Easy Homemade Tallow Soap Recipe Without Lye

Learn how to make your own homemade tallow soap WITHOUT lye! This recipe is easy to follow, only requires 2 ingredients and works amazing for your skin!

Tallow soap is making waves in the natural skincare world, and it’s easy to see why. Packed with rich, nourishing fats and essential vitamins like A, D, E, and K, tallow is both deeply moisturizing and eco-friendly.

Tallow soap can be perfect for anyone with dry or sensitive skin, or even for those just looking to simplify their skincare routine with more natural ingredients.

I recently bought a big thing of rendered tallow to finally try making my own DIY tallow recipes, like a whipped tallow balm, salve, sugar scrub, and so much more.

I could not find a recipe for tallow soap that didn’t use lye, so I decided to create my own and I LOVE how it turned out.

Here is exactly how to make homemade tallow soap without lye and all the benefits you get from this amazing soap.

What is Tallow Soap?

Tallow soap is a traditional soap made with rendered animal fat, commonly from beef or lamb. Tallow, rich in natural fats, has been used in soap-making for a long time.

Unlike commercial soaps filled with sulfates and harsh chemicals, tallow soap is chemical-free and eco-friendly!

Its creamy lather and mild formula make it ideal for people with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema.

When blended with other natural ingredients, like essential oils and soap bases, tallow soap becomes a gentle, moisturizing bar that’s ideal for all skin types, even sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Using tallow might sound unusual in today’s plant-based skincare world, but it actually locks in moisture better than many plant oils.

Plus, for anyone concerned about sustainability, using tallow is a great way to reduce waste from meat production.

Benefits of Using Tallow Soap

Here are some of my favorite benefits of this DIY tallow soap:

• Rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K: These vitamins nourish and repair your skin, improving elasticity and hydration.
  
• Deeply moisturizing: The natural fats in tallow help lock in moisture, making it ideal for dry skin or winter weather.
  
• Gentle for sensitive skin: Its mild formula is perfect for individuals prone to irritation or eczema relief.
  
• Eco-friendly: Tallow is often a byproduct of the meat industry, making it a sustainable skincare option that reduces waste.
  
• Natural alternative: Free from parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances, tallow soap is an excellent option for those seeking chemical-free soap alternatives.

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How to Make Tallow Soap at Home

Making tallow soap at home is surprisingly simple, even for beginners. Here’s an easy tallow soap recipe to get you started that does not require any lye:

Ingredients for Tallow Soap

• ½ lb melt and pour soap base
• 20 drops essential oils (optional)
• 1 tablespoons beef rendered tallow  
• Soap mold

Homemade Tallow Soap Step-by-step Instructions

Cut the soap base into tiny squares to ensure even melting.

Place the pieces in a glass jar and melt them either on the stove or in the microwave. Stir frequently to avoid clumps.

Once the soap base has fully melted, add the tallow. Stir until the tallow is completely blended.

Let the mixture cool slightly before adding essential oils to preserve their properties. Stir continuously to mix evenly.

Pour the mixture into your soap molds. Let the soap set for a few hours or overnight.

Carefully pop your soap out of the molds and start using your homemade natural tallow soap!

This makes 4 ½ soaps if using the same mold. 

Tips for Customizing Your Soap

• Add color: Use mica powder for a touch of color if you want.
  
• Experiment with scents: Essential oils like lavender, vanilla, or eucalyptus are great smells for soap!
  
• Choose the right mold: Fun shapes add a personal touch, making your soap perfect for gifting.

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Tallow Soap Recipe

Yield: 4 ½ soaps if using the same mold.

Print

Ingredients

• ½ lb melt and pour soap base
• 20 drops essential oils
• 1 tablespoons beef rendered tallow
• Soap mold

Instructions

1. Cut up your soap base into tiny squares.
2. Add to a glass jar and melt either on the stovetop or slowly in your microwave. Stir frequently.
3. Once melted, add in the tallow and stir until it is completely melted.
4. Add your essential oils once it has cooled down some. Keep stirring.
5. Pour into your soap mold and let sit for a few hours or overnight. Unmold and enjoy!

Notes

• Essential oils are optional. 
• You can use mica powder to make your soap a different color. 

Common Mistakes When Making Tallow Soap

Even seasoned DIYers can make mistakes when making soap. Avoid these common mistakes for a successful batch every time:

• Improperly rendered tallow: Always ensure your tallow is fully rendered to avoid soap with a greasy texture or unpleasant odor.
  
• Overheating the base: Melting the soap base too quickly can cause separation or loss of moisture.
  
• Skipping the curing process: Even melt and pour tallow soap benefits from proper setting time to ensure durability and quality.

Sourcing Tallow: Ethical and Sustainable Options

Sourcing quality tallow is key to making great soap. Here’s how to do it responsibly:

• Local butchers or farms: Many butchers offer tallow as a byproduct of their meat processing.
  
• Grass-fed sources: Opt for grass-fed beef tallow for the highest nutrient content and eco-friendliness.
  
• DIY rendering: If you’re up for it, render your own tallow from beef fat for maximum freshness.

How to Store and Use Tallow Soap

Proper storage ensures your soap lasts longer and maintains its quality:

• Storage tips: Keep your soap in a dry, well-ventilated area. Use a soap dish with drainage to prevent sogginess.
  
• Daily use: Create a creamy lather by rubbing the soap directly on your skin or with a washcloth.
  
• Adding Preservatives: While tallow soap has a natural shelf life of at least six months, adding a small amount of vitamin E oil can act as a natural preservative.

Learn how to easily switch out your products with more natural solutions with this Natural Living Made Easy Freebie!

Final Thoughts

From its rich moisturizing properties to its eco-friendly nature, tallow soap is a game-changer for anyone seeking a natural, sustainable skincare solution.

It’s easy to make, gentle on your skin, and customizable to suit your preferences. So, why not whip up a batch of homemade soap with tallow and see the difference for yourself?

Ready to get started? Gather your ingredients and embrace the timeless magic of DIY tallow soap—your skin will thank you!

You will love these other great DIY natural recipes:

Want to live a natural life but also like to use medicine from time to time? Check out my FREE community for moms just like you!