Luxurious and Nourishing Tallow Lotion

Beef tallow is my go-to for all things skincare. Once I started making tallow balm for my face last winter, I realized what an underrated ingredient it is. Not only is tallow a unique superfood, but it makes a nourishing and soothing ingredient for lotions, balms, and even soaps. Today we will be talking about tallow lotion which is just as luxurious and effective as any lotion from an expensive organic skincare brand. In fact, many natural skincare companies are incorporating tallow as an ingredient at a very high price tag. I’ve seen $30 or more for a small jar! This tallow lotion is much less expensive to make and you can curate the ingredients.

Benefits of using beef tallow for skin

Tallow is incredibly moisturizing and nourishing. Because it contains the same lipids and fats found in healthy, youthful skin, it replenishes the skin’s elasticity which naturally declines with age. Beef tallow also creates a protective barrier on the skin that helps to lock in moisture while still allowing the skin to breathe. 

Does tallow balm smell bad?

Everyone is a little different when it comes to the smell of tallow. While I don’t mind the slightly grassy, earthy smell of tallow, some do not prefer it. That is one of the reasons I am including the naturally fragrant cocoa butter in this recipe. The cocoa butter is very nourishing for the skin and will change the scent of the tallow lotion. You can also add any aromatic herbal oils if the tallow smell is a problem for you. 

Where can I buy tallow?

I love making my own tallow and have a blog on the wet render method, if you’d like to learn more! I used to buy pure rendered tallow at one of my favorite local farms where I also source raw milk, pasture-raised eggs, and other beef products. This farm is very reputable and I have trusted and loved all their products for years.  I would suggest you visit local farms, farmers’ markets, and butcher shops to ask for tallow or beef fat to render into tallow. If you cannot find tallow locally, this one is an excellent alternative

How to use tallow lotion

This tallow lotion is incredibly thick and nourishing which means you will not need much to hydrate dry skin. I coat my entire body in it after the shower or bath and use as needed on my hands.

Tools and materials you will need

• Hand or stand mixer
• Double Boiler
• 8 oz glass jars-I like to use any canning or old skincare jars I have lying around (always be sure to wash thoroughly), or I buy a few of the amber glass jars, especially if I am gifting tallow lotion!
• 100% pure rendered beef tallow
• Raw, organic, 100% pure Cocoa Butter
• Raw, organic, local honey (use Manuka if you can’t get your hands on local!)
• Skin oils-my favorites are jojoba, rosehip seed oil, marula oil, argan oil

Luxurious and Nourishing Tallow Lotion

Print Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

cooling time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings 1 4 oz jar

Ingredients

• 40 g pure organic, unscented, grass-fed tallow
• 20 g cocoa butter organic, raw
• 10 g organic honey raw, local
• 1 oz nourishing body/face oils of your choice I like to use jojoba I like to use jojoba, rosehip seed oil, Marula oil, or argan oil. It does not matter how much of each oil you use as long as it totals to 1 oz

Instructions

• In a large heat-safe bowl, weigh your tallow and cocoa butter separately.
• Meanwhile, prepare a pot of simmering water and place the heat safe bowl over the water so the shea butter and tallow are gently heated.
• Remove from heat and add the oils and honey. Stir until mostly dissolved.
• Place your bowl in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes until it begins to solidify and turn an almost dark green color. You do not want it to be completely solid, but instead look like it is waxed over.
• Use a hand or stand mixer to whip on high for around 10 minutes until the lotion is pale, creamy, and has air pockets
• Fill small jars with the tallow lotion and store in the refrigerator or a cool dark place until ready to use.