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When I first learned about tallow, I was… skeptical. I mean, who rubs beef fat all over their body in hopes of calming their eczema. It felt weird lol. Despite this, I decided to give it a go (considering NOTHING else worked for my kiddo and their horrific eczema.) Once I tried it, I was HOOKED.
Not only did the tallow not burn which was HUGE in itself, it actually helped immediately. I was shocked and over the moon! It was so amazing to finally have a cream that worked. Now it wasn’t without its challenges. I had some batches go grainy, some go moldy and others that smelled. That is why it is vital to learn from someone you trust and that has been there. More on this later.
*Please note I am not a medical professional and this should not be taken as medical advice. To learn more, click here.
This post is all about how to use tallow for eczema
Table of Contents
The 5 Most Common Tallow Mistakes (That Can Make Eczema Worse)
Tallow itself isn’t usually the problem, but poor sourcing, improper rendering, or heavy scenting can irritate eczema-prone skin. I break down the 5 most common mistakes in a free guide here.
Does Tallow Actually Help Eczema?
Tallow isn’t a cure for eczema but it can be supportive for some people when used correctly.
Eczema-prone skin has a weakened skin barrier, which means it loses moisture more easily and becomes more reactive. Tallow is rich in fatty acids that are naturally found in healthy skin, which can help support that barrier and reduce moisture loss.
Because it’s an occlusive moisturizer, tallow works by sealing hydration into the skin. For some people, this can reduce dryness, tightness, and flaking, especially when applied to damp skin.
When used thoughtfully, tallow can be a simple, nourishing option for eczema-prone skin, but how you use it matters.
Is Tallow Safe for Sensitive or Eczema-Prone Skin?
Like every single cream out there, tallow is not the right fit for 100% of the population. With that being said, it is the ONLY thing that helped my kiddos eczema after YEARS of trying natural products, prescription creams, diet changes, lifestyle changes and even a 200 dollar eczema suit.
The reason tallow can work well for sensitive skin is because it’s simple. A basic, unscented tallow balm contains very few ingredients, which lowers the risk of irritation compared to heavily fragranced or preservative-filled creams.
However, safety comes down to three things:
Quality of the fat
Proper rendering and storage
How slowly and thoughtfully you introduce it
When those pieces are in place, many people find tallow to be a gentle, supportive option for eczema-prone skin.
Step-by-Step: How to Use Tallow for Eczema Safely
Step 1: Choose the Right Tallow
- This means ensuring you are getting suet and not trim fat and that you are buying from a reputable source. The only way to guarantee consistently safe results is to render it yourself.
Step 2: Patch Test First
Step 3: Apply to Damp Skin
The easiest way to do this is after you have had a shower so your skin is nice and clean (very important for eczema) and ready to lock in all of the moisture. Apply in a thin layer to start and add more as needed. A little bit of tallow goes a long way.
Step 4: Monitor for 7 Days
Track itch, redness and adjust the frequency of use. (There is an eczema tracker in the full tallow system if you decide it is right for you!)
Common Mistakes That Can Trigger a Flare-Up.
When people tell me that tallow triggered eczema symptoms, I am first skeptical of a few things…
- Adding fresh ingredients, no preservatives. I have seen a few listed on amazon that contain ingredients like honey but contain no preservatives. This is a surefire way to add mold to your life.
- Buying tallow from unknown sources that could be using trim fat or fat from any number of different sources.
- Improperly filtered tallow. Tallow was filtered which can leave bits and pieces that cause irritation.
- Using tallow that contain allergens. As you may know, allergies and eczema go hand in hand so if you have eczema, there is a good chance you have sensitivities as well. Nuts are one of the most common allergens and sweet almond oil is one of the top oils to add to skincare. You have to be so cautious!
This is why I am a firm believer of making tallow yourself. It is the only way you 100% know what you are putting on your skin. To learn how to make tallow from start to finish the safe way, check out my tallow mastery system.
When You Should Avoid Tallow
Now I know what tallow did for me and my family and that is why I shout it from the rooftops but there is also a few times when tallow is not recommended…
- If your medical professional has told you not to use it.
- If you have a beef sensitivity (you can also make tallow out of sheep suet though.)
- If your skin is infected.
Knowing when to use tallow and when not to is a vital skill and while tallow can be a huge help for your skin, it can’t “cure” your skin. If none of the above apply to you or your kiddo, tallow can be a great fit!
If You Want Complete Certainty...
If you want to feel completely confident using tallow for sensitive or eczema-prone skin, my Butter-Me-Up Tallow Mastery System walks you through every step… from safely sourcing and rendering your tallow, to creating your perfect base balm, to troubleshooting any issues like texture, smell, or batch inconsistencies.
You’ll also get a step-by-step tracker, guidance on essential oils, and oils/ oil ratios. This course isn’t just about recipes… it’s a full system designed to give you clarity, safety, and peace of mind so you can use tallow without worry.