Making whipped tallow balm at home is an easy and cost-effective way to nourish and protect your skin. Tallow, which is rendered beef fat, has been used for centuries as a skincare ingredient due to its high concentration of vitamins A, D, E, and K, as well as its ability to deeply moisturize and protect the skin. It is especially beneficial for anyone with skin conditions such as eczema due to the nourishing and protective properties of tallow and the moisturizing effects of the carrier oils used. It has helped to soothe and reduce the appearance of my own eczema symptoms tremendously! Let’s discuss the benefits of tallow for skin, where to source tallow, which carrier oils to consider, and how to make your own whipped tallow balm at home.
Benefits of Tallow for Skin
Tallow has been shown to have numerous benefits for the skin, including:
Moisturizing: Tallow contains a high amount of fatty acids, which helps to deeply moisturize the skin.
Nourishing: Tallow contains a variety of vitamins and minerals that are essential for healthy skin.
Protecting: Tallow forms a protective barrier on the skin, which helps to prevent moisture loss and protects the skin from environmental stressors.
Anti-inflammatory: Tallow contains anti-inflammatory compounds that can help to soothe and calm irritated skin.
Non-comedogenic: Tallow has a similar composition to human sebum, which means it is non-comedogenic and unlikely to clog pores.
How to Use
Whipped tallow balm can be used as a moisturizer for the face, body, and hands. It is particularly beneficial for dry and sensitive skin, as it helps to deeply nourish and protect the skin. You can also use whipped tallow balm as a lip balm, cuticle cream, or to soothe minor skin irritations.
Where to Source Tallow
If you’re interested in making whipped tallow balm at home, you can source tallow from a local butcher or online. Many natural food grocery stores, including Whole Foods, carry it now as well. Look for grass-fed tallow, as they will have a higher concentration of nutrients than conventionally raised beef.
Which Carrier Oils to Consider
In addition to tallow, you can also incorporate carrier oils into your whipped tallow balm for added skin benefits. Some carrier oils to consider include:
Jojoba oil: This lightweight oil is easily absorbed by the skin and helps to regulate sebum production.
Sweet almond oil: Rich in vitamin E and fatty acids, sweet almond oil helps to nourish and protect the skin.
Coconut oil: This versatile oil is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, making it great for acne-prone or sensitive skin.
Argan oil: Rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, argan oil helps to moisturize and protect the skin from environmental stressors.
Avocado Oil: It is a nourishing and moisturizing oil that is high in vitamin E and fatty acids, making it a great addition to any skincare product. Its thick and rich consistency also helps to provide a nice texture to the balm.
How to Make Whipped Tallow Balm
To make whipped tallow balm at home, you will need:
- 1 cup of tallow
- 1/2 cup of carrier oil(s)
- Essential oils (optional)
- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer
- Glass jar or container with lid
Instructions
- Gently melt the tallow until it is completely liquid.
- Add the carrier oil(s) to the melted tallow and stir to combine.
- Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature or place it in the fridge until it begins to firm up but not harden completely.
- Once the mixture has firmed up slightly, use your mixer to whip it until it is light and fluffy. This takes several minutes.
- Add a few drops of essential oils, if desired, and mix well.
- Spoon the whipped tallow balm into a glass jar or container with a lid.
- Store it at room temperature. It should keep for several months.
