There is something deeply comforting about a balm made the old fashioned way. This tallow and honey balm is a simple, nourishing blend of grass fed beef tallow, raw honey, and beeswax, made to support dry, sensitive skin using ingredients that have been trusted for generations. It melts easily into slightly damp skin, sealing in moisture and leaving skin feeling soft, protected, and cared for.

Old-fashioned tallow and honey balm in a blue jar styled with honey dipper and soft linens on a marble surface.

If you have enjoyed recipes like my Deeply Hydrating Old-Fashioned Tallow Face Cream or Tallow Face Balm for Fine Lines and Mature Skin, this honey tallow balm fits right alongside them. It is especially helpful during dry seasons, after hand washing, or anywhere skin needs extra care without synthetic additives.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here.

Why Use Tallow and Honey for Skin

Beef tallow is rich and protective, closely resembling the natural oils found in healthy skin. When combined with raw honey, especially manuka honey, it creates a balm that feels both soothing and grounding. Honey helps attract moisture while tallow helps hold it in place.

This balm is gentle enough for sensitive skin and simple enough for everyday use. It can be used as a face balm, lip balm, or a spot treatment for dry patches on hands, elbows, and cuticles.

Finished tallow and honey balm set in a blue glass jar with a smooth creamy texture, surrounded by honey and flowers.

I’ve always loved that honey has such a long history in skincare. The ancient Egyptians used honey in their beauty and healing balms because it helped preserve skin, draw in moisture, and protect against infection, even in their dry desert climate. They didn’t know the science behind it, but they knew it worked, and thousands of years later, I find myself using honey for the very same reasons!

For a lighter, whipped option, you may also enjoy How to Make Homemade Whipped Tallow Balm (DIY Recipe).

Quick Look at This Recipe

Recipe type: Tallow and honey balm
Skill level: Easy
Active time: 15 minutes
Set time: 30–60 minutes
Total time: About 1 hour
Yield: About ¾ cup balm
Texture: Firm balm that softens on contact with skin
Key ingredients: Grass fed beef tallow, raw or manuka honey, beeswax
Best for: Dry skin, sensitive skin, lips, hands, and face
Application: Use on slightly damp skin for best absorption
Shelf life: Up to 1 year when stored properly

Ingredients for old-fashioned tallow honey balm including beeswax, olive oil, honey, grass fed beef tallow, and essential oil arranged on a marble surface.

Ingredients for Tallow and Honey Balm

½ cup (100 to 110 g) grass fed beef tallow
1 tablespoon (21 g) raw honey or manuka honey
1 tablespoon (14 g) beeswax (pellets or finely chopped)
1 tablespoon (13.5 g) olive oil (optional, for a softer balm, I personally omit this)
10–15 drops essential oils (optional, I prefer to use to use frankincense or lavender for my face)

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 Needed

Double boiler or heat-safe bowl set over a saucepan
Glass jar for storage
Spoon or spatula

How to Make Tallow and Honey Balm

Beeswax and grass fed beef tallow melting together in a glass bowl as the base for homemade tallow and honey balm.

Add the beef tallow and beeswax to a double boiler. Heat gently over low heat until fully melted, stirring occasionally.

Raw honey being poured into melted tallow and oil mixture while making old-fashioned tallow honey balm.

Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly. It should still be liquid but not hot. Then, stir in the raw honey until fully incorporated. Mixing slowly helps the honey blend evenly.

Homemade tallow honey balm in a blue jar viewed from above showing the finished balm texture after cooling.

Add olive oil if using, followed by essential oils if desired.

Set tallow honey balm showing a soft, even surface after cooling, ready to use as a natural moisturizing balm for dry skin.

Pour into small jars or tins and let set at room temperature.

How to Use Honey Tallow Balm

Apply a small amount to slightly damp skin and massage gently until absorbed. A little goes a long way. This balm works well as a nighttime face balm, lip balm, or as a protective layer on hands and feet.

Because this is a natural balm recipe without preservatives, clean hands are recommended when scooping from the jar.

Storage and Shelf Life

Store the balm in a cool, dry place away from direct heat. It will stay firm at room temperature and soften slightly when warmed by your hands. Properly stored, this balm can last up to one year.

Tips for Best Results

If your home is very warm, add an extra teaspoon of beeswax for a firmer balm.
For very sensitive skin, skip essential oils entirely.
Manuka honey offers additional skin benefits, but raw local honey also works beautifully.
Always allow the mixture to cool slightly before adding honey to preserve its natural properties.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tallow and Honey Balm

Can I use this as a face cream?

Yes. This balm is especially helpful for dry or mature skin, though only a small amount is needed.

Will the honey make it sticky?

No. When properly mixed, the honey blends smoothly into the tallow and does not feel sticky once applied.

Can I whip this balm?

This version is meant to be a solid balm. For a balm with lighter texture, see my How to Make Homemade Whipped Tallow Balm (DIY Recipe).

Is this safe for sensitive skin?

Yes, especially when made without essential oils. Always patch test first.

Tried this recipe?

I would love to see it! Tag me on Instagram @idiesfarm and #idiesfarm so I can share your beautiful creation!

Tallow and Honey Balm (Old-Fashioned Honey Tallow Balm Recipe)

This old-fashioned tallow and honey balm is a simple, deeply nourishing skin balm made with grass fed beef tallow, honey, and a small amount of oil for a smooth, spreadable texture. Inspired by traditional skincare methods, this balm helps soften dry skin and lock in moisture using simple, time-tested ingredients. The natural richness of tallow combined with honey creates a gentle balm suitable for hands, face, and dry areas that need extra care. This recipe comes together quickly and sets into a creamy, long-lasting balm that stores well and can be used year-round.

Print Pin

Prep Time: 15

Total Time: 1

Servings:

Author: Stephanie

Equipment

Double boiler or heat-safe bowl set over a saucepan
Glass jar for storage
Spoon or spatula

Ingredients

½ cup grass fed beef tallow 100 to 110 g
1 tablespoon raw honey or manuka honey 21 g
1 tablespoon beeswax (pellets or finely chopped) 14 g
1 tablespoon olive oil 13.5 g (optional, for a softer balm, I personally omit this)
10–15 drops essential oil (optional, I prefer to use to use frankincense or lavender for my face)

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

Instructions

Add the beef tallow and beeswax to a double boiler. Heat gently over low heat until fully melted, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly. It should still be liquid but not hot. Then, stir in the raw honey until fully incorporated. Mixing slowly helps the honey blend evenly.
Add olive oil if using, followed by essential oils if desired.
Pour into small jars or tins and let set at room temperature.

Notes

Tips for Best Results

If your home is very warm, add an extra teaspoon of beeswax for a firmer balm.
For very sensitive skin, skip essential oils entirely.
Manuka honey offers additional skin benefits, but raw local honey also works beautifully.
Always allow the mixture to cool slightly before adding honey to preserve its natural properties.