This easy to make homemade tallow lotion combines tallow, shea butter and a nourishing carrier oil such as jojoba oil to create a moisturising, nutrient-dense lotion.

Homemade Tallow Lotion

This homemade tallow lotion is light and absorbs right into your skin without the big greasy feeling. Instead it leaves your skin feeling smooth, silky and soft.

Why use Beef Tallow?

The fats that are found in beef tallow are very compatible to those in our skin.

It is rich in vitamins such as A,D,E and K, in antioxidants and other nutrients that all help with penetrating the skin, preventing water loss and is perfect for all ages from babies with diaper rash all the way to those looking for an anti-aging moisturiser.
This raw beef fat that has been rendered to remove impurities, has been used for a very long time in skincare products.

The process of rendering is easy to do. Just gently and slowly heat some finely-chopped suet (also known as raw beef fat) in a slow cooker on low until the cracklings form. Then, strain the mixture and there you have it.

Toxins are usually stored in the fat, so using organic beef fat is the best. If you have your own organic cattle, then that is even better.

Types of Tallow

There are many different types of tallow that come from different animals.

This balm is best made with beef tallow, though I have heard of some people using deer tallow for it as well.

Pig tallow is not the best for this balm.

Depending on what tallow you are using, you may find that some are harder at room temperature than others. If your tallow is hard at room temperature, you want to decrease the amount of beeswax in this recipe or even leave it out altogether. Though, if your tallow is soft, than you may want to add a little more to make sure that your lip balm is at a good consistency.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are potent, and need to be diluted. As this soap is being used on your body, you will need to use essential oils that are gentle enough to be applied to your skin – and use in the correct quantities. Be careful to avoid sensitive areas like your eyes.

Lavender essential oil helps calm and relax the mind and body. It also may help with fighting anxiety and depression.
Other essential oils that could be added to this balm include: Frankincense, peppermint, chamomile, steam-distilled lemon or other citrus essential oils.

Tallow Balm Tips

Once melted the tallow can be infused with a dried, medicinal herb such as calendula, or lavender. To do this, leave the tallow in the double boiler over very low heat for about 1 hour to infuse. Then strain out the medicinal her and continue on with the recipe.
This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled
One tsp of vitamin E oil could be added

Ingredients for Making Homemade Tallow Lotion

To make around 12 ounces of this lotion, you will need:

1 Cup Rendered Beef Tallow
4 TBSP Jojoba Oil or other carrier oil
4 TBSP Shea Butter
15 Drop Essential Oils, Optional

Making Tallow Lotion

Combine the tallow and shea butter in a microwaveable jug and heat for 30 seconds at a time in the microwave until the mixture is completely melted. Stir in between each heat burst.

This process could also be done in a double boiler.

Mix through the carrier oil such as jojoba oil or avocado oil.

Pour the mixture into a bowl and let it sit until it is hard, then whip with an immersion blender.

Add the essential oils, if using and mix through.

Pour the mixture into small glass jars or tins.

More Tallow Recipes

Storing Tallow Lotion

Store in a dry location away from sunlight and it should last a couple of months. If you live in a humid climate, you may need to store it in the fridge to stop it from getting too runny.