Tallow balm—or, in simpler terms, rendered beef fat—might sound unconventional, but it’s become my skincare hero. A few years ago, when my grandbaby stayed with us, a stubborn rash flared up on her legs. I refused to reach for medicated creams or chemical-laden lotions, so I dug into research and stumbled across tallow balm’s healing reputation for dry skin, eczema, and more. Claims even stretched to acne relief—though, with no pimples to test, I’ll leave that to others. What I can confirm? It cleared her rash beautifully. Intrigued, I tried it on myself and haven’t looked back. In my Wise & Wild Way program, where ancestral wisdom meets practical care, tallow balm’s a standout—nourishing skin and hair alike with pure, natural goodness.

Here’s why tallow balm, made from beef tallow, deserves a place in your beauty routine—and how to make it work for you.

A Personal Journey to Tallow

My tallow tale started with my grandbaby’s rash. After its success, I slathered it on my face, body, and even my coarse, wavy hair—each time, it delivered unmatched moisture. But buying it got pricey, so I sourced raw tallow from my local market, eager to DIY. First attempt? A gritty disaster—my husband was brushing clumps off me in bed. Lesson learned: tallow balm needs preparation. Armed with fresh know-how, I perfected my recipe, and now it’s a staple—smooth, effective, and oh-so-satisfying.

Why Tallow Balm Works Wonders

So, what makes tallow balm exceptional? It’s rendered animal fat—specifically beef tallow—strikingly similar to our skin’s natural sebum. This bio-compatibility means it meets your skin’s exact needs:

• Intense Hydration: Packed with fatty acids like oleic and stearic, it sinks deep, soothing dryness without clogging pores—perfect for parched skin or the scalp beneath your curls.
• Healing Relief: Vitamins A, D, E, K, and CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) reduce inflammation, easing eczema, rashes, and scrapes with a gentle touch.
• Pure and Non-Toxic: Unlike many “natural” products laced with preservatives, tallow balm skips the chemicals. What you put on your skin hits your bloodstream unfiltered—tallow’s edible-grade purity aligns with my rule: if you can’t eat it, don’t wear it.

Romans and Egyptians used it for burns and balms; 200 years ago, it was a household staple in soaps and lotions. Today, it’s a return to that wisdom—non-toxic skincare at its finest.

DIY Tallow Balm: Your Skin’s New Best Friend

Ready to craft your own? Here’s my tried-and-true recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup organic grass-fed tallow (rendered or source organic from a trusted butcher)
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Opt. 48 drops (or as desired) of essential oils of choice (lavender or chamomile, optional for scent and calm).

Directions

1. Melt tallow over gentle heat until it is liquid.
2. Remove tallow from heat. Add olive oil and stir to combine.
3. Add essential oils and stir again.
4. For solid tallow balm, pour balm into glass jar. Allow to harden in the refrigerator. When solid, let balm come to room temperature before using.
5. For whipped tallow balm, pour liquid balm mixture into a large mixing bowl. Allow to solidify at room temperature. When solid, whip with a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy. Store in glass jar.
6. Store both forms of tallow balm at room temperature

How to Use It

Scoop a small amount, warm it in your hands, and massage into skin—face, body, or scalp (post-no-poo rinse). Use daily or as needed.

Curl Care Bonus

For my curly, coily, and wavy hair readers—familiar with my clay mask recipe—tallow balm’s a scalp treat. After my no-poo method or egg yolk wash, it hydrates coarse strands and roots without buildup, enhancing your natural shine. It’s a seamless addition to your curl-care arsenal. You only need a little!

Elevate It, Wise & Wild Style

Tallow balm’s benefits deepen with my holistic approach because beautiful skin and hair is a reflection of what’s happening on the inside

• Cleanse Naturally: My no-poo method keeps your scalp pure—tallow follows suit for skin and hair.
• Nourish Inside: Bone broth, oxtail, or organ meats—GAPS or Nourishing Traditions classics—support skin health from within with much-needed collagen.
• Gut Power: Heal your gut and build a healthy microbiome the Wise & Wild Way with fermented veggies and cultured dairy—your skin’s silent allies.
• Move It: Sweat and move at least 3x weekly. Get out into the sun, hit the sauna, and try one of my fitness classes on SPBTV. Exercise and sweat detoxes and boosts circulation, amplifying tallow’s effects.
• Destress: Chronic stress unleashes cortisol, sparking inflammation, dryness, and breakouts that sap your skin’s vibrancy; destressing with meditation, yoga, or my Leading Lady Experience life coaching equips you with tools to calm your mind, enriching your life, and fostering a healthier you. Your skin will reward you with a radiant glow by easing inflammation and bolstering its natural resilience.

The Fine Print: What to Know

Tallow balm is safe for most, but source matters—opt for grass-fed beef to avoid hormones or antibiotics. Sensitive skin or beef allergies? Patch test first. It’s shelf-stable, but store it in a cool, dark place to preserve its potency—no fridge needed.

Why It’s a Keeper

Tallow balm delivers—profound moisture, healing relief, and pure simplicity—without the chemical baggage or steep cost. It’s cleared rashes, softened my skin, and tamed my coarse hair—a testament to its ancestral roots and modern appeal. Want radiant, healthy skin that reflects your natural vitality? Tallow’s your answer—make it, use it, love it.

Rub it in, feel the glow—tallow balm’s a timeless treasure.

Take It Further

Grab your copy of my Tallow Balm recipe here

Explore more natural beauty articles with my No-Poo shampoo method, curl care, and detox baths—tallow complements all. For more ancestral beauty wisdom, join my  newsletter for practical tips to keep your health, life, and relationships thriving. Also, check out my Sharise Uncut podcast where I cut the crap and get to the truth about health, life, relationships—and everything in between.