How to Make Lavender Tallow Balm

This nourishing Lavender Tallow Balm is a simple way to care for your skin. With only a few ingredients, the main one being grass-fed tallow, you can quickly and easily whip up a batch of this balm to help keep your skin hydrated, feeling soft and silky.

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.

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

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Using Tallow Balm

This whipped tallow balm is not greasy. It absorbs quickly and deeply into the skin. There are so many uses including:

• Moisturising and nourishing the hands and feet and other dry, cracked areas that may occur
• Help soothe rashes at diaper change time
• For soothing chapped cheeks and lips
• For helping with healing minor cuts
• Daily body and face moisturiser
• Great for those with Eczema
• For those looking for an anti-aging face cream
• Soothe the skin of those with dermatitis

Storing Tallow Balm

Store in an airtight container in a dry, dark place.

If you live in a hot, humid climate, the fridge might be the best option for you.

It should last for up to 12 months, though if it starts to smell bad, it is time for a new batch.

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Essential Oils

Essential oils are potent, and need to be diluted. As this balm 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, Tea tree may help fight acne, cedarwood or patchouli.

Before Using this Balm

Before using this balm, you will need to understand a few things.

• Essential oils are potent, and need to be diluted. As this balm 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.
• Be mindful of who will be using the balm when adding essential oils as some people can’t use some oils and some oils can’t be used on young children or pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. Some essential oils should not be used on children under 10. Do your research before adding and using any essential oils! 
• Don’t use on skin with open wounds or cuts.  
• Test on small area of skin before using.  If there’s any irritation, dilute with more carrier oils.

Ingredients for Lavender Tallow Balm

To make 4 ounces of this balm, you will need:

• ½ cup Grass Fed Rendered Tallow
• 3 tsp Lavender Infused Oil 
• 1 tsp Beeswax
• Essential Oils – optional

For the lavender infused oil, you will need:

• Dried Lavender Flowers
• Carrier oil of choice such as extra virgin olive oil, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil

Making Lavender Infused Oil

To make this balm, first you need to make Lavender Infused Oil.

To make the infused oil, you will need: 

• ½ cup Dried Lavender flowers – If you have fresh flowers, let them dry for at a couple of days before infusing.
• 1 cup Olive Oil or another carrier oil of your choice

First you will need to infuse the lavender in the olive oil.

Place the dry flowers in a glass jar and cover it completely with olive oil. 

Put the lid on the jar and store in a dark cupboard for two to four weeks, shaking every couple of days to keep everything submerged.

Strain the leaves with a strainer, cheesecloth or an unbleached coffee filter. The infused oil is now ready to make into a salve.

If you want to speed up the infusion process, slowly heat the oil in a slow cooker on low heat for 24 – 48 hours.

For more information on making infused oils, check this out.

NOTE: Other dried flowers that could be used instead of lavender include roses, chamomile, geranium, mint, and calendula.

Making Lavender Tallow Balm

Combine the beeswax, tallow and 3 teaspoons of the lavender infused oil in a microwaveable jug and heat for 30 seconds at a time in the microwave until the beeswax is completely melted. Stir in between each heat burst.

This process could also be done in a double boiler.

Let cool for a couple of minutes then add the essential oil if using and mix through.

Pour the mixture into small glass jars or tins.

Let the balm cool and set.

Whipped Tallow Balm

To make a whipped Lavender Tallow Balm, place the jars in the fridge for about 45 minutes to 1 hour after pouring the mixture into them.

Once set, remove from the fridge and whip using a hand mixer for about 1 to 2 minutes. This mixture will become fluffy and white.

Store in a sealable glass jar.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on this website.