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Side view of a jar of homemade tallow face cream with a light, fluffy consistency, surrounded by simple natural styling elements.
Stephanie

Deeply Hydrating Old-Fashioned Tallow Face Cream

This deeply hydrating face cream blends rendered tallow with comforting oils to create a rich, nourishing moisturizer that supports the skin’s natural barrier. Rooted in old-fashioned skincare traditions, it avoids water-based formulas in favor of fats and oils, making it especially effective in cold weather and for dry, tight skin. This cream performs beautifully on the face, hands, heels, and other dry areas, and on the farm it even doubles as a soothing udder balm for animals. Simple, preservative-free, and deeply restorative, it’s a year-round essential for dry skin needs.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

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.

Equipment

  • Heat-safe bowl
  • Saucepan for a double boiler
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Clean glass jar

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. Melt the tallow completely, then remove from heat. Stir in the olive oil or jojoba oil until fully combined.
  3. 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.
  4. Spoon the whipped tallow cream into a clean glass jar and seal.
  5. 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