The slow, intentional way to purify tallow—with just water, salt, and a little mama magic.
Let me tell you a little story.It was one of those chaotic homeschool mornings—breakfast dishes still in the sink, a toddler clinging to my leg, and a looming feeling that I wasn’t doing enough. Ever felt that?
But then… I remembered the beef fat in my freezer.
Yup, good old fat from our local butcher, just waiting to be turned into something useful. I had been putting it off, because let’s be honest—rendering fat sounds like a whole thing. But I needed a win that day. Something practical, beautiful, and grounding. So I pulled out the pot, gathered my little ones around, and we turned it into a homeschool science experiment slash self-care project.
Because when you know how to render and purify tallow? You open the door to making your own nourishing, luxurious skincare—and mama, this balm recipe I’ve created is gold (but we’ll get to that in a minute).
What Is Tallow, Anyway?
Tallow is rendered fat, usually from beef, that’s been purified. It’s been used for centuries—not just in cooking, but in skincare, candles, and even soap. Why? Because it’s incredibly rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K and mimics the natural oils our skin produces.
And when done right? It’s odorless, creamy, and perfect for healing and moisturizing sensitive skin.
My Slow & Simple Tallow Purification Method
This isn’t the fast way. It’s the intentional way. And it’s how I keep the tallow clean and scent-free for the balm recipe my mama followers are loving.
What You’ll Need:
Beef fat (suet works best—ask your local butcher!)
A large pot
Water
Salt
Strainer or cheesecloth
A spoon or spatula
Patience and a cozy playlist (optional, but highly recommended)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cut your fat. Cut your beef fat into small chunks. The smaller the pieces, the quicker and more evenly it will render.
2. Add to a Pot With Water. Place the fat into a large pot and cover it with water. Add about a tablespoon of salt. This helps draw out impurities.
3. Bring to a Gentle Boil. Slowly bring the pot to a low boil over medium heat. Don’t rush this—low and slow is the name of the game.
4. Scrape and Stir. As it boils, you’ll start to see the impurities rise to the top. Gently scrape them off with a spoon. Keep stirring every so often.
5. Simmer & Watch the Magic Happen. Let it simmer until the fat melts completely and separates from the water. The water helps purify it without burning it, which is key.
6. Strain and Set. Once it’s fully rendered, carefully strain the liquid fat into a heatproof container using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Let it cool and solidify. You’ll be left with creamy white tallow and zero stink!
7. Optional Second Purify. For extra purity (especially if you’re using it for skincare), repeat the water and salt boil one more time if you’re going to use your tallow for frying once is just fine. But if you’re planning on using it for skincare go ahead and repeat this proces 3-4 times until completely odorless. It’s totally worth it.
Why I Use This Tallow for My Luxurious Balm Recipe
Tallow is one of the best base ingredients for natural skincare. Once it’s purified, I blend it with other nourishing oils and essential oils to create a balm that my whole family uses—from baby cheeks to mama elbows. It’s rich, healing, and way more affordable than store-bought “clean” balms.
You can find my full DIY Luxurious Tallow Balm Recipe here
Mama-to-Mama Tips:
Store your tallow in the fridge if you’re not using it right away.
Label it well, especially if you have curious little hands helping in the kitchen.
If you’re sensitive to smells, rendering with water and salt helps eliminate that beefy odor.
I’mgoing to love and leave you with this:
Learning how to render tallow wasn’t just about making a balm. It was about slowing down, making something from scratch, and reclaiming a skill that generations before us used to know by heart. And now? I use this balm daily—and feel like a total pioneer mama doing it.
So if you’re craving more simplicity, more natural living, and more mama wins in your day… start with this. A pot of suet, some salt and water, and a little patience.
You’ve got this.
