Tallow Cream: Simple Skin Nourishment
A few years ago, I was introduced to the benefits of tallow cream by my sister-in-law and my daughter. Both of them were using it and loving it. I must confess that at first the thought of slathering my skin in beef fat did not seem appealing. My first reaction was, "Fantastic, I'll have soft skin, but I'll end up walking around smelling like a steak dinner". My doubts, and the jar of tallow, abruptly vanished after the first week of using it. My skin absorbed the nutrients almost instantly, and I can happily report that I didn't smell like a walking butcher shop! In fact, tallow has little to no scent, making it an ideal carrier for essential oils such as lavender, bergamot, or any oil that you enjoy and meets your skin's needs. I should also add that my husband also loves and uses it too, and when the jar gets low, the whole "what's mine is yours and yours is mine" sentiment quickly fades away.
Unlike many creams that are filled with synthetic ingredients, tallow cream has been used for centuries to nourish and protect the skin. After sharing this I hope you'll also see why tallow cream deserves a place in your skincare routine, especially if you struggle with dry, irritated, or sensitive skin.
What Is Tallow Cream?
Tallow cream is created by processing the suet from cows or sheep and transforming it into a smooth, creamy consistency ideal for skincare. This fat is abundant in fatty acids that resemble those naturally present in human skin, aiding in easy absorption and reinforcing the skin's natural barrier. The advantage of tallow lies in its balanced composition of fats, vitamins A, D, E, and K, minerals, and antioxidants that are beneficial for your skin.
Making Your Own Tallow Cream at Home
There are several companies I admire and trust that provide high-quality tallow creams and balms. I've also discovered that making the cream at home is fantastic. The process and recipe is simple and straightforward, allowing you complete control over every ingredient used. You simply chop, melt, cool, scent with essential oils, and whip. The result is a rich whipped like cream that your skin will love.
Let's Talk Ingredients
Tallow
For years, we've been purchasing beef from local sources. Whenever we buy our beef, our butcher inquires if we'd like the suet, and we always respond with "YES". Beef suet is excellent for rendering into tallow. Seek out suet from regenerative farms and a trustworthy butcher in your area. It's not only ideal for making tallow cream but also excellent for cooking. Rich in nutrients, it enhances skin suppleness, provides deep moisture, and leaves your skin with a smooth, velvety feel.
Jojoba Oil
When creating tallow cream, I prefer to mix it with another oil. I've discovered that Jojoba oil is the most effective option because it closely resembles the skin's natural oils, absorbs effortlessly, and aids in collagen production. Additionally, it is a natural antibacterial and possesses anti-inflammatory qualities. It nourishes the skin without blocking pores, leaving it dewy and balanced.
Essential Oils
This is the enjoyable part. Essential oils not only provide the tallow with a lovely light fragrance, but many also possess medicinal properties. Be sure to use high quality organic oils. It's crucial to keep in mind that when adding essential oils, a small amount is sufficient. Additionally, always test the oils on a small area to ensure you don't have an allergic reaction to a particular oil or combination of oils. Some of my favorite additions are:
Lavender: calming, improves sleep, antimicrobial properties, soothes skin
Italian Bergamot: calming, moisturizing, dry skin relief
Rosehip Oil: reduces inflammation, helps brighten skin, reduces inflammation
Peppermint Oil: Cooling sensation, muscle relaxing, refreshing
Blue Tansy: anti-inflammatory properties, soothing, anti-bacterial
Jasmine Absolute: hydration, antioxidant properties, anti-aging, soothing
If you prefer a fragrance free tallow cream you simply skip this step when making it.
Let's Make The Tallow Cream
The Ingredients:
18 oz. organic/know the source beef suet, evenly chopped into small pieces
6 oz. Organic Jojoba Oil
180 drops organic essential oil/oils
The Method:
Add chopped suet to a small pot.
Place pot over medium low heat and gently melt the suet until it is just melted. It's important to stir it frequently. You do not want to cook the fat, just melt it.
In the bowl of an electric mixer, add a strainer. Gently pour the melted fat over the strainer to remove any impurities. Discard what's in the strainer.
Allow the tallow to cool slightly.
Add in the Jojoba oil and essential oils.
The tallow will begin to turn white as it cools. Once cool, using the whisk attachment, whip the tallow like buttercream!
Using a pastry bag or zip lock bag, pipe the cream into desired jars.
Enjoy! xx
Makes 24 oz.
Comments