New skincare trends are constantly hitting the market. Some fizzle out quickly, while others actually stand the test of time. So when I first saw tallow and honey balm popping up everywhere, I honestly rolled my eyes and scrolled past it. My skincare routine was dialed in, my skin was clear, hydrated, and happy—I wasn’t in the market for anything new. But as life often goes, curiosity has a way of creeping in. And in my case, it started with a conversation in my own home.
How Tallow and Honey Balm Landed on My Radar
A good friend of ours, who just so happens to be the director of the new Animal documentary on Apple TV, came to stay with us in Cape Town for a few nights. He’s one of the most health-conscious people I know—living a primarily carnivore lifestyle, training hard, and paying close attention to what he puts in his body and on his skin.
One morning, he was heading out for a run up Lion’s Head and casually asked me, “Have you heard of honey tallow balm?”
I said yes—I’d seen it floating around online—but admitted I hadn’t tried it. That’s when he pulled out his own jar, along with a face balm, and explained the benefits of skipping synthetic chemicals in conventional sunscreen. I’d brushed up on this topic while pregnant and again when deciding what sunscreen to use for our toddler, so it wasn’t entirely new. But hearing him rave about the tallow and honey balm—and seeing how much he truly believed in it—made me pause.
He showed me his balm, let me try a little, and from that moment… I was hooked.
The First Try: Falling in Love
The brand he had was VanMan’s Tallow and Honey Balm. I immediately liked the texture, the way it melted into my fingertips, and the way my skin felt after applying it. That being said, the branding leaned a bit more masculine. Nothing wrong with that—it’s just that when I add something to my skincare routine, I like it to feel a little elevated and aligned with my personal vibe.
So I started searching and stumbled upon Ancestral Cosmetics, a small family-run business in Ireland. They make their tallow honey balm in small batches using grass-fed beef tallow and raw Irish honey. That was it—I was sold. I ordered their original balm and eagerly awaited its arrival.
When the package finally came, it felt like opening a little treasure. The balm was firm in the jar, but softened beautifully with the warmth of my fingertips. I applied the tiniest amount to my face that night, and not only did it feel incredible—it smelled divine. Fresh honey blended with subtle essential oils. No “beefy” undertones, no strange after-scent. Just clean, natural goodness.
From the very first night, I knew this tallow and honey balm was going to become a staple in my routine.
Buy here and get 10% off Ancestral Cosmetics Tallow and Honey Balm!
What Exactly Is Tallow and Honey Balm?
For those new to the trend, tallow honey balm is a simple yet powerful blend of two traditional ingredients:
- Beef tallow: rendered fat from grass-fed cows, rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K, as well as essential fatty acids that mimic the natural oils in human skin.
- Honey: a natural humectant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory powerhouse that has been used for centuries to heal wounds, soothe irritation, and support glowing skin.
Together, these two ingredients create a nutrient-dense balm that nourishes deeply while protecting the skin’s barrier.
If you love natural products, you will love Happy Tooth Fluoride Free Toothpaste, check my post on it here.
Benefits of Tallow and Honey Balm
After a few months of consistent use, here are the benefits I’ve noticed—along with those supported by science and other users:
- Intense Moisture Without Clogging
Tallow’s fatty acid profile is very similar to our skin’s sebum, meaning it absorbs beautifully without leaving a greasy film. It’s particularly effective for dry, flaky, or compromised skin.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Honey is naturally anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, which makes a honey tallow balm soothing for irritation, redness, or acne-prone skin.
- Supports Skin Healing
Both honey and tallow have regenerative properties. Minor cuts, blemishes, or rough patches seem to heal faster when treated with tallow honey balm.
- Glowing, Smooth Skin
After applying at night, I wake up with softer, plumper skin that has a natural glow. It feels almost like a “reset” for my face.
- All-Natural & Non-Toxic
Unlike many commercial moisturizers and sunscreens that contain parabens, phthalates, or synthetic fragrances, tallow and honey balm is made of ingredients that come directly from the earth.
- Long-Lasting & Economical
A little goes a long way. I bought the 60ml jar in June, and by late August I’ve barely made a dent. With 5–6 uses a week, one jar will last at least six months.
Curious how to combat crows’ feet? Check out my post on the best eye wrinkle cream.
Who Should Try Tallow and Honey Balm?
While skincare is never one-size-fits-all, tallow honey balm is surprisingly versatile and can benefit a wide range of skin types:
- Dry or sensitive skin
- Acne-prone skin
- Mature skin
- Minimalist skincare lovers
- Health-conscious families
Of course, if you’re allergic to beef or honey, this product wouldn’t be suitable—but for most people, it’s worth a try.
How I Use It
I like to rotate tallow and honey balm into my routine on nights when I’m not using active treatments like retinol or glycolic serums. It’s the perfect “rest” product for my skin.
On makeup-free days, I’ll use it as my daytime moisturizer. And when my daughter has a dry patch or irritation, I feel completely safe dabbing a tiny bit on her skin.
Looking Ahead: My Next Tallow Honey Purchases
After falling in love with the original balm, I’ve already been browsing Ancestral Cosmetics’ other products. Their Tallow Sunbalm is high on my list, especially with Cape Town’s summer around the corner. I’m also eyeing their Tallow Body Cream—if it’s anything like the face balm, my perpetually dry legs are about to be very happy.
Time to Try Tallow and Honey Balm
I’ll admit—I was skeptical at first. Tallow honey balm sounded too “back-to-basics” to really fit into my otherwise science-backed skincare routine. But here I am, months later, completely converted.
If you’ve been curious about trying a tallow and honey balm, my advice is this: go for it. Look for small-batch brands that use high-quality, grass-fed tallow and raw honey, like Ancestral Cosmetics. Clean, natural, and incredibly effective, this balm has earned its spot on my bathroom shelf—and in my nightly routine.
Sometimes the simplest formulas really are the best.
FAQ: Tallow and Honey Balm
What is tallow and honey balm?
Tallow and honey balm is a natural skincare product made from grass-fed beef tallow and raw honey. This combination provides deep hydration, helps repair the skin barrier, and delivers essential vitamins and minerals that support healthy, glowing skin.
Is tallow and honey balm safe for sensitive skin?
Yes, tallow and honey balm is generally well-tolerated by sensitive skin because its fatty acid profile closely mimics human sebum. It’s free from synthetic chemicals and fragrances that often cause irritation, making it a gentle choice for those with eczema, rosacea, or dry skin.
How do you use tallow and honey balm?
Apply a pea-sized amount of tallow honey balm to clean skin. It can be used as a daily moisturizer, overnight mask, or spot treatment for dry patches. Many people also use honey tallow balm on children for extra hydration or to soothe irritation.
Can tallow and honey balm help with acne?
Yes. Honey tallow balm has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can calm acne flare-ups while nourishing the skin barrier. Because it doesn’t clog pores, it supports healing without causing additional breakouts.
What makes tallow and honey balm different from regular moisturizers?
Unlike many store-bought moisturizers that contain synthetic preservatives, fillers, and fragrances, tallow and honey balm is made with whole, natural ingredients. Its nutrient-dense formula works with your skin instead of against it, promoting long-term skin health.
Does tallow and honey balm smell like beef?
High-quality balms, especially those blended with raw honey and essential oils, do not smell like beef. Instead, they have a subtle, pleasant scent—often with notes of honey or botanicals.
How long does one jar of tallow and honey balm last?
Because a little goes a long way, one jar of tallow honey balm can last several months, even with regular use. Many users find that a 60ml jar lasts at least six months.
Can I use tallow and honey balm on my children?
Yes. Tallow and honey balm is safe for kids since it’s free from harmful additives. It can be applied to dry patches, chapped cheeks, or sensitive skin without worry about harsh chemicals.