Recipe: Brightening Tallow Butter Moisturizer
About 3 years ago, I started incorporating a tallow-based moisturizer into my skincare routine and I’ve been using it ever since. Of course, making dietary changes and prioritizing things like good sleep, clean eating, exercise, hydration, etc. all play a big role in skin health, but I was truly surprised at how much my skin loved tallow. At the time I began using it, I had been using all-natural and organic skincare for well over a decade; mostly plant-based oils and serums…. I still use those same oils occasionally, but my sensitive and dry skin responded so well to a tallow-based moisturizer, I prefer using that as my daily moisturizer now. Shortly after my switch, I got started on perfecting my own formula so I could make it as fresh and high-quality as possible at home.
Many people are apprehensive about using a tallow-based moisturizer, especially on their face, but the truth is tallow only causes breakouts if you are (1) using a low quality or highly processed tallow, and (2) aren’t using proper sterilization and storage methods when making a DIY tallow moisturizer. Tallow can be used on its own on the skin, or combined with other fats and oils like in these recipes I’m sharing below.
One of the key ingredients in this recipe is of course, a super nourishing grass-fed beef tallow like the one from Lineage Provisions — use my code KELLEY for 10% off your order! To learn more about their tallow and why I recommend it, check out my Product Review post here.
Moisturizing + Brightening Tallow Butter
This recipe is considered a “skin butter” and is amazing for all skin types, especially those with sensitive, dry, or tired skin. This formula is ideal for all seasons, but if you have particularly dry skin during the winter, you can add in a few tablespoons of beeswax and or shea butter for even more barrier-protective benefits. Anytime you add a wax to a skincare moisturizer it becomes a “balm,” whereas butters made from only fats and oils.
The recipe below will help with the following: regulating oil production, moisturizing dry skin, balancing combination skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, evening skin tone and complexion by helping to fade hyper-pigmentation and scarring over time, protecting the skin barrier, calming redness and inflammation, brightening and soothing dull or tired skin.
Ingredients:
1 cup grass-fed beef tallow *(I use the one from Lineage Provisions)
1/2 cup unrefined organic mango butter *(in block form)
1/2 cup unrefined organic cacao or cocoa butter *(in wafers or block form)
1/4 cup unrefined organic shea butter *(optional)
4 tablespoons organic jojoba oil
option to infuse your oil ahead of time with dried chamomile and or calendula for added relief from irritation, redness, eczema, etc.
2 tablespoons organic castor oil
15-20 drops organic frankincense essential oil
1-2 tablespoons of sustainably-sourced, freshwater pearl powder *(this is optional but adds a lot of skin nourishing and brightening properties! I use the one from Sun Potion….)
Directions:
First, you’ll want to properly and thoroughly sanitize and dry all your glass vessels or jars where you plan to pour your finished moisturizer, as well as any kitchen items you plan to use (utensils, mixing bowls, etc). I boil my jars for 20mins on low to medium heat, then hand dry them with a clean towel to ensure all water residue is completely gone. Any water left on the inside of your jars can create a breeding ground for bacteria — same for your mixing bowl, immersion blender, etc. Proper sterilization of all materials used in making skincare items is absolutely crucial for high quality results.
Next, in a large glass mixing bowl, combine your solid fats: tallow, mango butter, cocoa butter, and place that bowl over a large pot of hot water. I like the double boiling method because it allows the fats to melt down slowly without direct heat, which helps to maintain the most vitamins and nutrients in the fats.
Once all your solid fats have melted down completely, you can remove from heat and allow to cool on the counter for about 20 mins before adding in your oils and pearl powder. It’s fine if your mixture is still warm to the touch; it should be a nice golden yellow liquid. Add in your jojoba oil, castor oil, pearl powder, and any essential oils (I love frankincense for its brightening and anti-aging properties). Mix thoroughly with a sanitized metal or wooden utensil until all ingredients are well combined. Make sure there are no clumps of pearl powder and that it’s fully dissolved.
Now that all of your solid fats and oils have been combined, place the cooled liquid mixture (still in the large glass bowl), into the freezer for another 20-40mins to cool thoroughly. This step is super important for a smooth consistency. If you allow to just cool on the counter at room temp, it can result in a “grainy” or “sandy” texture. Pull the mixture out once it’s begun to solidify but isn’t too hard.
Now it’s time to start blending! I use an immersion blender for this step. You’ll know it’s ready when the texture of your mixture transforms into a beautiful, silky smooth cream. I like to then use a spatula to transfer the blended mixture into a piping bag while it’s still easy to work with (after the blended mixture sits for a few hours it’ll harden up a bit so you want to portion into the jars immediately after blending).
Last, you’ll want to use a piping bag to evenly fill your glass jars. Once all my jars have been filled, I place them in the fridge to finish setting (usually 12-24 hours). When I’m ready to use a jar, I pull one or two out at a time to stay at room temp, then leave the others in the fridge to extend shelf-life. This recipe will stay fresh for approximately 3 months at room temp, or up to 6 months when left in the fridge. This recipe will render approximately 6-8 small jars, or 3-4 medium / large jars. Your finished set product will be a light yellow or even white color depending on if you use any pearl powder or how rich in color your cocoa butter and mango butter are.
This formula holds best when stored at room temperatures under 68°F — if you live in a warm climate or like to keep your home’s temperature a little warmer, store your moisturizer in the fridge to prevent it from getting a grainy texture.
Skin Benefits of Each Ingredient:
Regeneratively-Sourced, Grass-Fed Beef Tallow: High quality grass-fed beef tallow is rich in fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are essential for skin health and repair. Its fatty acid profile closely resembles that of human sebum, making it highly compatible with our skin and ideal for restoring the skin barrier. Tallow is especially beneficial for dry or sensitive skin due to its emollient and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies suggest that the saturated fats and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in tallow help to deeply moisturize, reduce inflammation, and support wound healing. To read more about tallow and why I use and love the grass-fed tallow from Lineage Provisions, check out my Product Review here.
Cocoa Butter: Cocoa butter is a plant-based fat extracted from cocoa beans and is high in fatty acids, particularly stearic, oleic, and palmitic acids, which form a protective barrier on the skin to retain moisture. It contains polyphenols that may improve skin elasticity and tone by reducing oxidative stress and modulating collagen production. Research also supports its role in improving skin hydration, which can reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks, making it a popular choice in skincare for dry or aging skin.
Mango Butter: Derived from mango seeds, mango butter is a non-comedogenic emollient loaded with vitamins A, C, and E, which promote skin regeneration and protect against free radical damage. Its high content of stearic and oleic acids helps to soften and smooth the skin while enhancing moisture retention. Studies have shown its potential for soothing dry, irritated, or eczema-prone skin due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it gentle enough for sensitive skin types.
Shea Butter: Raw shea butter is packed with natural vitamins and fatty acids that nourish and moisturize the skin deeply. Its anti-inflammatory properties help soothe irritation, reduce redness, and promote healing of minor cuts or sunburns. Rich in vitamins A and E, it supports skin elasticity and can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks and wrinkles. Shea butter also forms a protective barrier on the skin, locking in moisture and keeping it soft and smooth.
Jojoba Oil: Technically a wax ester, jojoba oil mimics the skin's natural sebum and is non-comedogenic, making it suitable for all skin types, including acne-prone skin. It contains vitamin E, B-complex vitamins, and antioxidants that help protect and repair skin. Research supports its use in improving skin barrier function, reducing inflammation, and promoting wound healing. Its antimicrobial and antifungal properties also contribute to its effectiveness in treating conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis.
Castor Oil: Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, a unique fatty acid with potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. It is known for its deeply moisturizing properties, which can help soften dry, cracked skin and support the healing of wounds and irritations. Scientific studies have highlighted castor oil’s effectiveness in increasing skin hydration and improving the texture of rough patches due to its humectant properties—drawing moisture into the skin.
Pearl Powder: Pearl powder, made from finely milled freshwater or saltwater pearls, is rich in calcium, amino acids, and trace minerals. Traditional Chinese medicine has long praised its skin-rejuvenating effects, and modern research supports its ability to promote collagen regeneration, improve skin elasticity, and reduce oxidative stress. Pearl powder also contains conchiolin, a protein that may help brighten the skin and improve tone by encouraging the natural turnover of skin cells.
Frankincense Essential Oil: Frankincense essential oil, derived from the resin of Boswellia trees, contains bioactive compounds such as boswellic acids with documented anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It’s been shown to support skin healing, reduce the appearance of scars and wrinkles, and promote an even skin tone by boosting skin cell regeneration. Studies suggest that frankincense oil can also modulate immune responses in the skin, making it effective in managing conditions like acne and minor wounds.
Calendula: Calendula officinalis, or pot marigold, has a long history of medicinal use for skin healing, supported by studies showing its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. Rich in triterpenoids, flavonoids, and carotenoids, calendula helps reduce redness, soothe irritated skin, and accelerate wound healing. Clinical research supports its effectiveness in treating dermatitis, minor burns, and cuts, making it a go-to for calming and restoring sensitive or compromised skin.
Chamomile: Chamomile, particularly German chamomile (Matricaria recutita), is prized for its calming and healing effects on the skin. It contains bisabolol and chamazulene, compounds known for their potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Studies have confirmed chamomile’s ability to soothe eczema, dermatitis, and other inflammatory skin conditions. It also promotes wound healing and may help improve skin texture and appearance by reducing irritation and oxidative damage.
Beeswax (**Only add this if you want to make a balm or a salve, best for winter time or dry harsh environments)
Beeswax forms a breathable, protective layer on the skin that helps lock in moisture without clogging pores. It has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties due to its content of flavonoids and other antioxidants. Research indicates that beeswax can aid in wound healing and protect against environmental irritants. It also provides structure and texture in formulations, making it ideal for balms and salves while contributing to overall skin softness and barrier repair.
How to Apply:
Always apply your moisturizer with clean hands onto freshly cleansed skin. A tiny bit goes a long way so use a small amount starting out. Melt between fingers and gently massage into skin in a circular upwards motion. It typically takes 10-15 to fully absorb.
Another important tip is to keep your jar of moisturizer super fresh by using a mini spatula to dispense, and washing that regularly. I like to use a mother of pearl caviar spoon because they’re durable, easy to keep clean, and work well with the butter’s consistency.
Everyone’s skin is different, but most skin types will do well when this butter is applied once daily. I usually apply after showering, and face and body feel hydrated and nourished all day! No reapplying necessary.
I hope you try this recipe! If you have any questions, feel free to leave me a comment below, and be sure to use my code KELLEY for 10% off at Lineage Provisions.
XO,
Kelley
Disclaimer: The recipes and health information shared on this website are for informational purposes only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition. Results may vary. Please consult with a healthcare professional before making any dietary changes. These are personal experiences and should not replace professional medical advice.