is tallow soap good for acne

Benefits of tallow soap | tallow soap recipe

Tallow soap offers numerous benefits for the skin and has been made and used by our ancestors for centuries. Thanks to its fat composition being similar to that of human skin, it provides deep, natural hydration.

Packed with vitamins such as A, D, E, and K, tallow nourishes and protects the skin while offering anti-inflammatory properties. It is also excellent for soothing dry or cracked skin, making it a great choice for those with sensitive or mature skin types.

Tallow soap is also a more natural, nourishing option for those looking to avoid synthetic ingredients and support traditional soap-making methods.

Tallow soap benefits

What is the benefit of tallow soap?

Moisturising properties

Tallow is rich in fatty acids that are similar to the natural oils in human skin. This makes tallow soap highly moisturising and helps maintain the skin's natural barrier, preventing dryness.

Gentler on your skin

Tallow soap is often gentle and suitable for sensitive skin. It doesn't strip the skin of its natural oils, making it a good option for people with eczema, psoriasis, or other skin conditions.

It's nutrient-rich

Because it contains vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are beneficial for skin health.tallow helps nourish, repair and protect the skin.

It's more natural and sustainable

Tallow soap is made from natural ingredients and is completely biodegradable. Using tallow is also a way to utilise all parts of an animal, reducing waste.

Tallow soap is long-lasting

Tallow soap tends to be harder and more durable than many vegetable oil-based soaps, meaning it lasts longer in the shower or bath.

Is tallow soap good for the skin?

Does tallow soap actually clean you?

It supports skin healing, naturally

The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of tallow can help soothe irritated skin and promote healing of minor cuts, scrapes, or rashes.

Tallow soap is free from harsh chemicals and synthetics

High-quality tallow soap is often made without synthetic additives, fragrances, or preservatives, making it a good choice for those looking to avoid harsh chemicals.

It helps balance oil production

Tallow soap can help balance the skin's natural oil production, making it suitable for both dry and oily skin types.

Tall is more eco-friendly

Tallow soap is usually made using traditional methods and natural ingredients, making it an environmentally friendly option compared to commercial soaps with synthetic components.

Things to consider when looking for tallow soap

  • Source of tallow: Ensure the tallow is sourced from grass-fed, ethically raised animals for the best quality and environmental impact.

  • Allergies: While rare, some people may have sensitivities to animal-based products.

Tallow soap recipe

making tallow soap yourself

Making tallow soap at home is fairly easy, although you need to be very cautious when working with lye.

With just a few simple ingredients like tallow (rendered animal fat), lye (sodium hydroxide), and water, you can craft a high-quality soap that’s free from synthetic additives.

The process involves melting the tallow, mixing it with a lye solution, and blending until it reaches the right consistency. Once poured into a mould and left to set, the soap hardens and cures over a few weeks, resulting in a gentle, moisturising bar.

Not only is it cost-effective, but it also allows you to control exactly what goes into your soap, making it a great option for those with sensitive skin or anyone looking to embrace a more natural lifestyle. 

Plus, it’s a sustainable way to use animal fats that might otherwise go to waste. With a bit of patience and care, you’ll have a handmade soap that’s both functional and luxurious.

Recipe for making tallow soap at home

Ingredients:

  • 500g tallow (rendered beef or mutton fat)

  • 68g lye (sodium hydroxide) (6-8% superfat)

  • 160g distilled water (for lye solution)

  • Optional: Essential oils for fragrance (e.g., lavender, tea tree, or peppermint)

  • Optional: Additives like oatmeal, honey, or herbs for extra benefits

Equipment:

  • Safety goggles and gloves

  • Stainless steel or heat-resistant plastic containers

  • Kitchen scale

  • Stick blender (or whisk)

  • Thermometer

  • Soap mold (silicone or wooden)

  • Old towel or blanket (for insulation)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the tallow

  • Ensure your tallow is clean and fully rendered. Melt it gently in a pot or microwave until it becomes liquid. Let it cool to around 100-110°F (38-43°C).

2. Make the lye solution

  • CAUTION: Lye is highly caustic. Always wear gloves and goggles, and work in a well-ventilated area.

  • Weigh the distilled water in a heat-resistant container.

  • Slowly add the lye to the water (never the other way around) while stirring gently. The mixture will heat up and release fumes, so avoid inhaling them.

  • Let the lye solution cool to 100-110°F (38-43°C).

3. Combine tallow and lye solution

  • Once both the tallow and lye solution are at the same temperature (100-110°F), slowly pour the lye solution into the melted tallow.

  • Use a stick blender to mix until you reach trace (when the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency). This usually takes a few minutes.

4. Add optional ingredients

  • If using essential oils, additives, or colorants, mix them in at trace. Stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution.

5. Pour into mould

  • Pour the soap mixture into your prepared mould. Tap the mold gently on the counter to remove air bubbles.

6. Insulate and cure

  • Cover the mold with a lid or plastic wrap, then wrap it in an old towel or blanket to insulate. This helps the soap go through the saponification process.

  • Let the soap sit in the mold for 24-48 hours.

7. Remove from mould and cut

  • After 24-48 hours, unmold the soap and cut it into bars. If the soap is too soft, let it sit for another day before cutting.

8. Cure the soap

  • Place the cut bars on a drying rack in a cool, dry place. Allow them to cure for 4-6 weeks. This ensures the soap hardens and becomes milder.

Additional tips

  • Superfatting: This recipe uses a 6-8% superfat, meaning there's extra fat that isn't turned into soap, making it more moisturising.

  • Testing pH: After curing, you can test the soap's pH with litmus paper. It should be between 8-10 for safe use.

  • Storage: Store cured soap in a dry place to extend its shelf life.

Enjoy your homemade tallow soap - it’s a natural, nourishing option for your skin and a great way to utilise traditional soap-making techniques.

Back to blog