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.

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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 & Where To Source It

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% grass fed beef tallow. My favorite is the The Fat Lady Tallow. Use this link and get 15% off of your first order and free shipping on orders over $49. I love this tallow because it is sourced from local regenerative farms and is 100% grass fed and grass finished tallow sourced from suet (kidney) fat which results in a more nutrient dense tallow with less smell and better stability.

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 double or triple filtering method for the best quality and the least smell.

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 100% grass fed 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 by Step

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.

Whipped Tallow Balm FAQs

Does tallow smell?
Properly rendered tallow has a very mild, neutral scent. If your balm smells strongly “beefy,” it’s usually a sign the tallow wasn’t rendered or purified well enough. You can also add essential oils for a light, pleasant scent, but high-quality tallow on its own should not have an overpowering odor. The brand I recommend is Fat Lady tallow. It has a much more mild smell than other brands I have tried.

Why is it important to use properly rendered tallow from suet?
Suet (the fat from around the kidneys) produces the cleanest, most stable tallow for skincare. When rendered correctly, it results in a smoother texture, lighter scent, and longer shelf life. Poorly rendered tallow or tallow made from other fat trimmings can be grainy, smell stronger, and feel heavier on the skin.

Is tallow balm greasy?
Tallow balm is richer than most conventional lotions, so it can feel slightly oily at first. However, it absorbs well when used in a small amount. Start with a pea-sized amount and allow a few minutes for it to sink in—your skin should feel soft and nourished, not overly greasy.

Why does tallow feel different from store-bought lotions?
Most conventional lotions contain water and synthetic ingredients that create a lighter, fast-drying feel. Tallow balm is an oil-based product with no fillers, so it behaves more like a concentrated moisturizer. Adjusting your expectations and using less product makes a big difference.

How much should I use?
A little goes a long way. Start with a very small amount (about a pea-sized dab) and add more only if needed. Using too much can leave your skin feeling overly heavy.

Will tallow clog pores?
Tallow is considered non-comedogenic for most people and closely mimics the natural oils in our skin. Many people find it helps balance their skin rather than clog it. However, if you’re acne-prone, it’s always best to patch test first.

Can I use tallow balm on my face?
Yes! Tallow is gentle and nourishing enough for facial use. Just be sure to apply a very small amount and allow it to fully absorb.

What skin types is tallow balm best for?
Tallow balm works especially well for dry, sensitive, or mature skin. It can also benefit normal skin types. Those with very oily skin may prefer to use it sparingly or only at night.

Why is my tallow balm grainy?
Graininess can happen if the tallow cools too slowly or unevenly. To fix this, gently re-melt the balm and cool it more quickly (such as in the fridge), then re-whip if desired. But even if you don’t fix it—this is purely a superficial issue, meaning it only affects the surface. When you apply the product to your skin, the little beads melt away and absorb smoothly.

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.

More Reader Favorite Tallow Recipes

If you love this recipe then check out some of my other tallow skincare recipes:

• Tallow Lip Balm Recipe
• Whipped Tallow Sunscreen Recipe
• Tallow Face Cream Recipe

If you do give this recipe a try, I want to know! Leave a comment with a star rating below. You can also snap a photo & tag @wholisticmandy on Instagram. Your reviews help support this blog and make it possible for me to continue to create the recipes you know and love.

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