Tallow and Honey Balm Recipe (For Face and Body)
If you’re looking for a simple, nourishing skincare product made with natural ingredients, this tallow and honey balm recipe is one you’ll want to keep on hand. Made with grass-fed tallow, raw honey, shea butter, and jojoba oil, this luxurious blend provides deep hydration while supporting healthy skin.
This DIY tallow honey balm is rich in essential fatty acids, fat-soluble vitamins, and moisturizing natural oils that help soothe dry skin, soften rough patches, and protect the skin’s natural barrier. Whether you’re looking for a tallow and honey balm for face, a natural facial moisturizer, or a gentle balm for sensitive skin, this homemade recipe is a great addition to your natural skincare routine.
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Why You’ll Love This Tallow and Honey Balm
The world of natural skincare has embraced beef tallow as a new star, and for good reason. Grass-fed beef tallow contains nutrients that closely resemble human sebum, making it highly compatible with the skin.
Combined with the remarkable properties of Manuka honey or raw honey, this balm creates a natural skincare solution that deeply nourishes and moisturizes without relying on synthetic products.
Tallow and Honey Balm Benefits
Some of the top tallow and honey balm benefits include:
- Deep hydration for dry skin
- Helps soothe dry patches and rough areas
- Supports the skin’s protective barrier
- Rich in essential fatty acids
- Contains beneficial fat-soluble vitamins
- May help minimize the appearance of fine lines caused by dryness
- Suitable for many skin types
- Gentle enough for sensitive skin
- Provides long-lasting moisture during winter months
- Made with natural ingredients rather than synthetic products
Many people choose tallow and honey balm for face care because it provides nourishment without the long ingredient lists found in many commercial skincare products.
Ingredients
For the Balm
- 1 cup grass-fed and finished tallow (I recommend this brand)
- 1 scant tablespoon Manuka honey (UMF certified) or raw honey
- 2 tablespoons jojoba oil
- 1 tablespoons shea butter or mango butter
- 5-10 drops vitamin E oil (optional)
- 10-12 drops of essential oil (optional – I use frankincense and geranium)
- 1–2 teaspoons beeswax (optional)
Ingredient Benefits
Grass-Fed Tallow
Grass-fed tallow is the main ingredient in this recipe. Made from rendered beef fat, this traditional animal fat has been used for generations in natural skin care. Grass-fed tallow contains essential fatty acids and nutrients that help support healthy skin.
You can purchase rendered tallow from a local farmer or make your own from rendered beef fat.
Manuka Honey or Raw Honey
Raw honey and Manuka honey help attract moisture to the skin and complement the nourishing properties of tallow beautifully.
If using Manuka honey, look for a genuine UMF certified product for the highest quality.
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil closely mimics the skin’s natural oils and helps improve the texture and absorption of the balm.
Shea Butter
Shea butter adds extra nourishment and contributes to the smooth, creamy texture of this homemade tallow balm.
Vitamin E Oil
Vitamin E helps support skin health and may help extend the shelf life of the balm.
Essential Oils
Frankincense and Geranium essential oils add a light, pleasant scent and pair beautifully with the natural aroma of grass fed tallow.
How to Make Tallow and Honey Balm
1. Melt the Ingredients
Add the tallow, shea butter, and optional beeswax to a double boiler.
Heat over low heat until completely melted. Avoid high heat, which can damage some of the beneficial compounds in the ingredients.
Step 2: Add the Remaining Ingredients
Remove the mixture from the heat and allow it to cool for at least 5-10 minutes. Once it is warm to the touch (not hot).
Stir in the honey, jojoba oil, vitamin E oil, and essential oils. Mix thoroughly with a whisk until fully incorporated. The honey may not be fully emulsified into the oil at this point which is fine. Once you blend in the next step, it will be.
Step 3: Chill the Mixture
Place the bowl in the refrigerator until the mixture begins to solidify but is not totally solid.
You should be able to poke your finger in the middle and easily create an indent. But it shouldn’t be fully solid.
Step 4: Whip Until Fluffy
Using a hand mixer, whip the mixture until light, fluffy, and creamy. It takes about 5 minutes.
Step 5: Store
Transfer the finished balm to small clean glass jars. I like to use these small amber jars.
Store in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight.
How to Use Tallow and Honey Balm
Apply a small amount to clean skin as needed.
Because a little goes a long way, start with less than you think you need and add more if necessary.
For best results:
- Apply to damp skin after cleansing
- Apply to hands, elbows, knees, and dry patches
- Use during cold winter months for extra protection
- Incorporate into your daily skincare routine
This versatile product can be used on both the face and body.
Tallow and Honey Balm for Face
This tallow and honey balm recipe is especially popular because tallow closely resembles human sebum. The combination of tallow and honey helps provide deep hydration while supporting the skin’s natural moisture barrier. Many people find it works well as a nighttime face cream or facial moisturizer.
Tallow and Honey Balm for Skin
This tallow and honey balm recipe for skin works well for:
- Dry skin
- Sensitive skin
- Mature skin
- Normal skin
- Combination skin
Since everyone’s skin reacts differently, perform a patch test before widespread use.
Tallow and Honey Balm for Eczema
Many people seek out tallow and honey balm for eczema because of the moisturizing properties of both ingredients.
While this balm may help support the skin barrier and soothe dry, irritated skin, it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare provider if you have concerns about eczema or other skin conditions.
Variations
Tallow and Honey Balm Recipe Without Beeswax
Want a softer balm? Simply omit the beeswax.
This tallow and honey balm recipe without beeswax creates a creamier texture that’s more similar to a whipped face cream.
Tallow and Manuka Honey Balm Recipe
If you make this recipe with Manuka Honey, make sure it is genuine UMF-certified Manuka honey. The combination of grass-fed tallow and Manuka honey creates a luxurious blend of nutrient-rich ingredients that many natural skincare enthusiasts love.
Oil Substitutions
You can replace part or all of the jojoba oil with:
- Extra Virgin Olive oil
- Castor oil
- Coconut oil
Each liquid oil will create a slightly different texture and feel. However, out of all of these oils, Jojoba Oil is the lowest on the comedogenic scale which means it is less likely to clog pores. That is why I opt for jojoba oil for any cream that I am using on my face.
Storage and Shelf Life
Store your balm in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Keep away from direct sunlight and excessive heat.
When properly stored, this homemade tallow balm typically has a shelf life of 6–8 months.
Vitamin E oil may help extend freshness naturally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tallow and honey balm effective?
Yes. Many people find tallow and honey balm highly effective for moisturizing dry skin and supporting the skin’s natural barrier. The combination of nutrient-rich grass-fed tallow and honey provides long-lasting hydration while helping skin feel soft and nourished. Many people report that it can also help to improve skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis.
Is beef tallow with honey good for skin?
Beef tallow with honey is a popular natural skincare combination because it contains essential fatty acids, natural oils, and moisturizing compounds that support healthy skin. Many people prefer it over skincare products that contain synthetic ingredients.
Why is my tallow and honey balm separating?
Because honey is water-based and tallow is fat-based, separation can occasionally occur. To help prevent separation, allow the melted ingredients to cool slightly before adding the honey and whip the mixture thoroughly once partially solidified.
How much balm should I use at a time?
Only a small amount is needed. Start with a pea-sized amount for your face and adjust as needed. A little goes a long way.
Can I use tallow and honey balm every day?
Absolutely. This balm is gentle enough for everyday use and can be used morning or night as part of your skincare routine.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for the best tallow and honey balm recipe, this simple DIY recipe is an excellent place to start.
Made with grass-fed tallow, nourishing plant oils, shea butter, and Manuka honey, this beef tallow honey balm provides deep hydration and supports healthy skin using traditional ingredients that have been trusted for generations.
Whether you’re creating your own natural skincare products, looking for natural alternatives to commercial products, or simply wanting to experience the benefits of tallow, this homemade balm is a wonderful addition to your collection of natural skin care products.
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
- Tallow Diaper Rash Cream
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.
Tallow And Honey Balm
Equipment
- 1 Double boiler optional
- 2 amber jars 2 oz or 4 oz size
Ingredients
- 1 cup grass fed tallow
- 1 tbsp Shea Butter
- 1 scant tbsp Manuka Honey or Raw Honey
- 2 tbsp Jojoba Oil
- 5-10 drops vitamin E optional – helps with preserving
- 10-14 drops essential oils optional
- 2 tsp beeswax optional
Instructions
- Add the tallow, shea butter, and optional beeswax to a double boiler. Heat over low heat until completely melted. Avoid high heat, which can damage some of the beneficial compounds in the ingredients.1 cup grass fed tallow, 1 tbsp Shea Butter
- Remove the mixture from the heat and allow it to cool for at least 5-10 minutes. Once it is warm to the touch (not hot). Stir in the honey, jojoba oil, vitamin E oil, and essential oils. Mix thoroughly with a whisk until fully incorporated. The honey may not be fully emulsified into the oil at this point which is fine. Once you blend in the next step, it will be.1 scant tbsp Manuka Honey, 2 tbsp Jojoba Oil, 5-10 drops vitamin E, 10-14 drops essential oils, 2 tsp beeswax
- Place the bowl in the refrigerator until the mixture begins to solidify but is not totally solid. You should be able to poke your finger in the middle and easily create an indent. But it shouldn't be fully solid. Refer to my step by step images in the blog post for reference.
- Using a hand mixer, whip the mixture until light, fluffy, and creamy. It takes about 5 minutes.
- Transfer the finished balm into clean glass jars. I like to use the small amber jars linked in the equipment section of this recipe card. Store in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight.
