I must admit, it took me a long time to jump on the tallow bandwagon. I had heard people
talk about the smell, and while I am not vegetarian, I can be a little averse to some meats,
especially fatty ones. However, I am not one to shy away from trying something new, and I
often find that when something keeps selling out in the beauty world, there is usually a
good reason.
The Beauty of Traditional Skincare
One evening I found myself watching YouTube videos of homestead families rendering
tallow from their own cows. They were doing it in a way that honoured the animal and
ensured nothing went to waste. I loved that. Using the whole animal feels both respectful
and sustainable. Our ancestors lived this way, showing gratitude for the nourishment and
sustenance animals provided.
Why Tallow Works So Well for Skin
When I finally gave it a try, I understood why people were obsessed. Tallow is rich in
vitamins A, D, E and K, and contains fatty acids that are almost identical to the natural oils
in our skin. This is why it absorbs so well and helps to restore the skin barrier. It nourishes
deeply, locks in moisture, and supports healing for dry or sensitive skin.
Creating My Own Blends
Straight tallow felt a bit too heavy for me at first. It took many batches to perfect the
balance, and my friends and family became my loyal testers, with cupboards and
handbags full of my experiments. Eventually I found the combinations that made tallow
light, silky and beautifully wearable.
Tallow Balm with Jojoba and Rosehip
This balm is my everyday go-to. Jojoba oil is known for mimicking the skin’s own sebum,
helping to balance oil production and prevent congestion, while rosehip oil is packed with
natural vitamin A and essential fatty acids that help brighten and even skin tone. Together
with nutrient-rich tallow, this blend creates a deeply hydrating balm that supports elasticity and gives the skin a soft, dewy glow. It melts in easily, wears beautifully under makeup, and leaves your skin feeling nourished all day long.
Repair Balm with Tamanu and Black Seed
For those times when skin needs extra care, my Repair Balm combines tallow with tamanu
and black seed oil. Tamanu is often called “green gold” for its powerful regenerative and
anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to calm redness, soothe irritation and support healingfor scars, eczema and minor wounds. Black seed oil, rich in antioxidants and
thymoquinone, works to reduce inflammation and fight bacteria, making it an incredible
choice for breakout-prone or reactive skin.
The test dummies for this one included my teenage son and his friends, who quickly
discovered it makes a brilliant aftershave balm. Their future wives can thank me later for
creating an interest in skincare early on.
The result is a restorative balm that helps to repair and protect while delivering deep
moisture and a healthy, radiant glow.
Why You Might Fall in Love with It Too
I know tallow is not for everyone, but once you try it, you might be surprised by how your
skin responds. It is natural, sustainable and full of skin-loving nutrients that your body
recognises and absorbs with ease. For me, tallow has been a beautiful reminder that
sometimes the simplest, most traditional ingredients are the ones that truly transform the
skin.
From My Kitchen to Yours
At Wild Posie, every balm is handcrafted in small batches using thoughtfully sourced,
natural ingredients. Each formula is made with intention, care and respect for both the skin
and the earth. What began as a personal experiment has become a collection that
celebrates old-world skincare with a modern, nurturing twist — proof that beauty and
sustainability can live side by side.
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