Discover 3 Amazing Tallow Products for Dry Winter Skin Relief
Tallow products have become super popular recently, and for good reason! They are so beneficial to our skin, and I think the benefits need to be talked about more. Using Tallow for Dry Skin this winter (or anytime, really) will be a game changer for you, and I can’t wait!
Tallow is rendered beef fat. Yup, you read that right! When you render beef fat (specifically suet, found around the kidneys), you are ridding it of impurities and water. You’re left with a nutrient-dense fat that will nourish your skin. It can be mixed with lye and made into soap, used as a moisturizer, or used in cooking.
Want more tips and DIYs for healthy, hydrated skin all year long? Explore our Natural Living section for more easy, effective ways to care for your body, naturally.

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What is Tallow and Why Is It Great for Skincare?
Tallow works with our skin on a cellular level to seal in moisture without clogging our pores. Because tallow is so similar to the oils naturally produced by our skin, it can deeply penetrate and hydrate our skin like other oils can’t. Tallow is nourishing and rejuvenating, and it shields our skin from harsh environmental factors.



Top Benefits of Using Tallow for Dry, Irritated Winter Skin
Firstly, vitamins A, D, and K are found in tallow, along with antioxidants like vitamin E. These aid in keeping a youthful appearance on your skin. These nutrients also help prevent the breakdown of collagen and help fight off free radicals that cause wrinkles.
Tallow is also filled with oleic acid, which is great for skin conditioning. It helps skin regenerate and helps reduce inflammation. Your skin will feel soft and smooth after you use it. Tallow helps to seal in moisture. This is especially important if you live in a climate that gets cold and dry in the winter. When the season changes, the moisture leaves our skin so quickly. Tallow helps to slow that drying process.
Tallow Soap vs. Store-Bought: What Your Skin Really Needs
Store-bought soaps are often made with detergents and/or surfactants. Ingredients I learned to avoid early on in my low-tox days are called sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or sodium laureth sulfate (SLES). These detergents and surfactants are widely used, especially in shampoos, soaps, toothpaste, and facial cleaners. It is used for its lathering properties and to remove oil and dirt.
The drawback of using these ingredients is that they cause skin irritation, especially for someone who has eczema, psoriasis, or sensitive skin. Another ingredient often used in store-bought or more widely available soaps is fragrance. If you see fragrance, parfum, or even natural fragrance on the ingredients list, you’ll want to put it back on the shelf. Unfortunately, companies aren’t required to disclose what is included in their fragrance. Many of these ingredients can be bad for your skin and general health.
Tallow soaps are highly moisturizing because the fatty acids that are in them are so similar to the ones in our skin. Other soaps that are made with synthetic moisturizers tend to strip the natural oils from our skin, leaving us feeling dry and tight. Have you ever felt that before? When it comes to dry winter skin, a store-bought soap is going to dry out your skin and require an additional moisturizing lotion; it’s an uphill battle. With a natural tallow soap, you’re getting a two-for-one. Tallow soap will clean your skin as well as keep your skin soft and seal in the hydration for longer. If you’re looking for a tallow soap made with the best ingredients, check out our shop where you’ll find a variety of scents! If you are looking to make soaps, read more about why we need lye to make soap.

Nourish Your Skin with Rich, Tallow Balm
Tallow balms and butters are great for battling dry skin. It creates a barrier on your skin that helps seal in moisture during those dry months. The beauty of tallow products is that they don’t clog your pores. You can use them even in acne-prone areas to help heal your skin and not add to any breakout issues. Products made from tallow are thick and luxurious, leaving your skin feeling healthy. Naturally-made tallow products often have ingredients or herbs (like calendula, plantains, etc.) added to them that can help your skin heal even more. Always be aware of ingredients in tallow balms that you don’t recognize. Always steer clear of fragrance on the ingredients list (not to be confused with essential oils, which can be helpful!). Stay tuned because we will have tallow balms available in our shop soon! If you need your balm asap, send us an email at samandlisa@homelyhens.com


Exfoliate and Moisturize with a Dandelion Tallow Sugar Scrub
Tallow sugar scrub is a product you didn’t even know you needed! The combination of natural exfoliation with tallow’s moisturizing and soothing properties is perfect. With other exfoliators, your skin is often left feeling dry, sensitive, or even inflamed. Sugar is a gentle exfoliator. When mixed with tallow’s anti-inflammatory properties, they will work together to leave your skin feeling smooth, calm, and hydrated. Additionally, tallow sugar scrubs are easy to make, and you can add your favorite essential oils to the mix. Make sure you use an essential oils calculator and a trusted recipe. This is something you can easily make yourself! Grab our recipe for Dandelion Tallow Sugar Scrub, and don’t worry, if you don’t have dandelions right now, it can be made without!

When and How to Use Tallow for the Best Winter Skin Relief
The way tallow works is by sealing moisture into your skin. Because there is no moisture (water) in tallow products, it isn’t going to add moisture to your skin. The best way to use it, knowing this, is to apply it right after you wash your hands or get out of the shower! You want to lock that moisture in with your tallow. In the wintertime, your body will lose moisture quickly, so using tallow balm more often will be helpful. Now you see what a benefit tallow is to dry skin, I hope you’ll give it a try! Check out some of our balms from our shop and let us know what you think of them.
Explore More Natural Skincare Tips and Remedies
Ready to dive deeper into natural, nourishing solutions for your skin? From healing salves to handmade soap and moisturizing scrubs, we’ve got step-by-step recipes and tips to help you build a toxin-free routine. Explore more herbal remedies and DIY skincare below.
- How to Render Tallow for Skincare – Learn how to render pure tallow at home for use in balms, soaps, and more.
- Benefits of Tallow in Skincare – Discover why tallow is a powerhouse ingredient for soft, nourished skin.
- Herbal Remedies for Natural Living – Explore simple remedies to support your skin and overall wellness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tallow for Winter Skin
Tallow has been trusted for generations to soothe and protect dry, irritated skin, especially in the winter months. Here are answers to common questions about using it in your everyday routine.
Tallow is rich in fatty acids and nutrients like vitamins A, D, E, and K, which help repair the skin barrier and deeply moisturize without clogging pores.
When properly whipped or blended, tallow absorbs quickly and leaves skin feeling soft and protected, not greasy.
Yes! Many people find tallow soothing for sensitive facial skin, especially in winter. Just patch-test first if you’re new to it.
Tallow has a naturally long shelf life, especially when stored in a cool, dark place. Most products last 6–12 months, depending on added ingredients.
Final Thoughts: Nourish Your Skin the Natural Way
When it comes to dry, winter-worn skin, simple, time-tested ingredients like tallow can make all the difference. Whether you’re soothing with a whipped balm, gently exfoliating with a sugar scrub, or swapping out harsh soaps for a nourishing tallow bar, your skin will thank you.



