Tallow Soap Recipe: Various Customizations and Top Brands

Tallow soap is a natural, nutrient-rich skincare option that has been used for centuries. Made from rendered animal fat, tallow is packed with skin-loving nutrients like vitamins A, D, E, and K, which help nourish and protect the skin. Unlike commercial soaps that often contain synthetic additives and harsh chemicals, homemade tallow soap is pure, gentle, and deeply moisturizing.

This guide will walk you through a simple yet effective tallow soap recipe, providing step-by-step instructions to create a high-quality, all-natural bar of soap. Whether you're new to soap-making or an experienced DIYer, this recipe ensures a luxurious and nourishing soap for everyday use.

What Is Tallow Soap?

The Basics of Tallow Soap

Tallow soap is a traditional, natural soap made from rendered animal fat, primarily from beef or lamb. It has been used for centuries due to its rich, creamy lather and deep moisturizing properties. Unlike commercial soaps filled with synthetic additives, tallow soap is pure and gentle on the skin.

One of its biggest advantages is moisture retention. Tallow closely resembles the skin’s natural oils, making it highly nourishing and ideal for sensitive or dry skin. It helps lock in hydration, preventing irritation and dryness.

Homemade tallow soap is also free from harmful chemicals like artificial fragrances, detergents, and preservatives. By making it yourself, you control the ingredients, ensuring a safe and natural product.

Another key benefit is its affordability and sustainability. Since tallow is a byproduct of the meat industry, using it reduces waste and promotes an eco-friendly lifestyle. It also creates a long-lasting, hard bar of soap, making it cost-effective compared to store-bought options.

With its nourishing, chemical-free, and sustainable qualities, tallow soap remains one of the best choices for healthy, natural skincare.

Benefits of Tallow in Soap Making

Tallow is packed with skin-nourishing nutrients, making it an ideal ingredient for soap:

- Rich in Essential Fats & Vitamins – Contains vitamins A, D, E, and K, which support skin repair, hydration, and elasticity.

- Long-Lasting & Gentle – Tallow soap is harder and more durable than vegetable-based soaps, meaning it lasts longer. It’s also gentle on sensitive skin, reducing irritation.

- Eco-Friendly Choice – Unlike synthetic soaps that rely on palm oil or petroleum-based ingredients, tallow is a biodegradable, natural option that minimizes environmental impact.

By choosing tallow soap, you’re opting for a healthy, skin-friendly, and sustainable cleansing option that has stood the test of time.

Learn more: Beef Organ Supplements—100% New Zealand Grass-Fed

Where to Get Tallow or Lard

Tallow and lard can be found at local butchers, farmers' markets, and online stores. For the best quality, choose organic, grass-fed options. You can also render beef fat at home by slowly heating raw fat (suet) until it melts, then straining it into a jar. Grass-fed tallow is richer in omega-3s and vitamins, making it a more nourishing choice for skincare. Grain-fed tallow still works for soap-making but has fewer nutrients. Whether buying or making it yourself, tallow is an affordable, natural, and skin-friendly ingredient for homemade soap.

How to Make Tallow Soap: A Step-by-Step Recipe

Creating your own tallow soap at home is a fulfilling and eco-friendly endeavor. Below are concise summaries of various tallow soap recipes, including their ingredients, required tools, and brief instructions.

Simple Tallow Soap Recipe

Ingredients:

- 48% Tallow (Essential Depot, grass-fed, non-GMO)

- 26% Coconut Oil (Costco)

- 26% Olive Oil (Sam’s Club)

- Lye Solution:

• Sodium Hydroxide (Lye)
• 33% Water Concentration (for slower tracing)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Lye Solution – Slowly mix lye into water, stir until dissolved, and let cool to 100-110°F.

2. Melt Oils – Heat tallow and coconut oil until melted, then add olive oil and cool to 100-110°F.

3. Mix Lye and Oils – Blend lye solution into oils using an immersion blender until light trace.

4. Additives & Fragrance – Stir in optional ingredients like clay, oats, charcoal, and fragrance.

5. Pour & Swirl – Pour into mold, create swirls if desired, and let set for 24-48 hours.

6. Cure & Finish – Unmold, cut, and cure for 4-6 weeks before use.

Pure Tallow Soap Recipe

Ingredients:

- Tallow: Rendered from beef fat

- Distilled Water: As required

- Lye (Sodium Hydroxide): As per recipe specifications

- Essential Oils (optional): for fragrance

Tools:

- Protective Gear: gloves and goggles

- Digital Scale: for precise measurements

- Heat-Resistant Containers: for lye solution

- Stainless Steel Pot: for melting tallow

- Thermometer: to monitor temperatures

- Stick Blender: for mixing

- Soap Mold: to shape the soap

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Lye Solution: Wearing protective gear, carefully add lye to water, stirring until dissolved. Allow it to cool.

2. Melt the Tallow: Heat the tallow in a stainless steel pot until fully melted, then let it cool to the desired temperature.

3. Combine Lye and Tallow: When both the lye solution and tallow are at similar temperatures, pour the lye solution into the melted tallow carefully.

4. Blend to Trace: Use a stick blender to mix until the mixture thickens to a trace.

5. Add Fragrance (Optional): Incorporate essential oils if desired, mixing well.

6. Pour into Mold: Pour the soap mixture into molds, smoothing the surface.

7. Cure the Soap: Let the soap set for 24 hours before unmolding. Cut into bars and cure for several weeks to allow saponification.

Tallow Soap Variations and Customizations

Tallow Soap Recipe Without Lye

Many people want a natural soap without lye, but true soap-making requires lye to saponify the fats. However, a tallow soap without lye can be made using pre-made melt-and-pour soap bases that already contain saponified oils. This method is safer and ideal for beginners or those sensitive to lye. The result is a mild, nourishing soap that retains tallow’s moisturizing qualities without the need to handle harsh chemicals.

Ingredients:

- Essential oils (optional)

- Melt-and-pour soap base

- Fragrance oil (e.g., pomegranate and sweet orange)

- Dried orange slices (purchased from Etsy)

- Silicone mold

- Heat-proof containers

- Mica powder (optional, for coloring)

- Scale Lysol wipes

Instructions:

1. Prepare the soap base: Cut and weigh the soap base, then melt it using a microwave or double boiler in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

2. Prepare the mold: Arrange dried orange slices in the mold, ensuring they fit before pouring the soap.

3. Add fragrance and color: Once melted, add fragrance oil, ensuring it's below its flashpoint and at a skin-safe percentage. Add mica powder for color if desired.

4. Pour and set: Carefully pour the melted soap base into the mold, aiming for even distribution of colors. Allow a thin layer to set before gently placing the orange slices on top to prevent them from sinking.

5. Unmold and cure: After a day (or until fully solidified), carefully unmold the soap bars.

Learn more: Beef Tallow Vs. Ghee

Tallow Honey Soap Recipe

Adding honey to tallow soap enhances its moisturizing and antibacterial properties. Honey helps attract moisture to the skin, making it an excellent choice for those with dry or sensitive skin. It also contributes to a slightly creamy lather and gives the soap a naturally warm, sweet scent. The combination of tallow and honey results in a gentle, healing bar ideal for soothing irritated skin.

Ingredients:

- 10 oz tallow

- 4 oz coconut oil

- 4 oz olive oil

- 4.5 oz lye

- 10 oz distilled water

- 1 tbsp raw honey

Instructions:

1. Prepare the lye solution and melt the oils.

2. Blend together at similar temperatures until reaching a trace.

3. Add honey and mix well.

4. Pour into molds and cure for 4-6 weeks.

Learn more: Seed Oils and Inflammation – All You Need to Know

Coffee Tallow Soap Recipe

Coffee-infused tallow soap is perfect for exfoliation and skin rejuvenation. Ground coffee or brewed coffee can be added to the soap mixture, providing natural exfoliation that removes dead skin cells and promotes circulation. The caffeine content in coffee may also help reduce puffiness and improve skin tone. This soap is particularly beneficial for those with rough or dry skin, as it provides both hydration and exfoliation in one bar.

Ingredients:

- 12 oz tallow

- 4 oz coconut oil

- 4 oz brewed coffee (instead of water)

- 4.5 oz lye

- 1 tbsp coffee grounds

Instructions:

1. Dissolve lye in cold brewed coffee.

2. Melt the oils and mix with the lye solution.

3. Blend until trace and stir in coffee grounds.

4. Pour into molds and cure.

Tallow and Olive Oil Soap Recipe

Olive oil enhances tallow soap by adding extra hydration and mildness. While tallow creates a firm, long-lasting bar, olive oil contributes a smoother, silkier texture. This combination is excellent for people with sensitive or aging skin, as it nourishes deeply without stripping the skin’s natural oils. The high content of antioxidants and vitamins in olive oil also helps protect the skin from environmental damage.

Ingredients:

- 8 oz tallow

- 8 oz olive oil

- 4 oz lye

- 8 oz distilled water

Instructions:

1. Prepare the lye solution and melt the oils.

2. Blend together at the right temperature.

3. Pour into molds and let it cure for several weeks.

Tallow and Shea Butter Soap Recipe

Shea butter is a luxurious addition to tallow soap, offering deep hydration and healing properties. It contains high levels of fatty acids and vitamins A and E, making it ideal for dry, cracked, or irritated skin. Combining shea butter with tallow results in a rich, creamy soap that provides long-lasting moisture. This variation is particularly beneficial for winter skincare, as it helps combat dryness caused by cold weather.

Ingredients:

- 10 oz tallow

- 5 oz shea butter

- 5 oz coconut oil

- 4.5 oz lye

- 10 oz distilled water

Instructions:

1. Mix the lye solution and melt the oils.

2. Blend until reaching a trace.

3. Pour into molds and let them cure.

Tallow Charcoal Soap Recipe

Activated charcoal is known for its detoxifying properties, making it a great addition to tallow soap for those with oily or acne-prone skin. Charcoal helps draw out impurities, absorb excess oil, and cleanse deeply without over-drying. The tallow base ensures the soap remains gentle and nourishing, preventing irritation. This variation is excellent for facial cleansing and balancing combination skin.

Ingredients:

- 12 oz tallow

- 4 oz coconut oil

- 4.5 oz lye

- 10 oz distilled water

- 1 tbsp activated charcoal powder

Instructions:

- Prepare the lye solution and melt the oils.

- Mix everything and blend until traced.

- Stir in activated charcoal, pour into molds, and cure.

Lavender Tallow Soap Recipe

Adding lavender essential oil to tallow soap provides a calming and relaxing experience. Lavender is known for its soothing properties, making this variation ideal for nighttime use or stress relief. It also has mild antibacterial effects, helping to cleanse the skin gently. The combination of tallow and lavender creates a beautifully scented, skin-loving soap that promotes relaxation while providing deep moisture.

Ingredients:

- 10 oz tallow

- 5 oz olive oil

- 5 oz coconut oil

- 4.5 oz lye

- 10 oz distilled water

- 1 tbsp lavender essential oil

Instructions:

1. Prepare the lye solution and melt the oils.

2. Blend until trace, then stir in lavender oil.

3. Pour into molds and cure for several weeks.

Common Tallow Soap Making Mistakes and Fixes

Soap Is Too Soft or Doesn’t Harden

If tallow soap remains too soft or fails to harden properly, it is often due to an excessive amount of liquid oils, such as olive oil, which can prevent the soap from forming a firm structure. Insufficient curing time is another common cause, as soap needs at least 4-6 weeks in a well-ventilated area to reach the right consistency. Additionally, too much water in the recipe can lead to a softer texture.

Fixes:

- Increase the tallow ratio to create a firmer soap.

- Allow the soap to cure for a minimum of 4-6 weeks.

- Slightly reduce the amount of water in future batches.

Soap Has an Unpleasant Smell

An unpleasant odor in tallow soap usually results from using rancid or improperly stored tallow. If the fat is not fully rendered, impurities can remain and affect the final scent. Excess moisture during storage can also cause spoilage, leading to an off-putting smell.

Fixes:

- Always use fresh, well-rendered tallow.

- Store soap in a cool, dry place to prevent spoilage.

- Add essential oils like lavender or citrus to mask any mild odors.

Lye Issues: Too Harsh or Didn’t Mix Properly

If the soap feels too harsh on the skin, it may be due to an incorrect lye-to-fat ratio. Lye that is not fully dissolved before mixing can lead to an uneven reaction, causing the soap to be either too caustic or ineffective. Additionally, if the mixture does not reach a proper trace, the soap may not set correctly.

Fixes:

- Double-check all lye measurements using a reliable soap calculator.

- Stir the lye solution thoroughly until completely dissolved.

- Blend the mixture until it reaches a smooth and even trace before pouring into molds.

Learn more: Is Yogurt on Carnivore Diet Allowed? The Complete Guide

Top 5 Popular Tallow Soap Brands in US

Black Hills Buffalo Tallow Soaps

Black Hills Candles offers handcrafted buffalo tallow soaps, such as the Cedarwood Luxury Soap. The Cedarwood Luxury Soap provides a rich, creamy lather and a pleasant cedarwood aroma. Each bar is carefully crafted to ensure quality and skin nourishment.

- Ingredients: 100% prairie grass-fed buffalo tallow, cedarwood, balsam fir & lemon essential oils, kaolin clay, natural clay colorants

- Benefits: Moisturizing, long-lasting (includes soap-saving sponge), suitable for sensitive skin

White Oak Pastures

White Oak Pastures offers a handcrafted Grass Fed Beef Tallow Soap made on their farm using tallow rendered from their cattle. The soap is made in small batches and is lauded for its effectiveness in moisturizing and soothing dry or irritated skin, including eczema.

- Ingredients: Grass Fed Beef Tallow, Distilled Water, Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, and Essential Oils (optional). Unscented options are available.

- Benefits: Moisturizing, itch relief, eczema treatment, leaves skin soft.

Buffalo Gal Grassfed Beauty

Buffalo Gal Grassfed Beauty offers a range of handcrafted tallow soaps, boasting unique ingredients and luxurious scents. Their soaps are made traditionally, avoiding harsh chemicals and synthetics. The company highlights the nourishing properties of tallow and buffalo milk, emphasizing their creamy lather and beneficial effects on skin.

- Ingredients: Saponified grass fed tallow, shea butter, cocoa butter, tucuma butter, water buffalo milk, frankincense resin, myrrh gum, raw honey, rhassoul clay, and essential oils of myrrh and frankincense.

- Benefits: Skin health, moisturizing, usage.

Vintage Tradition

Vintage Tradition offers Balm Soaps made from a blend of tallow and olive oil. Their soaps, such as the Totally Unscented Tallow Balm Soap, are designed to soothe and nourish the skin. Each bar is super hypoallergenic, making it suitable for sensitive skin, and provides a silky, creamy lather. The company focuses on traditional, natural skincare solutions.

The Healthy Porcupine

The Healthy Porcupine offers pure tallow soap, an unscented and fragrance-free option ideal for sensitive skin. This basic bar is made with saponified grass-fed tallow, avoiding plant-based oils and essential oils often associated with skin sensitivities.

How to Store and Use Tallow Soap Properly

To store tallow soap properly, keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. A well-ventilated soap dish helps prevent excess water buildup, extending the soap’s shelf life. If storing multiple bars, wrap them in wax paper or place them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

For best use, lather the soap with warm water and apply it directly to the skin, allowing the nourishing fats to moisturize and cleanse effectively. Let the soap dry between uses to prevent softening, ensuring it lasts longer.

Learn more: The Best Butter for Carnivore Diet: Health Benefits and Top Choices

FAQs about Tallow Soap Recipe

What are the disadvantages of tallow soap?

While tallow soap is highly moisturizing, some people may find it too heavy for oily skin. It also requires proper curing to avoid a soft texture that dissolves quickly in water. Sourcing high-quality tallow can be challenging, especially for those who prefer ethical or sustainable options. Additionally, since it is animal-based, it is not suitable for vegans or those who avoid animal products.

Is tallow soap good for people with eczema or psoriasis?

Yes, tallow soap can be beneficial for people with eczema or psoriasis due to its rich fatty acids and vitamins, which help nourish and soothe dry, irritated skin. Its gentle cleansing properties prevent further irritation caused by harsh detergents or synthetic chemicals. However, some people may react to certain added ingredients, such as essential oils. Choosing a pure, unscented tallow soap is best for those with sensitive skin conditions.

Is there a vegan alternative to tallow soap with similar benefits?

Yes, plant-based oils such as shea butter, cocoa butter, and coconut oil provide similar moisturizing and cleansing properties as tallow. These ingredients create a rich lather and help maintain skin hydration. Olive oil-based Castile soap is another gentle and nourishing alternative. However, vegan soaps may lack some of the deep-conditioning benefits that animal fats provide.

Does tallow soap clog drains?

Tallow soap itself does not typically clog drains, but improper use or disposal can contribute to build up over time. Since tallow is a fat-based ingredient, soap scum may accumulate in pipes if excess residue is left behind. Using hot water to rinse the sink or shower after each use can help prevent blockages. Regular drain cleaning can also minimize any potential issues.

Does tallow soap smell bad?

Properly rendered and well-made tallow soap should not have a bad smell. High-quality tallow is neutral in scent, and many tallow soaps include essential oils or natural fragrances for a pleasant aroma. However, if tallow is not rendered correctly or becomes rancid, it can develop an unpleasant odor. Storing soap in a cool, dry place helps maintain freshness.

Does Dove soap use tallow?

Many traditional soap brands, including Dove, have historically used tallow in their formulations. However, some modern versions have shifted to plant-based and synthetic alternatives. Checking the ingredient list for terms like "sodium tallowate" can confirm if a specific Dove soap contains tallow. Some variants still use animal fat, while others rely on vegetable-based ingredients.

Can I wash my hair with tallow soap?

Yes, tallow soap can be used as a natural shampoo, especially for those following a minimalist or natural hair care routine. Its nourishing fats help condition the scalp and prevent dryness. However, it may leave a residue, especially in hard water areas, so a vinegar rinse can help remove buildup. Some people find it works well for their hair, while others prefer a dedicated shampoo bar.

What fat makes the best soap?

Tallow is one of the best fats for soap making because it produces a firm, long-lasting bar with a creamy lather. Lard is another good option, offering similar benefits but with a slightly softer texture. For plant-based alternatives, coconut oil creates a rich lather, while shea butter and cocoa butter add extra moisture. A combination of fats often results in a well-balanced soap.

Can you wash your face with tallow soap?

Yes, tallow soap is gentle enough for facial use, especially for those with dry or sensitive skin. Its natural fats help moisturize without stripping away essential oils. However, individuals with oily or acne-prone skin may need to test it first, as heavier fats can sometimes clog pores. Choosing a simple, fragrance-free tallow soap is best for facial cleansing.

Is tallow better than shea butter?

Tallow and shea butter both offer excellent moisturizing properties, but they have different benefits. Tallow closely resembles the skin’s natural oils, making it highly effective for hydration and skin barrier protection. Shea butter is plant-based and contains additional nutrients that help with inflammation and healing. The choice depends on personal preference, skin type, and whether an animal-based or vegan option is preferred.

Learn more: Multi-Organ Supplement from New Zealand Cattle

P.S. Want Truly Nourished Skin? Start from Within!

Tallow soap is amazing for your skin. But here’s the thing—what you put inside your body matters just as much as what you put on it. If you want truly glowing, resilient skin, nourishing it from within is key.

That’s where Grass-Fed Beef Liver and Grass-Fed Collagen come in. Liver is packed with vitamin A, which supports healthy, vibrant skin. Collagen gives your skin the building blocks it needs to stay firm and hydrated. Together, they work like magic to keep you looking and feeling your best.

Why stop at skincare when you can have skin health? Give your body what it truly needs—because real beauty starts from the inside.