Tallow is a rendered form of animal fat, primarily derived from beef or mutton, and has been used in skincare for centuries. Rich in skin-nourishing fatty acids, it closely resembles the natural oils (sebum) produced by human skin, making it an excellent moisturiser. Traditionally used in soaps, balms, and creams, tallow is gaining popularity in natural skincare due to its deep hydration and skin-repairing properties.
Tallow is composed of various fatty acids that contribute to its unique properties:
Since tallow is animal-derived, sourcing quality, grass-fed tallow ensures better nutrient content, including higher levels of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K.
Tallow
Storage: Store in an airtight container away from heat, light, and moisture.
Shelf Life: Refrigeration extends shelf life, but it remains stable at room temperature. 6 months to 1 year at room temperature; up to 2 years when refrigerated.
You can render your own at home however there is a lot of work involved in this and leaves your house smelling very meaty. Purchasing a good quality, pre-processed version will be much easier, and the end product smells much less meaty.
If you want a natural, skin-compatible moisturiser, tallow is an excellent choice.
If you’re making traditional soaps or balms, tallow enhances the texture and longevity.
Solid at room temperature but softens upon contact with skin. It is creamy, smooth, and rich and melts easily when blended into recipes.
Depends how clean/processed it is. Some can have a very strong beefy smell all the way to have almost no scent at all.
Melts at 35–40°C (95–104oF) depending on the composition and source.
Oil Soluble
Deeply moisturising: Mimics the skin’s natural lipids for enhanced hydration.
Nutrient-rich: Contains vitamins A, D, E, and K for skin health.
Barrier protection: Strengthens the skin barrier and locks in moisture.
Soothing properties: Helps calm irritated, dry, or eczema-prone skin
Lanolin has a pH range of around 6.0 to 7.0, which is close to the skin’s natural pH, making it suitable for most skin types.
Lanolin has a slower absorption rate due to its thick, waxy texture. It forms a protective barrier on the skin, which helps lock in moisture but may feel heavier on the skin compared to lighter oils.
5-100% in balms, body butters, and solid moisturisers.
10-50% in creams and lotions.
20-60% in traditional soaps.
Pale yellow to off-white solid fat (unrefined).
White and uniform (refined).
✅ Highly compatible with human skin.
✅ Provides long-lasting moisture without clogging pores.
✅ Enhances the stability of oil-based recipes.
✅ Rich in vitamins and beneficial fatty acids.
❌ Not vegan-friendly.
❌ Can have a slight animal scent if unrefined.
❌ Heavy texture—may not suit oily skin types.
Shea Butter: Similar moisturising and skin-repairing properties.
Cocoa Butter: Provides a thick, protective barrier and a more neutral scent.
Mango Butter: Lighter feel with good hydration benefits.
Melt slowly over low heat to preserve nutrients.
Blend with lighter oils (like jojoba) for a less greasy feel.
Add essential oils to neutralise any remaining natural scent.
If you’re making a balm or butter it can be cold processed—it whips/mashes very nicely.
💡 Use grass-fed, organic tallow for the best skin benefits.
💡 Combine with beeswax for a firmer balm texture.
💡 Pair with essential oils like lavender or chamomile for added skin-soothing effects.
💡 Try adding a touch of arrowroot powder to reduce greasiness in balms.
For personal use: 100–250g (3.5–8.8 oz)
For DIY projects: 500g–1kg (1.1–2.2 lbs)