Tallow is a miraculous ingredient. Of course in homestead circles, I have heard about it for years, but it wasn’t until I made my own tallow balm that I understood the excitement. Now, tallow has been an incredible addition to my skincare routine because it is so hydrating and nourishing. I have only been using tallow balm for a few weeks and my skin is already transformed from dry, irritated, and flakey, to supple, soft, and even! I love this recipe so much that I have forsaken almost all my other skincare for tallow because it does such a great job of keeping my skin hydrated, clear, and nourished.
What is tallow?
Tallow is pure rendered beef fat. It is made by melting, stirring, and straining the fat until it is a light color and consistent texture.
Benefits of using beef tallow for skin
Tallow is incredibly moisturizing and nourishing. Because it is a completely natural product, it replenishes the skin’s elasticity which naturally declines with age. Tallow also creates a protective barrier on the skin which helps to lock in moisture while still allowing the skin to breathe.
Does tallow balm smell bad?
Some people do not love the smell of tallow by itself or in skin care. Some people don’t mind the smell, or don’t think it smells like anything. I personally don’t mind the slight, earthy smell of tallow balm, but if you do you can certainly mask the scent with an essential oil of your choice.
Where can I buy tallow?
I 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. I would suggest you visit local farms, farmers’ markets, and butcher shops to ask for tallow or beef fat to render into tallow.
How to use tallow balm
A little tallow goes a long way. This balm is very thick and nourishing, so you won’t need much. I like to do a thicker layer at night and a lighter one in the morning. Because the balm includes so many great ingredients, you won’t need to use any other oils or lotions in your routine. I would recommend experimenting with the balm to see how much your skin needs.
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Supplies and Ingredients You will need:
- Hand or stand mixer
- Double Boiler
- Small glass jars-I like to reuse small glass candle jars, jam jars, or skin care tubs. Be sure to wash thoroughly!
- If you don’t have any jars to reuse, here are some favorites
- Raw, organic Shea 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, and argan oil
Whipped Tallow Balm
Ingredients
- 32 g pure, organic, unscented, grass-fed tallow
- 10 g shea butter or mango butter
- 5 g organic, raw, local honey
- 1 oz face oils of your choice I like to use jojoba, rosehip seed oil, Marula oil, and argan oil. It does not matter how much of each oil you use as long as it totals to 1 oz.
- 5 g aloe vera I have an aloe plant that I use, but you can also use aloe from a tube, as long as it is pure, 100% aloe
- 5 drops *optional* vanilla essential oil if your face is very sensitive, dry, or irritated, do not use any essential oils!
Instructions
- In a large heat-safe bowl, weigh your tallow and shea 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 (not essential oil yet) 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 soil, but look like it is waxed over.
- You can now add the add in the aloe and essential oils (because they are sensitive to heat).
- Use a hand or stand mixer to whip on high for around 10 minutes until the tallow balm is pale, creamy, and has air pockets
- Fill small jars with the tallow balm and store in the refrigerator or a cool dark place until ready to use.
If stored properly, tallow can last for up to 6 months. Always store in a cool dark place.
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