This tallow lip balm recipe is easy to make and great for the winter when you’re looking for a thicker lip balm. It goes on smooth and stays on the lips nicely.

What is tallow?
Rendered cattle or sheep fat is called tallow. Lard is fat from a pig while tallow is fat from a cow or sheep.
How to Render Tallow
I have never rendered tallow before but I did some research to see how it is done. Tallow is made by slowly simmering the beef or mutton fat until it is a liquid. The liquid is then is then strained a couple times using a fine strainer and then a cheesecloth to remove impurities. Next, the liquid is packaged and allowed to cool. The tallow will become a solid once cooled and can be used for cooking and for making soap, lip balm, etc.
How to Store Tallow
After purchasing some grass-fed tallow, I wondered what was the best way to store it. After putting on my researcher cap again, I found that tallow will keep at room temperature in a sealed container for up to a year and will keep even longer if stored in the refrigerator.

Why is tallow good for your skin?
It is:
- an intense moisturizer that helps the skin retain is natural moisture.
- 100% natural.
- non-greasy and long-lasting.
- nourishing and high in vitamins.
- helpful in preventing fine lines and wrinkles.
It is important to find a reputable source of tallow and use tallow from grass-fed animals to minimize impurities.
Ingredients in Tallow Lip Balm
- tallow – see above
- shea butter – skin softening moisturizer
- mango butter – moisturizes and softens, protects from sun damage
- beeswax – provides a hydrating and long-lasting barrier to protect the lips

How to Make Tallow Lip Balm
First combine tallow, butters, and beeswax in a Pyrex measuring cup or glass mason jar. Then place the glass container into a pot of water and heat over medium heat until melted. Remove from heat, and if using essential oils, stir them in.


Prepare lip balm containers. Carefully pour the melted ingredients into the containers and allow to harden at room temperature. Lastly, put the lids on and your lip balm is ready to use or gift!

See my other homemade lip balm recipe.

Tallow Lip Balm
This tallow lip balm recipe is easy to make and great for the winter when you’re looking for a thicker lip balm. It goes on smooth and stays on the lips nicely.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp tallow
- 1 tsp shea butter
- 1 tsp mango butter
- 1 tsp beeswax
- 5-10 drops essential oil (optional)
Instructions
Combine tallow, butters, and beeswax in a Pyrex measuring cup or glass mason jar.
Place the glass container into a pot of water and heat over medium heat until melted.
Remove from heat, and if using essential oils, stir them in.
Prepare lip balm containers. Carefully pour the melted ingredients into the containers and allow to harden at room temperature.
Put the lids on and your lip balm is ready to use.