Tallow face lotion
If you love making your own skincare but want something softer than a balm for your face, this tallow face lotion recipe is for you. Grass-fed tallow and jojoba oil whip into a creamy, lotion-soft cream that melts in and leaves skin feeling comfortable and supple.
Fills one 2 oz jar25 minBeginner-friendly
Why this works
Grass-fed tallow is rich in oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids, in proportions similar to the oils in human skin (sebum), so your skin tends to accept it readily. The higher share of jojoba oil keeps this blend softer and lighter than a whipped balm.
What you'll need
- 1 oz grass-fed tallow (cosmetic-grade, by weight)
- 2 tbsp jojoba oil
- Optional: 2 drops skin-safe essential oil
- Double boiler, hand mixer, a bowl of ice, a clean 2 oz jar
Before you start
- Patch test on your inner arm before first use.
- Do not add water, aloe, or floral waters. Without a preservative they can grow mold and bacteria.
- Keep all tools and your jar fully dry throughout.
How to make it
- 1
Melt 1 oz (by weight) of cosmetic-grade grass-fed tallow in a double boiler over low heat, until it is just liquid.
- 2
Take the bowl off the heat and stir in 2 tbsp of jojoba oil.
- 3
Nest the bowl in ice and cool until the edges begin to set. It stays softer than a balm.
- 4
Whip on medium for 3 to 4 minutes, until creamy and lotion-soft.
- 5
Whip in 2 drops of skin-safe essential oil if using, then spoon into your clean 2 oz jar.
Maker's tips
- Apply a small amount to slightly damp skin. The dampness helps it spread like a lotion.
- Use a thinner layer in the morning so it sits comfortably under sunscreen or makeup.
- If it softens in a warm room, chill it and whip it again to restore the texture.
Keeping it fresh
Because this recipe is water-free, no preservative is needed. Keep it in a clean, dry jar in a cool spot and it will keep about four to six months. In a warm room it can soften or melt. Just chill it and whip again.
Common questions
- Is this a true lotion?
- No, and that is on purpose. A true water-based lotion needs an emulsifier to hold oil and water together and a broad-spectrum preservative to stop mold and bacteria. A kitchen recipe cannot reliably do either, so this one stays water-free to keep it safe.
- Can I add aloe vera or rose water?
- We recommend against it. Any water-based ingredient needs a preservative to prevent mold and bacteria from growing. This recipe stays water-free so it can be made safely at home without one.
- Can I wear it under makeup?
- Yes. Use a very thin layer on damp skin and give it a few minutes to sink in before applying makeup. A light hand keeps it comfortable under makeup.
Keep reading
Love the ritual, not the cleanup?
Making your own is a joy — but on the busy weeks, ours is whipped, jarred, and ready. Same grass-fed tallow, none of the dishes.
DIY safety note
Keep homemade tallow skincare clean, simple, and short-lived
Most homemade tallow balms and butters are preservative-free, so how long a batch lasts comes down to careful rendering, clean jars, dry hands, and cool storage. Strain the rendered fat well to remove water and solids, since water is the main cause of early rancidity.
If the scent, color, or texture starts to change, treat that as a possible rancidity sign and stop using the batch. Make small amounts you will finish in a few months.
- Render low and slow from grass-fed suet, then strain until the fat runs clear.
- Dilute essential oils carefully, especially for sensitive or reactive skin.
- Patch test any new recipe on your inner arm before using it on your face.