Easy DIY Tallow Body Butter Recipe
Learn how to make your own DIY tallow body butter! The recipe is so easy and feels amazing for your skin.
Tallow lotion is one of my favorites. I rarely use anything else because I love how it soothes my dry skin and feels amazing.
Tallow body butter is a natural moisturizer, packed with skin-loving nutrients that gives your skincare routine a little extra oomph.
While you can just make a whipped tallow balm, I like making tallow body butter for the added skin loving nutrients.
Imagine replacing those chemical-laden creams with a simple, all-natural solution that works wonders! Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to make at home.
In this post, we’ll cover the benefits of tallow body butter, share a foolproof DIY recipe, and show you how to make it your new skincare go-to.

What is Tallow Body Butter?
Tallow lotion is a natural moisturizer made from rendered beef fat (tallow). Unlike synthetic moisturizers, it’s loaded with fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K, which penetrate deeply into the skin for lasting hydration.
Historically, tallow has been used for centuries as a skin-healing balm, prized for its ability to mimic the composition of human sebum.

The Unique Benefits of Tallow for Skin
Here are some of my favorite benefits for using tallow on my skin:
- Deep Moisturization: Thanks to its similarity to human skin oils, tallow provides deep, non-greasy hydration.
- Rich in Vitamins: Vitamins A, D, E, and K work together to nourish and repair your skin barrier.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Great for calming redness, irritation, and skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
- Non-Comedogenic: Won’t clog pores, making it safe for acne-prone skin.
- Long-Lasting Protection: Creates a barrier to lock in moisture, especially during harsh winter months.
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Key Ingredients in Tallow Body Butter
These are the ingredients I use in my homemade tallow body butter:
- Rendered Tallow: The star ingredient, providing nourishment and hydration.
- Jojoba Oil: A lightweight carrier oil that mimics skin’s natural sebum. I usually like to infuse it with herbs for added benefits.
- Shea Butter: Adds an extra layer of moisture and helps soften the skin.
- Essential Oils: Customizable for scent and added skin benefits (e.g., lavender for relaxation, tea tree for acne).
Make your own clean, skin-loving tallow products with 20 step-by-step recipes anyone can follow.
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How to Make DIY Tallow Body Butter at Home
Here is a simple DIY tallow body butter recipe for you to try:
Ingredients
This makes around 6 ounces.
- ½ cup rendered tallow (or make your own!)
- 2 tablespoons jojoba oil
- 2 tablespoons shea butter
- 20 drops essential oils (lavender for relaxation or tea tree for acne)

Instructions
Add the tallow and shea butter to a glass jar. Slowly heat them in a double boiler until fully melted (or use a microwave in short bursts).

Once the mixture is melted, stir in the jojoba oil. Mix thoroughly to ensure the ingredients blend well.

Pour the mixture into a bowl and let it cool until it hardens. Use a hand blender or stand mixer to whip the lotion until it’s fluffy and creamy.

Finally, add your essential oils and whip again to evenly distribute the scent.

Transfer your whipped tallow lotion to a clean, airtight container.
Store it in a cool, dry place or refrigerate for a firmer texture.

Notes
- Any carrier oil will work. I love using a calendula infused oil for my skin!
- You can use cocoa butter or mango butter instead of shea butter as well.
- Essential oils are completely optional and you can choose whatever scent you like!

Tallow Lotion
Learn how to make your own Tallow Lotion with this simple DIY recipe and say goodbye to dry, irritated skin!
Ingredients
- ½ cup rendered tallow
- 2 tablespoons jojoba oil
- 2 tablespoons shea butter
- 20 drops essential oils
Instructions
- Add the tallow and shea butter to a glass jar and slowly heat in a double broiler until melted. You can also do this in the microwave.
- Once melted, add in the carrier oil.
- Pour into a bowl until it is hard. Then whip it with a blender.
- Finally, add in your essential oils.
Notes
Any carrier oil will work.
Common Uses for Tallow Body Butter
Here are a few ways I have used my homemade tallow body butter:
- Daily Moisturizer: Perfect for face and body hydration. For my face, I prefer using my tallow rose face cream.
- Night Cream: Use as a deep-conditioning treatment before bed. I personally use it on my stretch marks before bed.
- Healing Salve: Helps soothe eczema, psoriasis, and dry patches. My kids use it as an “owie cream.”
- Baby-Safe Option: Gentle enough for diaper rash and delicate skin.
- Winter Essential: Protects against chapped hands, lips, and windburn.


Is Tallow Body Butter Right for You?
If you’re looking for a non-toxic, deeply nourishing skincare product, tallow lotion might be your new best friend. It’s suitable for all skin types but works especially well for dry, sensitive, or irritated skin.
Worried about the smell? Don’t be—when paired with essential oils, tallow lotion smells surprisingly pleasant! I can’t smell any of the tallow smell.
Final Thoughts
Tallow lotion isn’t just a trend; it’s a time-tested remedy that offers unparalleled benefits for your skin.
Ready to make your first batch? Grab your ingredients, follow our simple recipe, and let the glow begin.
Popular Tallow Recipes:
- Melt and Pour Tallow Soap
- Whipped Tallow Balm
- Rose Tallow Face Cream
- Tallow Body Butter
- Tallow Candle
- Tallow Sugar Scrub
- Tallow Moisturizer Stick
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