What Is Whipped Tallow Balm, and What Is It Used For?

If you've been hearing more about tallow balm lately and wondering what it actually is, you're in the right place. We're Tyson and Kendra Langland, third-generation cattle producers, and our cattle are raised on our family ranch near Bruce, South Dakota, just outside Brookings. We raise grass-fed cattle, render the tallow ourselves, and whip every jar of balm by hand. Here's a plain-spoken look at what whipped tallow balm is, how we make it, and how our family uses it every day.

What Is Tallow?

Tallow is rendered beef fat. Rendering simply means melting the fat down and straining it, which leaves a clean, creamy fat that firms up as it cools. People have kept tallow around the house for generations, and today plenty of folks reach for it to moisturize dry skin.

A beef tallow balm takes that rendered fat and blends it with a few simple oils, plus essential oils if it's a scented version. Whipped tallow balm goes one step further. We whip the balm until it's light and airy, so it spreads easily and melts right into your skin instead of sitting on top like a hard salve.

Why Grass-Fed?

Every jar starts with cattle we raise ourselves. Our cattle graze pasture through the grazing season and eat hay through the winter. They're never fed grain, and we never use growth hormones or synthetic insecticides. Any animal that needs antibiotics is pulled from our beef program. Caring well for the land and the animals is at the heart of everything we do.

Because the tallow comes from our own herd, we know exactly where it came from and how those animals were raised. Grass-fed tallow naturally contains fatty acids and vitamins A, D, E, and K, which is a big part of why it feels so nourishing on dry skin.

How We Render and Whip It

We keep things simple. We raise the cattle on our family ranch near Bruce, then render the tallow and whip every jar by hand in small batches. Our balms are made with 100% grass-fed tallow and organic jojoba oil, and our scented versions add third-party tested essential oils. We leave out anything synthetic. When you order from our online shop, your order is packed by hand by our family, too.

What Is Tallow Balm Used For?

Here's where whipped tallow balm gets used in our house:

• Dry hands. After chores, dishes, or a day out in the cold, a little balm softens rough, tight hands.
• Cracked heels. Rub some into dry heels at night and pull on a pair of socks.
• Elbows and knees. Anywhere that tends to get rough and dry.
• Face moisturizer. A thin layer in the morning or at night keeps skin feeling soft.
• Lips. A tiny dab moisturizes dry, chapped lips. We like the Unscented for this.
• After shaving. A small amount soothes dry skin after a shave.
• Beard. Tallow balm for men does double duty, conditioning the beard and softening the skin underneath.
• Outdoor winter skin. South Dakota winters are hard on skin. Balm helps cheeks and hands stand up to wind and chapping.
• The whole family. One jar can moisturize everyone in the house, from grandparents to little ones.

How to Use Whipped Tallow Balm

A little goes a long way. Start with a small scoop, about the size of a pea, and warm it between your fingertips for a few seconds until it softens. Then press and smooth it onto your skin and give it a minute to soak in. If you need more, add a little at a time. Putting it on right after a shower or washing your hands works well.

Tallow is a natural fat, so it can soften or partly melt in warm weather. That doesn't hurt the balm. Just set it somewhere cool, or in the fridge for a bit, and it will firm back up.

Choosing a Scent

All of our whipped tallow balms start with the same grass-fed tallow. The difference is the scent and a few of the ingredients:

• Unscented: 100% grass-fed tallow and organic jojoba oil with no added fragrance. This is our pick for sensitive skin, little ones, and anyone who would rather skip fragrance. 2 oz ($20) or 4 oz ($35).
• Lavender + Mint: grass-fed tallow and organic jojoba oil with a calming blend of lavender and peppermint essential oils that makes your routine feel like a little moment of relaxation. 2 oz ($20) or 4 oz ($35).
• Frankincense: our frankincense tallow balm, made with grass-fed tallow, organic jojoba oil, and third-party tested frankincense essential oil. 2 oz ($20) or 4 oz ($35).
• Herbal: grass-fed tallow and organic jojoba oil with spearmint, marjoram, and eucalyptus essential oils. It's nice as a face cream, body balm, or beard balm. 2 oz ($20).
• Timber: our tallow balm for men, made with grass-fed tallow and organic jojoba oil, with cedarwood, cypress, Siberian fir, and Madagascar vanilla essential oils. Use it on your beard, your face, or after a shave. 2 oz ($20).
• Sun + Bun: a rich, airy balm made for long days outdoors. It's gentle enough for sensitive skin, rich enough to stand up to wind and chapping, and made with the whole family in mind, little ones included. 4 oz ($35).

Beyond the balms, we also make a Whipped Tallow Sugar Scrub ($18) with grass-fed beef tallow, organic olive oil, organic cane sugar, and third-party tested essential oils. Use it once or twice a week in the shower: massage it onto damp skin, rinse, and follow with balm. For everyday washing, we have the Tallow + Charcoal Cleansing Bar and the unscented Tallow + Honey Oat Cleansing Bar ($12 each). Each bar lasts about 6–8 weeks with regular use.

U.S. orders of $75 or more get free standard shipping.

Tallow Balm FAQ

Does tallow balm smell like beef?

Our scented balms get their scent from third-party tested essential oils, so what you'll notice is lavender and peppermint, frankincense, herbs, or cedarwood and fir. The Unscented has no added fragrance, so it has only the mild natural scent of the tallow itself.

Is tallow balm greasy?

Tallow is a rich fat, so using too much can leave skin feeling slick. The whipped texture helps it spread thin and melt in. Start with a small amount, warm it between your fingers, and give it a minute to absorb.

Can kids use tallow balm?

Tallow balm can be part of the whole family's routine. For kids, we suggest the Unscented, since it has no added fragrance. As with any new skincare product, try a small amount on a small patch of skin first.

What if my balm softens or melts?

That's normal for a natural fat in warm weather and doesn't hurt the product. Put it in a cool spot or the fridge for a little while to firm it back up.

Where can I buy Langland Cattle Company tallow balm?

You can shop all of our tallow skincare online, or choose Local Pickup at checkout if you're near Brookings. You'll also find our products at local shops in Sioux Falls, Brookings, Madison, Lake Norden, and Arlington, South Dakota, and in Akron, Iowa. See our store locations for addresses, and check with each store for current stock.

From Our Ranch to Your Routine

Making skincare from the cattle we raise ourselves is something our family is proud of, and every jar is whipped by hand with care. If you're looking for a simple, nourishing moisturizer for dry hands, winter cheeks, or a scruffy beard, we'd love for you to give it a try. Find your favorite scent and let us know how it works for you.