whipped tallow balm: the easiest DIY skincare recipe
whipped tallow balm, body butter, tallow lotion, etc…
I use it every day and could eat it if I so desired. It takes just a few minutes to make, I know exactly what goes into it, and I’m not spending outrageous amounts of money on shipping, new containers each purchase, etc.
For years I’ve thought the only option was either to pay high prices for whipped balm or to just use straight solid tallow (which is what I did).
Boy was I wrong!
what is whipped tallow balm?
Tallow is the rendered (melted over heat) form of beef fat. It’s used for cooking and baking, skincare, shining shoes, squeaky wheels…you get the picture. It’s versatile!
The whipped balm part happens when you introduce air to softened tallow at high rates of speed. Whipping tallow with a mixer provides air fluff for a smoother and softer balm for skin.
Did you know?
Native Americans used tallow to create pemmican. Pemmican (tallow, dried meat, and sometimes berries) is high in calories and remains shelf stable for long periods of time allowing long distances to be traveled. The tallow coated the other ingredients locking them away from the deleterious effects of air.
why use whipped tallow balm?
Because of endocrine disruptors and because your skin is your largest organ that soaks up everything it touches. Shampoos, lotions, makeup, perfume, body wash, etc. can all contain endocrine disruptors that upset your skin’s natural state of being and its ability to protect you while also dysregulating your hormones and proper body function.
It’s imperative to make sure you’re slathering something healthy all over yourself. And whatever you put on yourself tends to wash off in the shower which then leaches into our farmlands and waters our livestock.
Make sure the products you use are safe for everyone now and in the future.
why should I make this recipe when I can buy whipped tallow balm?
It seems as though everyone and their mother is selling whipped tallow balm or has a recipe for whipped tallow balm these days. It’s totally fine to purchase from someone else if you don’t want to make it.
Just remember that you’re paying for their marketing, shipping, and jars and you can’t know where they’re sourcing their tallow.
But it is ok to buy it from trusted sources! (psst – one is listed below! keep reading!)
But first take a look at this ridiculously simple recipe that I use and then decide.
How does this grow sovereignty?
Our skin is our largest organ and is permeable. Meaning that whatever you put on your skin will be absorbed and passed around your body. Make it healthy! Most store bought skincare products contain toxins (even if they state they’re healthy. Caveat emptor!
things to consider
Tallow by itself has a strong scent and flavor. When I first encountered it – not a fan! But as time has gone on and I continued to use it for its multitude of benefits, my nose adjusted. You can use essential oils to mask the scent of whipped tallow balm.
As with everything we put in or on our bodies, we want to consider the source. Local is always best because you can meet your farmer or rancher and confirm what went into the tallow yourself. How was the cow treated while alive? Was it grass-fed/grass-finished?
I recommend grass-fed/grass-finished tallow (keep reading for my reasons why).
Some like to add Shea butter, olive oil, etc. to their whipped balm to soften the texture.
Tallow typically won’t spoil if at room temperature (depending on your temperature) for 12 months. It’ll be good up to 2 years if you stick it in the fridge. But always just use your nose to determine if it’s rancid. We’ve had our 5 gallon bucket for years and it’s still good to go.
sourcing grass-finished tallow
The most difficult part of this entire recipe will be sourcing tallow. I highly recommend grass-finished tallow because that is the healthiest cow. And we only want to put healthy cow products on us. If there’s dysfunction in the cow, there will be dysfunction in us.
I recommend a 5 gallon bucket as it’s more economical to purchase in bulk and will last you quite a while if you’re only making whipped balm. Consider going in on a bucket with friends or family.
Shipping can be expensive so finding it local is key. Get out there and shake your rancher’s hand, ask how they raise their animals, and then determine if you feel comfortable purchasing from them.
the tools
the ingredients
To get started making this recipe, you’ll first want to gather all your ingredients first.
Here is what you’ll need:
1 cup
solid grass-finished tallow at room temperature
5-20 drops
your choice of essential oils (optional)
the steps
Step 1: Source grass-finished tallow locally.
Step 2: Measure out one (1) cup of room temperature, solid tallow and toss it in a pan.
Step 3: Place the pan on the stove and turn to low heat to slowly melt the tallow.
Step 4: Once melted, carefully (it’s hot!) pour it into a mixing bowl and leave to cool until slightly solid. Check frequently so that it doesn’t harden up past the point of being able to mix it.
You can either leave it out at room temperature or place it in the fridge to speed things up (be careful if it’s a glass bowl). Just don’t forget about it before it becomes too hard to mix!
The tallow should be soft, yet maintaining its form before moving on to the next step. You should be able to make an indention in it without it reforming.
Step 5: Once cooled and slightly thickened, use your mixer to whip up the tallow. This takes 1-3 minutes depending on your tallow and desired consistency. It should form stiff peaks like a meringue.
If your tallow is yellow to begin with (totally fine, by the way), you’ll notice it becomes white as you whip it.
(Optional): Add your desired amount of essential oils. Mix and give a sniff test for every 5 drops before adding more.
Step 6: Placed the whipped tallow into a jar with a lid and put in the fridge if you’re not using it soon, but you can leave it out on your countertop. It won’t spoil quickly.
Your simple DIY (and more economical) skincare balm is done!
Did you make this recipe?
Tag us (@ArdaAcres) on IG to share your creation with us! You can also leave a comment below!
join us weekly for more easy and healthy recipes…
But Jamie, I don’t want to make it…
That’s ok! I have a friend who makes AMAZING whipped tallow balm and healthy sunscreen!
We LOVE her products! And they’re made local to us which is just the cherry on top.
Let her know we sent you!
The Fat Lady is your next favorite skincare product.
Her product bases are tallow and lard. The most popular scent (which is easy on my sensitive nose) is an elusive yet distinctive scent suitable for everyone.
The sunscreen is simply tallow, coconut oil, olive oil, and zinc. It’s been tried and tested by us as well.
Another product, Healing Balm, with Wyoming honey works magic on cuts, abrasions, etc. Honey has amazing healing properties.
Don’t miss out on these products! Your skin will thank you!
Contact her at info@thefatladyfats.com or 307-310-6864
As an Amazon Affiliate, this post may include affiliate links that earn us a small commission from your purchases at no extra cost to you. See our Privacy and Disclosure Policy for more.
shop this recipe
Here are some of the supplies that I used when making this easy, DIY whipped tallow balm.
4oz mason jars
These mason jars are perfect for storing your whipped tallow balm in your bathroom or on the go!
Breville all-in-one immersion blender
This is the only mixer I use for every recipe that calls for it. The different attachments allow for so much versatility and it’s still working for over a decade now.
grass-finished tallow
When we’ve not been able to source locally, we use this grass-finished beef tallow.
Find this post helpful?
Share it on Pinterest
whipped tallow balm: the easiest DIY skincare recipe
Equipment
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 hand mixer
- 1 one cup measuring cup
- 1 spoon
- 1 stovetop pan
- 1 jar with a top
Materials
- 1 cup grass-fed tallow
- essential oils (optional)
Instructions
- Source grass-finished tallow (try for local)
- Measure out one (1) cup of room temperature, solid tallow and toss it in a pan
- Place the pan on the stove and turn to low heat to slowly melt the tallow
- Once melted, carefully (it's hot!) pour it into a mixing bowl and leave to cool until slightly solid
- Once cooled and slightly thickened, use your mixer to whip up the tallow
- Optional: Add essential oils 5 drops at a time. Mix and sniff before adding more.
- Placed the whipped tallow into a jar with a lid