DIY Whipped Tallow & Honey Balm (Nourishing Recipe)

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If you’re searching for a versatile product (great for dry skin and sensitive skin) to add to your skincare routine, this Tallow and Honey Balm is a great way to simplify while taking total control of the natural ingredients you put on your skin (not too mention the amazing benefits of tallow for skin). It’s made with grass-fed beef tallow (a natural source of skin-loving, fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K) and creates a protective barrier that locks in moisture and supports skin health.

Tallow skincare products are our very favorite over here. From whipped tallow balm, tallow soap cold process, to whipped tallow face cream, we do it all!

diy tallow and honey balm recipe pin

If you’re new to making your own tallow balm or looking for a tallow balm recipe to use up rendered tallow from a local farmer, this step-by-step guide will teach you how to create a whipped body butter that works for all skin types, from sensitive skin to extra-dry patches. It’s a tried and true recipe that I use on my very own family and I know you’ll absolutely love it.


Can You Put Honey in Tallow Balm?

Yes, you can absolutely put honey in tallow balm, and honestly, it’s a game-changer for your skincare products. Adding just a little bit of raw honey—or even Manuka honey—takes your balm to the next level by locking in moisture and soothing your skin.

Mix in the honey as the mixture cools to keep the balm smooth and creamy. Honey pairs perfectly with grass-fed tallow, which is already packed with the benefits of tallow like deep hydration and skin repair. This balm is perfect, no matter the time of year.

If you’re into DIY recipes, this is a fun and simple way to make something that feels extra fancy without the extra cost of store-bought skincare products. And let’s be honest, nothing from the grocery store comes close to this level of skin-loving goodness.

So yes, honey in tallow balm? Absolutely. It’s an easy way to make a higher quality balm that leaves your skin feeling soft and healthy.

Tallow and Honey Balm Recipe

This process is super simple so no reason to feel intimidated or overwhelmed before you ever even get started. I’m going to walk you through the entire process. Before we get started, you should know that you can absolutely make this recipe with just 3 ingredients: tallow, honey, and olive oil. I have added a few more optional ingredients below for a little extra- but most of the time, I just use the three tried and true ingredients. 🙂

Ingredients for Tallow and Honey Balm

  • 1/2 cup grass-fed tallow (rendered beef fat, preferably from leaf fat for a milder smell of tallow)
  • 1 tablespoon raw honey (Manuka honey is a great option for added benefits of antibacterial properties)
  • 1 tablespoon liquid oil (jojoba oil, extra virgin olive oil, or avocado oil are all great options)
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon shea butter or cocoa butter (for a fluffier texture)
  • Optional: 5–10 drops of your favorite essential oil (lavender, rosehip oil, or tea tree are great options)
  • Optional: 1 capsule of vitamin E oil (for extended shelf life and extra skin health benefits)

Tools You’ll Need

  • Double boiler (or a heat-safe mixing bowl placed over a pot of very low heat)
  • Hand mixer or whisk (for a whipped version)
  • Clean jars or tins (store in a cool place, away from direct sunlight)
  • Patch test space (always a good idea to ensure sensitive skin tolerates the essential oil blend)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Tallow and Honey Balm

Step 1: Render and Melt the Tallow

If you don’t already have rendered tallow, this is your main ingredient. Render grass-fed beef tallow by gently heating leaf fat over very low heat until it melts into liquid tallow. Strain out any solids, and you’re good to go. You can also use deer tallow or buy pre-rendered tallow from a higher-quality source.

If you’re unsure how to render and purify tallow or you don’t feel very confident, check out this article on how to render and purify tallow that’s odorless.

And if you’re really struggling to get that odorless tallow that doesn’t smell like a beef patty, check out this article on how to take the beef smell out of beef tallow.

Step 2: Melt Ingredients

In your double boiler, combine the rendered tallow, shea butter (if using), and liquid oil. Stir gently over very low heat until melted. Be careful to preserve the fat-soluble vitamins and essential fatty acids by avoiding high heat.

melt tallow and honey balm

Step 3: Add Honey and Optional Ingredients

Remove the mixture from heat and let it cool slightly. Whisk in the honey, drops of essential oil, and vitamin E oil. If you’re sensitive to the smell of tallow, choose essential oils like lavender or rosehip oil to mask it.

Step 4: Whip or Pour

For a whipped tallow balm recipe with honey, use a hand mixer to whip the mixture for a fluffy texture as it cools. If you prefer an unwhipped version, simply pour it into jars while the mixture is still liquid. The unwhipped, solid balm is a little harder to work with I’ve found. My family and I (and our customers) prefer whipped tallow much more.

Step 5: Store in a Dark Place

Transfer the balm to clean jars or tins and let it set at room temperature. Store in a cool place to extend shelf life. This balm will last a long time, up to a year, if kept out of direct sunlight and heat.


Why We Love Tallow and Honey Balm

  • Room Temperature Stability: This balm stays solid at room temperature, making it perfect for lip balm, skin balm, or even a diaper rash remedy.
  • Total Customization: You can tweak the recipe by using different plant oils like avocado oil or coconut oil for varied textures and benefits.
  • No Toxic Ingredients: Unlike store-bought skin care products, this balm contains only whole food ingredients that nourish your skin.
  • Budget-Friendly: Making your own tallow balm is a great way to avoid extra costs, especially with affiliate links for ingredients from trusted suppliers.

Pro Tips

  • Always do a patch test when using new essential oil blends, especially if you have sensitive skin.
  • Use this balm as part of your skincare routine to support your cell membranes with the stearic acid and palmitoleic acid naturally found in animal fat.
  • Pair it with other natural products like whipped body butter or unwhipped versions for different ways to use it.

Final Thoughts

This homemade tallow balm is a simple any skincare routine. Whether you’re just starting with DIY recipes or are a seasoned pro looking for great options, this balm is a must-have for all skin types. Plus, it’s a natural way to ditch toxic ingredients and embrace a healthier, more intentional approach to skin care products.

I hope you love it just as much as I do. Let me know in the comments if this recipe worked for you.

In the meantime, keep it simple. Keep it intentional. And keep making your granny proud! Thanks for stoppin’ by. -Kacie

About The Author

Founder at Her Country Roots | Website | + posts

Kacie is a wife, homeschool mom of 4 boys, holistic esthetician, and a sixth-generation homesteader with a passion for natural and sustainable living, creating a home that educates the mind and nurtures the soul, and reclaiming our independence like our ancestors before us.

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