The Best Tallow Balm for Face, Lips, and Body

February 24, 2025

Tallow is a natural superfood for your skin because it is organic and contains the nutrients necessary to nourish and rejuvenate your skin. But not all tallow balms are made with high-quality ingredients. We’ve tested the top tallow balms on the market so you can skip the guesswork and find the best tallow balm for your face, lips, and body to give your skin the glow it deserves.

What to Consider When Choosing Beef Tallow for Skin?

When you're looking for the best tallow balm for your skin, there are a few things you definitely want to look for:

Being 100% Grass-fed
Being Responsibly Rendered (Low-Heat Processing)
Being Sustainably Sourced
Having No Preservatives, Fillers, or Additives
Having Skin-Nourishing Ingredients (optional but beneficial)
Not Clogging Pores & Being Fast-Absorbing
Packaged in Non-Toxic, Eco-Friendly Containers

Grass-Fed and Grass-Finished

The best beef tallow for skin comes from grass-fed, grass-finished sources, meaning the cows eat only grass their entire lives. This tallow is highly nutritious, as it contains fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, all of which are necessary for skin elasticity and function [1] [2].

Vitamin A helps skin cell regeneration and reduces signs of aging [3] [4].
Vitamin D supports the skin barrier function and has healing effects [5] [6].
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects against free radical damage [7] [8]
Vitamin K helps reduce dark circles, bruising, and skin discoloration [9] [10].

Vitamins E and K2 boost skin healing (cuts, scars, and blemishes) and collagen production (for firmer, younger-looking skin) and prevent dryness and irritation.

Grass-fed beef tallows contain a higher ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids than grain-fed tallows. Omega-3s have anti-inflammatory effects, so grass-fed tallow is more effective for soothing irritated skin, eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis [11].

Grass-fed tallow also contains more conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a fatty acid with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. CLA helps protect the skin from UV damage, premature aging, and bacterial and fungal infections [12].

Grass-fed cows get lower levels of hormones, antibiotics, and grain-based pesticides than grain-fed cattle. This means the tallow is cleaner and free from toxins that could be absorbed by your skin [13].

The natural fatty acid balance in grass-fed tallow is similar to human skin oils, so it is more bioavailable, meaning it is easier for the skin to absorb.

In addition to skin benefits, grass-fed tallow is better for the environment and supports regenerative farming, which means fewer pollutants and more ethical skincare.

Responsibly Rendered (Low-Heat Processing)

Rendering is the process of melting down fat to make tallow. High-heat rendering destroys delicate nutrients (fat-soluble vitamins) and can result in a strong, unpleasant odor.

However, low-heat rendering preserves the natural integrity of the fat and has a gentle, natural scent, not “beefy”. Low-heat rendering produces a smooth, creamy texture that doesn’t feel grainy or waxy [14].

Sustainably Sourced

Sourcing from local, pasture-raised farms that use sustainable farming means animals were treated ethically and had a lower environmental impact.

This also means that beef tallow does not contain hormones, pesticides, or antibiotics, making the product clean and safe, especially for sensitive skin [15].

Additionally, sustainable farming supports nose-to-tail consumption, meaning it uses the whole animal, reducing waste. Local farms also have better quality control because they use traditional, chemical-free methods.

Learn More: The Best Tallow Brands for Skin [Top 5 Brands]

No Preservatives, Fillers, or Additives

Many commercial skincare products contain preservatives, synthetic fragrances, and emulsifiers that can irritate the skin or weaken the benefits of tallow. A truly pure tallow balm is free from these harmful chemicals.

A tallow balm without artificial chemicals is suitable for all skin types, even for babies or individuals with skin conditions such as allergies, eczema, or psoriasis.

Infused with Skin-Nourishing Ingredients (Optional but Beneficial)

While pure tallow is fine on its own, some tallow balms are enhanced with natural oils, herbs, or beeswax for added benefits:

The most commonly used enhancements include:
Essential Oils (Lavender, Frankincense, Tea Tree, etc.) that are soothing, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory.
Liquid Oils (Olive, Jojoba, Coconut oils) that provide extra hydration, antioxidants, and fast absorption. Olive oil is rich in polyphenols and vitamin E for anti-aging, jojoba oil mimics natural skin sebum for deep moisture balance, and coconut oil offers antimicrobial properties to help combat bacteria and inflammation.
Herbal Extracts (Calendula, Chamomile, Rosehip, etc.) that provide extra hydration, redness reduction, and skin healing.
Beeswax forms a protective barrier while locking in moisture.

Enhanced tallow balms are best for individuals with dry, sensitive, or aging skin or those who want added benefits beyond pure tallow.

Non-Comedogenic & Fast-Absorbing

Unlike thick, greasy creams that sit on top of the skin, high-quality tallow is similar to human sebum, meaning it can be absorbed quickly and deeply without clogging pores, which is especially beneficial for those with acne-prone skin.

Since the best tallow balm for face absorbs easily, it leaves the skin soft, not greasy and moisturizes deeper than water-based creams.

Packaged in Non-Toxic, Eco-Friendly Containers

Many skincare products are packaged in plastic, which can leach toxic chemicals into the product, especially over time. Eco-conscious brands use glass or biodegradable packaging to maintain purity and reduce environmental waste.

So, based on the above criteria, the following tallow balms are among the best options available on the market.

Top 5 Tallow Balms for Skin

The Primal
Ancestral Cosmetics
Summer Solace
Toups & Co
Primally Pure

#1 - The Primal Tallow Balm

The Primal Beef Tallow Balm is one of the best options because it has all the criteria listed above for the best tallow balm. It is 100% grass-fed, grass-finished, and organically sourced from sustainable local farms.

Primal cares for your skin, so it uses only high-quality tallow and enhances it with organic liquid oils (cold-pressed olive oil and jojoba oil) and essential oils (lavender, frankincense, lemongrass, and cedarwood) to produce a line of organic, effective skincare products.

The Primal Tallow Balm is suitable for all skin types, especially dry, damaged, or sensitive skin. It produces scented and unscented balms for lips, face, and body, so you can choose the ones you prefer.

The Primsl Shop offers generous discounts, where you can save up to 50% if you shop today, and shipping across the US is free for purchases over $39.

#2 - Ancestral Cosmetics

Ancestral Cosmetics uses natural ingredients, including grass-fed Irish beef tallow, raw Irish honey, pure essential oils, unrefined beeswax, Zinc Oxide, black seed oil, and cocoa butter.

Ancestral Cosmetics offers a tallow and honey balm that can be used as a body lotion, face cream, or hand cream. Their Tallow Sun Balm contains tallow and non-nano oxide, which is used to block the harmful UV.

They also have a product called Tallow and Black Seed Clarifying Balm, which is suitable for acne-prone skin because black seed oil has a positive effect on acne.

#3 - Summer Solace

Summer Solace produces tallow balms sourced from regeneratively raised cattle. The balms contain tallow, lard, extra virgin olive oil, essential oils, beeswax, calendula, and bentonite clay.

Their tallow is sourced from grass-finished cattle raised by Northern California ranchers. Their Cacao Rose Lip, Cuticle, and Brow balm contains jasmine, rose, and magnolia, along with cocoa, to hydrate and soften the skin.

They also have Seele Celtic Sea Salt Scrub and Baby Soft Family Balm. The scrub can be used on the face, body, and even the scalp. The balm contains four fats with a cocoa scent, which all family members can use.

#4 - Toups & Co

Toups & Co produces balms containing tallow, emu oil, beeswax, organic virgin olive oil, and organic essential oils. They also add mica to these ingredients to make tinted lip balm.

Their tallow balms have special names. For example, Sweet Girl is made with grass-fed tallow, virgin olive oil, and organic essential oils, including chamomile, frankincense, marjoram, ylang-ylang, and spruce.

Their tinted lip balm provides toxin-free lip care and color. Toups & Co tallow lip balm is made with organic ingredients and doesn’t contain petroleum and parabens.

They also produce tallow sticks that are small enough to be carried in your purse or bag. The sticks can be used on the lips and are effective for cracks.

#5 - Primally Pure

Primally Pure makes balms by mixing tallow, olive oil, emu oil, beeswax, rosemary extract, essential oils, calendula flower, marshmallow root, and vitamin E.

In addition to tallow balms, Primarily Pure produces deodorants and baby products made from ingredients sourced from organic farms in Southern California.

One of their products is called Everything Balm, a nutritious moisturizer that claims to soothe irritation and produce deep hydration. Users have mentioned these balms can reduce redness and help scars.

Which Tallow Skincare Product Is Right for You?

Based on your skin type and concerns, you'll want to choose the tallow product that’s best suited for you:

Sensitive Skin → The Primal Unscented Whipped Tallow Balm If you have sensitive skin and cannot tolerate enhancers like essential oils or prefer the natural tallow scent, you can use The Primal Unscented Whipped Tallow Balm for your face and body.
Dry Skin → The Primal Lavender Tallow Balm If you have dry skin, chronic dryness, winter skin, and rough patches, you should try The Primal Lavender Tallow Balm. The mix of tallow and lavender deeply moisturizes and soothes dry, flaky skin by promoting hydration and calming irritation. It also enhances skin barrier function, preventing moisture loss.
Oily & Acne-Prone Skin → The Primal Lemongrass & Cedarwood Tallow Balm If you have oily skin or are prone to acne and pimples, you should use The Primal Lemongrass Whipped Tallow Balm. Lemongrass is a natural astringent that tightens pores, controls excess oil, and has antibacterial effects, helping prevent breakouts. This balm also contains cedarwood, which balances sebum production, helping oily and combination skin while being anti-inflammatory to soothe acne.
Aging & Wrinkle-Prone & Inflamed Skin → The Primal Lavender & Frankincense Tallow Balm If you are dealing with mature skin, fine lines, and sagging skin, The Primal Lavender & Frankincense Tallow Balm is the solution. Frankincense stimulates collagen production, tightens skin, and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. It also contains antioxidants that fight free radical damage. Also, if you are dealing with inflammation, inflamed skin, redness, rosacea, and post-sun exposure recovery, this balm is the solution. While Lavender calms redness, reduces irritation, and soothes inflamed skin., frankincense helps repair damaged skin, reduce swelling, and support skin regeneration.
Skin Infections & Wounds → The Primal Lemongrass & Cedarwood Tallow Balm For those facing problems like cuts, scrapes, minor skin infections, and fungal issues, The Primal Lemongrass & Cedarwood Tallow Balm can be an effective solution. Lemongrass has powerful antifungal and antibacterial effects, helping fight skin infections and minor wounds. Cedarwood soothes irritated skin, reduces inflammation, and prevents infection.
Eczema & Psoriasis → The Primal Lavender & Frankincense Tallow Balm If you have chronic skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, you can benefit from The Primal Lavender & Frankincense Tallow Balm. Lavender hydrates the skin, reduces itchiness, and heals the skin. Frankincense reduces inflammation and helps restore the skin barrier.
Fungal Infections & Athlete’s Foot → The Primal Lemongrass & Cedarwood Tallow Balm Individuals dealing with athlete’s foot, fungal infections, and excessive sweating can try The Primal Lemongrass & Cedarwood Tallow Balm. The Lemongrass content of this balm has antifungal effects that help eliminate fungal infections like athlete’s foot and ringworm. It also contains cedarwood, which soothes irritation and prevents fungal overgrowth.
Chapped & Dry Lips → The Primal Lavender Tallow Lip Balm If your lips are chapped, dry, or sunburned, The Primal Lavender & Frankincense Tallow Lip Balm is the key to smooth and soft lips. This tallow lip balm contains lavender that hydrates and soothes cracked, dry lips and boosts healing. Its calming effects also help with irritation and inflammation. This lip balm also contains frankincense that supports cell regeneration, helping repair damaged or peeling lips while reducing inflammation.