Tallow Balm Recipe For All Skin Types

Introduction

I'm Annie Gagné, the heart and soul behind The Tallow Company, and a bustling mom of three adorable little ones, eagerly awaiting the arrival of our fourth. My journey into the realm of whipped tallow balms began not in a lab or a studio, but right at home, driven by a mother’s desire to soothe and heal.

When my son's eczema turned our days and nights into a constant search for relief, I stumbled upon a secret ingredient that was just around the corner – quite literally! Thanks to a local farmer, we discovered the wonderful benefits tallow balms. This unassuming, traditional remedy turned out to be a game-changer for us, almost magically easing his eczema issues.

Now, I want to share this slice of our family's heart with you: a simple yet profoundly effective whipped tallow balm recipe. Crafted with the goodness of purified tallow and the nurturing touch of hemp seed oil, this balm is a testament to the power of natural ingredients.

Our Recipe

In the heart of every effective skincare product are its ingredients, and our whipped tallow balm is no exception. Let's delve into the two powerhouses of our recipe: tallow and hemp seed oil, and how they can be enhanced with the aromatic bliss of essential oils.

The Magic of Beef Tallow

Tallow, a nourishing fat derived from the rendered fat of cattle, has been a skincare staple for centuries. Rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K, it's incredibly compatible with our skin's biology, meaning it's easily absorbed and incredibly hydrating.

Tallow works wonders in replenishing dry, tired skin, and its natural healing properties have been a saving grace for my son's eczema.

The Versatility of Hemp Seed Oil

Now, pair tallow with the modern marvel that is hemp seed oil, and you have a recipe for skin success. Hemp seed oil, particularly the refined variant we use, is a treasure trove of omega fatty acids and antioxidants. While cold-pressed hemp seed oil is popular, its strong scent and green color can be off-putting.

Refined hemp seed oil, on the other hand, retains all the benefits without the overpowering aroma and color, making it a perfect partner for our tallow balm. It's gentle yet effective, suitable for all skin types, and works diligently to balance out the skin's natural oils. One of my favorite thing about hemp seed oil is that it has the unique properties of not-clogging the pores (like tallow) and to neutralize the pH of the skin. This makes this balm truly versatile both for people with acne AND eczema.

Spruce It Up with Essential Oils:

To elevate our balm further, we often turn to the aromatic world of essential oils. While these are completely optional, they can add a sensory pleasure to the balm's healing properties. For instance:

• Frankincense: Known for its soothing and rejuvenating properties, it's a great choice for aging skin.
• Cedarwood: With its grounding, woodsy aroma, it's not just a delight for your senses but also excellent for oily skin types.
• Lavender: A universally loved scent that's perfect for calming both skin and mind, making it ideal for evening routines.

If you struggle with acne, check out our tallow balm acne recipe, and if you struggle with eczema, check out our tallow balm eczema recipe. 

Incorporating these essential oils into the balm not only infuses it with a delightful fragrance but also enhances its therapeutic properties. Each oil brings its unique benefits, allowing you to customize the balm to your skin’s needs or mood.

Ingredients & Equipment

What I love most about our Whipped Tallow Balm is its luxurious and light feel. It's a delight to the touch, and a tiny bit goes a long way in nourishing and soothing the skin. Let's dive into how you can create this wonderful balm at home.

Ingredients:

• 7 parts purified tallow (e.g., 7 oz for a smaller batch)
• 3 parts refined hemp seed oil (e.g., 3 oz for a smaller batch)
• Optional: 10-15 drops of essential oil (Frankincense, Cedarwood, or Lavender)

Equipment:

• Saucepan or double boiler
• Mixing bowl
• Hand mixer or whisk
• Spatula
• Jar or container for storage
• Cake decorating kit (for an elegant transfer into jars)

Instructions

Step 1: Melting The Tallow

Begin by gently melting the purified tallow in a saucepan or double boiler. Ensure the tallow is completely liquid but not overheated.

Step 2: Cooling and Adding Hemp Seed Oil

Once melted, remove the tallow from the heat and let it start to cool down. As it begins to solidify, add the refined hemp seed oil to the mixture. The ideal ratio for us is 70% tallow to 30% hemp seed oil.

Step 3: Whipping the Mixture

Once your tallow and hemp seed oil mixture begins to solidify but isn't fully set, it's the ideal time to start whipping.

Using a hand mixer or whisk, whip the mixture energetically. This is the sweet spot in the process – if you start at this stage, you'll find that the mixture reaches the desired consistency without requiring excessive stirring.

If you plan to use essential oils, this is also the moment to gently blend them into the mix, as the dynamic motion of whipping will distribute the oils evenly.

Continue this process until your balm transforms into a light and fluffy delight, which may take a few minutes.

A little tip from my own experience:  wait for the tallow and hemp seed oil mixture to solidify(not too much) before you begin whipping. I learned this the hard way, spending a whopping 45 minutes whipping my first batch! By following these steps, you'll create a perfect, airy balm with ease and efficiency.

Step 4: Transfer into jars

Once your Whipped Tallow Balm is perfectly fluffy, it's time for the satisfying final step: transferring it into jars. For a smooth and stylish process, spoon your freshly whipped creation into a cake decorating kit, selecting a nozzle that best fits your preference for both ease and aesthetics.

Then, gently pipe the balm into your chosen storage jars. This method not only ensures a neat transfer but also adds an aesthetically pleasing touch to your homemade skincare product, making each jar a visually delightful representation of your handiwork.

Step 5: Enjoy!

And there you have it – your very own batch of Whipped Tallow Balm, perfect for nurturing and soothing your skin, just the way nature intended.

Additional Tips

Sourcing Quality Ingredients:

• Tallow: For the best results, source high-quality, purified tallow, preferably from grass-fed cattle. Local farmers or specialty butchers can be great sources.
• Hemp Seed Oil: Choose refined hemp seed oil for its neutral scent and color, while still retaining all the skin-loving benefits.

Customizing Your Balm:

• Essential Oils: Feel free to experiment with different essential oils based on your skin needs or scent preferences. Some other great options include chamomile for sensitive skin, tea tree for acne-prone skin, or rose oil for mature skin.
• Consistency: Adjust the ratio of tallow to hemp seed oil slightly to achieve your preferred consistency. More tallow will yield a firmer balm, while more oil will make it softer.

Shelf Life and Storage:

• Store your balm in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prolong its shelf life.
• If you live in a warmer climate, consider storing the balm in the refrigerator to maintain its whipped texture.

Safety and Allergies:

• Always patch test any new skincare product, especially if you have sensitive skin or known allergies.
• Be mindful of the essential oils you choose, as some can be irritating to sensitive skin.

Conclusion

As you whip up your batch of tallow balm, remember that each jar you fill is not just filled with a luxurious and effective balm but also with the story of your journey towards a more natural, wholesome approach to skincare.

We hope this recipe brings as much joy and relief to your family as it has to ours. Leave a comment on your experience below!