade Tallow Balm

Once you try this whipped tallow balm, you’ll never look at tallow moisturizers the same way again. It’s deeply hydrating, incredibly soothing, and made entirely from organic ingredients you can trust.

It’s the perfect multitasking balm for your whole family—and it’s as close to a miracle moisturizer as nature gets. Whether you use it as a face cream, body butter, or moisturizer, your skin will thank you.

If you love this recipe then check out my Whipped Tallow Face Cream Recipe!

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