Go Back
Finished homemade tallow face scrub with a soft, whipped sugar texture stored in a blue glass jar, ready for gentle facial exfoliation.
Stephanie

Homemade Face Scrub With Tallow (Gentle Sugar Exfoliator for Glowing Skin)

This homemade face scrub with tallow is a gentle sugar exfoliator made with simple, nourishing ingredients like grass fed tallow, sugar, and olive oil. It helps remove dead skin cells, soften rough areas, and support naturally glowing skin without harsh additives. Perfect for dry or sensitive skin, especially during colder months.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
5 minutes
Servings: 1 cup
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup whipped tallow balm
  • ¼ cup fine white sugar or baker's sugar
  • 1–2 teaspoons olive oil as needed
  • 3–5 drops essential oil optional

Equipment

  • Small mixing bowl 
  • Spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Small glass jar with lid

Method
 

  1. Add the whipped tallow to a mixing bowl.
  2. Stir in the sugar, creating a gentle sugar scrub that will exfoliate without being abrasive.
  3. Mix in olive oil a little at a time until the scrub feels smooth and spreadable.
  4. Add the essential oil drops and stir well to combine.
  5. Transfer the finished tallow sugar scrub to a clean glass jar for storage.

Notes

How to Use This Face Exfoliator

Start with clean, damp skin. Using clean fingers, apply a small amount of scrub to the face and massage gently using light, circular motions. Focus on areas where dead skin cells tend to build up, avoiding the eye area.
Rinse with warm water and pat dry. Follow with a simple tallow balm or moisturizer to seal in hydration and support glowing skin.

Storage and Shelf Life

Store your homemade tallow sugar scrub in a cool, dry place. Because it contains no water, it keeps well for several months when handled with clean hands.

Choosing Essential Oils for Facial Skincare

Not all essential oils are suitable for the face. Gentle options like lavender, frankincense, or chamomile are commonly used in homemade face exfoliator recipes. Always use oils sparingly and avoid anything that causes irritation.
If you prefer, this recipe works beautifully without essential oils at all.

Tips for Making and Using a Tallow Face Scrub

Start with well-whipped tallow. A properly whipped base spreads easily on its own, so only a small amount of olive oil is needed, if any, to fine-tune the texture.
Choose your sugar carefully. Raw sugar and standard granulated sugar can feel too harsh on facial skin. A finer sugar creates a smoother, more comfortable exfoliation.
Use a light touch. This scrub is meant to gently polish the skin, not scour it. Soft pressure and short massage time are more effective than vigorous rubbing.
Be selective with essential oils. Citrus oils should only be used if they are steam-distilled and already well tolerated by your skin.
Avoid strong or stimulating oils on the face. Peppermint, eucalyptus, tea tree, clove, and cinnamon are better suited for body products and can be irritating in facial scrubs.
Keep essential oils optional and minimal. This recipe works beautifully without fragrance, which is often the best choice for sensitive or winter-dry skin.
Remove gently with warmth. Wiping away the scrub with a warm, damp cloth leaves the skin soft and nourished without stripping away natural oils.
Use occasionally, not daily. Once a week is plenty for most skin types and helps maintain the skin’s natural barrier.