I’ve been researching and using tallow more in recent years, and it turns out so have many of you. My whipped tallow balm is a fan favorite because it feels so silky on skin. One of the questions I get asked most often though is how to add honey to the recipe. This honey tallow balm does just that.
I’ve also added other ingredients that are great for clearing up skin and diminishing blemishes.
When it comes to skincare, I’ve found that sometimes the simplest ingredients are the most effective. While there are countless products designed to target blemishes and support clearer skin, many of them can be harsh, drying, or filled with ingredients I’d rather not use. Traditional ingredients that have been used for generations though are worth reaching for.
This honey tallow balm combines several skin-loving ingredients into one simple formula. It nourishes the skin barrier while also supporting a clearer complexion. Instead of stripping skin or trying to force it into compliance, this balm focuses on giving skin what it needs. Tallow honey balm not only moisturizes, but gives skin beneficial compounds so it can function as designed.
One of the star ingredients in this balm is grass-fed beef tallow. Tallow has a unique fatty acid profile that closely resembles the natural oils in our skin. This means it sinks right into skin and helps restore our natural moisture barrier.
Another favorite ingredient that has a long history in natural skincare. Honey is rich in beneficial compounds that keep skin looking healthy and smooth. It also acts as a humectant, attracting and retaining moisture. This is especially helpful for skin that feels irritated, dry, or out of balance. I also love raw honey for acne and blemishes since it’s naturally antimicrobial.
Beeswax helps to thicken the balm and creates a breathable protective layer on the skin. Some creams use petroleum jelly as an occlusive to trap moisture. These don’t feed skin though and can feel heavy or greasy. Rather than sealing the skin completely, beeswax helps lock in moisture while still allowing the skin to breathe.
In my classic tallow balm recipe I use olive oil as the carrier oil. It’s full of healthy fats and anti-inflammatory Omega-3s. In this version though I opted for tamanu oil.
Skincare experts note how tamanu helps support skin healing and recovery. It’s often used in products for improving the appearance of blemished and damaged skin. Research shows it can help reduce redness and inflammation while improving marks left from acne damage. It’s one of my favorite oils to use in skincare for damaged or blemish-prone skin.
These are optional, but really helpful to add more skin benefits. Plus they can add a nice scent. I like using tea tree essential oil for blemish or acne prone skin. It’s an effective but gentle anti-fungal and is well known for it’s skin cleansing properties.
Sweet or wild orange is another favorite. It has a bright, uplifting scent and can also help improve skin’s appearance. Lavender, geranium, frankincense, and cedarwood are also great skin-friendly options.
Anything that can address several skincare concerns at once is a win in my book. Instead of focusing solely on blemishes, honey tallow balm supports overall skin health.
Many people unknowingly damage their skin barrier through over-cleansing, harsh treatments, or excessive exfoliation. When the skin barrier becomes compromised, it can sometimes lead to more irritation, dryness, and breakouts. Ingredients like tallow, honey, and tamanu oil help nourish and support the skin while maintaining moisture balance.
This balm can help soothe redness, boost healing from blemishes, and keep skin feeling soft and moisturized. Because it contains nutrient-rich fats, it’s also useful for skin that feels rough, dry, or irritated. Overall, honey tallow balm helps the skin to balance out.
A little goes a long way with this balm. I like to apply a small amount to clean skin and rub a thin layer over my face. If you’re using it as part of your skincare routine, then do it after cleansing and toning. Your body heat softens the balm so it easily glides over skin.
I use this on my face to moisturize or other areas that need a little extra love. You can also use it as a spot treatment for blemishes and red skin. If your skin feels greasy or looks oily afterwards, then you used too much!
I explain how to render tallow so you don’t smell like a walking hamburger here. I also cover a lot of tallow balm making questions and tips in that post. Be sure to check it out for more info.
This simple honey tallow balm uses clean ingredients for a nourishing and hydrating lotion. Helps skin feel smoother and reduces blemishes.
Yield: 5 ounces
Add tallow and beeswax to the top of a double boiler and melt over low heat.
Once it’s completely liquid add the tamanu or other carrier oil, essential oils, and honey and stir.
Pour the tallow balm into a mixing bowl and let it cool in the fridge until it’s hardened some, but not rock hard.
Use a mixer to cream the tallow balm until it’s smoothed and whipped looking.
Transfer the tallow balm into glass jars to store.
Healthy skincare often comes down to the simple things and clean ingredients. Supporting the skin barrier and using quality ingredients goes a long way toward helping skin look and feel its best.
This honey tallow balm is one of those simple recipes that combines traditional ingredients with modern skincare insights. It’s easy to make, uses just a handful of ingredients, and can be a great addition to a natural skincare routine for anyone looking to support clearer, healthier-looking skin.
It’s clean, easy, and has earned a permanent spot on my countertop.
Have you used tallow before? Leave a comment and share below!
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