With the cooler weather coming, it can be really hard on your skin, especially your lips. Tallow is an amazing moisturiser, making this Tallow Lip Balm a wonderful addition to your list of beauty care products to make to have on hand at all times.
Tallow Lip Balm
This tallow lip balm makes a great natural, moisturising lip balm that is handy to have on hand for you or for a gift for a special person in your life.
By making this tallow lip balm, you are in control of the ingredients, making your own custom blends within minutes, without spending a fortune.
Why 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.
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.
- Other carrier oils can be used instead of jojoba oil and caster oil. These carrier oils can also be infused with herbs or medicinal flowers for added benefits
- This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled
- One tsp of vitamin E oil could be added
- One TBSP of raw, unfiltered honey could also be added to this recipe, though this may affect the consistency depending on the other ingredients you are using.
- Shea butter or mango butter can be used instead of cocoa butter.
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, peppermint, chamomile, steam-distilled lemon or other citrus essential oils.
More Tallow Recipes
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.
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. Also, check the date of your tallow and use that as a guideline as to when it expires.
Ingredients for Making Tallow Lip Balm
- 2 TBSP Tallow
- 2 TBSP Castor Oil
- 2 TBSP Jojoba Oil
- 3 TBSP Beeswax
- 1 tsp Cocoa Butter
- 10 drops Essential Oils, optional
- Lip Balm Containers or Push Up Containers
Making Tallow Lip Balm Sticks
Combine the tallow, jojoba oil, beeswax and cocoa butter in a glass jar and slowly heat in a double boiler until melted. These ingredients could also be slowly melted in a microwave.
Once completely melted, mix well, then let cool for a few minutes.
Add the essential oils if using, and mix through.
Pour into your lip balm containers.
Let sit for about 4 hours until set.
Add the lid and store until needed.
Tallow Lip Balm
Simple Living. Creative LearningIngredients
- 2 TBSP Rendered Tallow
- 2 TBSP Castor Oil
- 2 TBSP Jojoba Oil
- 3 TBSP Beeswax
- 1 tsp Cocoa Butter
- 10 Drops Essential Oils Optional
Instructions
- Combine the tallow, jojoba oil, beeswax and cocoa butter in a glass jar and slowly heat in a double boiler until melted. These ingredients could also be slowly melted in a microwave.
- Once completely melted, mix well, then let cool for a few minutes.
- Add the essential oils if using, and mix through.
- Pour into your lip balm containers.
- Let sit for about 4 hours until set.
- Add the lid and store until needed.
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.