What is tallow balm, and why has this traditional ingredient returned to modern skincare?

Tallow is rendered animal fat, commonly from beef. It has a long history of use in soaps, balms and other traditional skin preparations.

Why people choose tallow balm

Tallow contains a mixture of fatty acids, including oleic, palmitic and stearic acids. In a waterless balm, these help create a rich, emollient texture that can soften the skin and help reduce moisture loss.

Unlike a conventional cream or lotion, a waterless balm does not rely on water and an emulsifier system to create its texture. That makes it concentrated, so only a small amount is normally needed.

Why sourcing matters to us

At The Tallow & Thyme Company, we choose our tallow and supporting ingredients carefully and make our products in small batches in South Devon. We keep our formulas intentionally straightforward and list the ingredients clearly on each product page.

How we make ours

Our tallow is rendered and prepared before being blended into our finished skincare formulas. Depending on the product, we combine it with ingredients such as jojoba oil, beeswax, cocoa butter, vitamin E and selected essential oils.

Where to start

If you are curious about tallow skincare and prefer the simplest option, our Unscented Tallow Balm contains no added fragrance or essential oils.

Start with a small amount on clean, dry skin. Keep water out of the product and always apply with clean, dry hands or a clean, dry spatula.