There is something deeply grounding about caring for your skin with the same kinds of ingredients people relied on generations ago. This tallow face cream is a simple, deeply hydrating recipe made with grass fed beef tallow and a small amount of liquid oil to soften and condition the skin. It is designed to support dry skin, protect the skin barrier, and lock in moisture without fillers or unnecessary additives.
If you are new to working with tallow, starting with properly prepared fat is essential. Before making this cream, be sure to follow my guides on How To Render Fat To Make Homemade Beef Tallow and How to Purify Beef Tallow for Skincare (Odor-Free & Silky Smooth), if you prefer to make you tallow from scratch, so that your finished face cream has a clean, neutral scent and smooth texture.
Table of Contents
This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here.
Quick Look at This Recipe
- Type: DIY face moisturizer
- Texture: Whipped cream or balm
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Active time: 15 minutes
- Shelf life: 6 to 12 months
- Skin type: Dry, sensitive, winter-stressed skin
- Main ingredient: Grass fed beef tallow
- Optional: Essential oils for scent only
Why Use Tallow for Skincare
Tallow has been used in traditional skincare for centuries because it closely resembles the natural oils found in human skin. When rendered and purified correctly, beef tallow absorbs easily, helps seal in moisture, and leaves skin feeling soft and comfortable rather than greasy.
This tallow cream focuses on hydration and barrier support, not quick cosmetic fixes. It works especially well during colder months, after washing the face, or anytime skin feels tight or dry. Unlike many modern face creams, it relies on fat and oil rather than water, which helps reduce the need for preservatives.
On our farm, tallow balm has proven its value well beyond skincare. Pennsylvania winters are hard on skin, and I reach for it constantly for dry hands, wind-burned cheeks, cracked heels, or anywhere that needs extra protection. It’s even earned a place in the barn. Tallow works beautifully as an udder balm, offering simple, old-fashioned moisture where it’s needed most.
Ingredients
Tallow Face Cream
- 1 cup fully rendered and purified beef tallow
Grass fed if possible, with a neutral scent - 3 tablespoons olive oil or jojoba oil
Olive oil gives richer hydration, jojoba oil feels lighter (I prefer jojoba oil.)
Optional Add-Ins
- ½ teaspoon vitamin E oil for freshness and skin support
- 8 to 12 drops lavender essential oil for light scent only (If for sensitive skin, keep to the lower amount of 8 drops or remove completely.)
Essential oils are optional. This balm is effective without them. When I link to essential oils, I’m linking to the brand I personally use and trust. Young Living offers a 10% share discount on orders of 50 PV or more with code SHAREYL, if you’d like to take advantage of it
Equipment
- Heat-safe bowl
- Saucepan for a double boiler
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Clean glass jar
How to Make Whipped Tallow Face Cream
Place the purified tallow in a heat-safe bowl. Set the bowl over a saucepan with a few inches of gently simmering water to create a double boiler.
Melt the tallow completely, then remove from heat. Stir in the olive oil or jojoba oil until fully combined.
Allow the mixture to cool at room temperature until opaque but still soft. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip for 2 to 5 minutes, or until light and creamy. If using vitamin E or essential oils, add them during whipping.
Spoon the whipped tallow cream into a clean glass jar and seal.
If you prefer a firmer texture, you can also pour the melted mixture into jars without whipping. For a full balm-style recipe, see my Homemade Whipped Tallow Balm DIY Recipe.
Tips for Deeply Hydrating Old-Fashioned Tallow Face Cream
- Use a small amount. This face cream is rich, so a pea sized amount is usually enough for the entire face.
- Apply to slightly damp skin. This helps the cream spread easily and improves how it absorbs overnight.
- Let the cream soften before use. Allow the cream to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before applying.
- Store in a cool place. Warmer temperatures can soften the cream, while cooler storage helps it keep its texture.
- Adjust the essential oils carefully. Start with fewer drops and increase slowly, especially if you have sensitive or mature skin.
How to Use Tallow Face Cream
Apply a pea-sized amount to clean, slightly damp skin. This helps the tallow spread easily and seal in moisture. A little goes a long way.
This cream is best used at night or as a daytime moisturizer during cold or dry weather. It can also be used on hands, elbows, heels, or any dry patches that need extra care.
Texture Adjustments
- For very dry skin: Add 1 additional tablespoon of liquid oil and re-whip
- For oily or combination skin: Use only 2 tablespoons of oil
- For a balm texture: Skip whipping and allow the mixture to set in jars
Shelf Life and Storage
This tallow face cream is shelf stable for 6 to 12 months when stored in a cool, dark place. No refrigeration is needed. Always use clean hands or a small spoon to avoid introducing moisture.
Why This Recipe Focuses on Hydration
- Tallow closely resembles natural skin oils
- Supports the moisture barrier without fillers
- Helps skin feel soft, calm, and comfortable
- Uses traditional ingredients with a long history of use
Related Tallow Recipes You May Enjoy
If you enjoy working with tallow, you may also like:
Tried this recipe?
I would love to see it! Tag me on Instagram @idiesfarm and #idiesfarm so I can share your beautiful creation!
Deeply Hydrating Old-Fashioned Tallow Face Cream
Equipment
- Heat-safe bowl
- Saucepan for a double boiler
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Clean glass jar
Ingredients
- 1 cup beef tallow fully rendered and purified
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or jojoba oil
- ½ teaspoon vitamin E oil Optional for freshness and skin support
- 8 to 12 drops lavender essential oil for light scent only Optional. If for sensitive skin, keep to the lower amount of 8 drops or remove completely.
Instructions
- Place the purified tallow in a heat-safe bowl. Set the bowl over a saucepan with a few inches of gently simmering water to create a double boiler.
- Melt the tallow completely, then remove from heat. Stir in the olive oil or jojoba oil until fully combined.
- Allow the mixture to cool at room temperature until opaque but still soft. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip for 2 to 5 minutes, or until light and creamy. If using vitamin E or essential oils, add them during whipping.
- Spoon the whipped tallow cream into a clean glass jar and seal.
- If you prefer a firmer texture, you can also pour the melted mixture into jars without whipping. For a full balm-style recipe, see my Homemade Whipped Tallow Balm DIY Recipe.
Notes
Tips for Deeply Hydrating Old-Fashioned Tallow Face Cream
- Use a small amount. This face cream is rich, so a pea sized amount is usually enough for the entire face.
- Apply to slightly damp skin. This helps the cream spread easily and improves how it absorbs overnight.
- Let the cream soften before use. Allow the cream to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before applying.
- Store in a cool place. Warmer temperatures can soften the cream, while cooler storage helps it keep its texture.
- Adjust the essential oils carefully. Start with fewer drops and increase slowly, especially if you have sensitive or mature skin.
How to Use Tallow Face Cream
Apply a pea-sized amount to clean, slightly damp skin. This helps the tallow spread easily and seal in moisture. A little goes a long way. This cream is best used at night or as a daytime moisturizer during cold or dry weather. It can also be used on hands, elbows, heels, or any dry patches that need extra care.Texture Adjustments
- For very dry skin: Add 1 additional tablespoon of liquid oil and re-whip
- For oily or combination skin: Use only 2 tablespoons of oil
- For a balm texture: Skip whipping and allow the mixture to set in jars
Welcome!
Hi! I’m Stephanie, also known as Idie. Follow me as I tap into the methods of the past and learn how to make my world a little smaller.
Leave a Reply