Beef Tallow Lotion Recipe With Calendula (Simple, Nourishing DIY)

If you’ve been looking for a truly nourishing, old-fashioned lotion that actually works, this beef tallow lotion with calendula may become a staple in your home. It definitely has in mine!

Made with simple, natural ingredients, this recipe creates a rich, soothing lotion that supports dry, irritated, or sensitive skin without synthetic fillers.

Beef tallow has been used for generations as a skin moisturizer, long before modern lotions filled with preservatives and fragrances existed. When combined with calendula — a gentle, skin-loving flower — the result is a deeply moisturizing lotion that feels so good on your skin.

This recipe is easy to make, customizable, and perfect for anyone wanting a more traditional, from-scratch skincare option. I hope you love it!

Why Use Beef Tallow on Skin?

Beef tallow is uniquely suited for skincare because its fatty acid profile closely resembles the oils naturally found in human skin. This allows it to absorb well, moisturize deeply, and help support the skin barrier rather than just sitting on the surface.

High-quality, grass-fed tallow also contains naturally occurring fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K, which are often stripped out of commercial skincare products.

Benefits of beef tallow lotion include:

• Deep, long-lasting moisture
• Support for dry, cracked, or rough skin
• Simple, minimal ingredients – I love this particularly
• No synthetic fragrances or preservatives (so important)
• Gentle enough for sensitive skin types

Why Add Calendula?

Calendula is a bright, cheerful flower known for its calming and soothing properties. When infused into oil, calendula is commonly used in natural skincare to help:

• Soothe irritated or inflamed skin
• Support skin healing
• Calm redness and dryness
• Create gentle, family-friendly products

Calendula helps balance the richness of tallow while adding calming, skin-supportive benefits. You can easily grow your own Calendula flowers and then make the oil yourself if you want to.

Beef Tallow Lotion Recipe With Calendula

Ingredients

• 1 cup grass-fed beef tallow (rendered and purified)
• 1-2 tablespoons calendula-infused oil
• 1/4 cup jojoba oil or another lightweight oil (optional, for softer texture)
• 10–15 drops essential oils (optional – lavender or chamomile are popular choices)

Equipment

• Double boiler or heat-safe bowl over a saucepan
• Mixing spoon or spatula
• Hand mixer or immersion blender (optional, for whipped texture)
• Clean glass jars or tins

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Melt the Tallow
   Place the beef tallow into a double boiler or heat-safe bowl over gently simmering water. Allow it to melt slowly.
2. Add Calendula Oil
   Once the tallow is fully melted, stir in the calendula-infused oil until well combined.
3. Remove From Heat
   Take the mixture off the heat and allow it to cool slightly. Stir in jojoba oil and essential oils if using.
4. Cool and Set
   Let the mixture cool until it begins to thicken but is not fully solid. 20 minutes in the fridge usually brings it to a good consistency.
5. Whip (Optional)
   For a lighter, fluffy texture, use a hand mixer or immersion blender to whip the lotion until creamy.
6. Jar and Store
   Spoon the finished lotion into clean jars or tins and label.

How to Use Beef Tallow Lotion

If you don’t want to make it, you can check out my Tallow Lotion in The Nourished Home Shop!

A little goes a long way. Warm a small amount between your hands and apply to dry areas such as:

• Hands and cuticles
• Elbows and knees
• Feet and heels
• Legs after shaving
• Very dry facial skin (patch test first)

Because this lotion is rich, you may find it’s best applied to slightly damp skin or used as a nighttime moisturizer. However, I use it all day long!

Storage and Shelf Life

Store your beef tallow lotion in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. No heat! Because it contains no water, it has a naturally long shelf life and can last several months when kept clean and dry. Always use clean hands or a scoop to prevent contamination.

Customization Ideas

• For extra softness: Add more jojoba or sweet almond oil
• For scent: Use essential oils like lavender, frankincense, or chamomile
• For seasonal use: Keep it thicker for winter or slightly softer for summer

Frequently Asked Questions

Does beef tallow lotion smell like beef?
Properly rendered and purified tallow has a mild scent, some compare it to vanilla. Essential oils can be added for fragrance if you want to. I do!

Can I use this on my face?
Yes, I have very dry skin and I use it on my face. If you’re acne-prone or sensitive, patch test first.

Is this safe for kids?
When made without essential oils, this lotion is often gentle enough for children. Always test first.

One Last Little Note

I hope you love this beef tallow with calendula lotion recipe as much as I do and that it brings a little extra comfort to your everyday skincare routine.

If you’d rather skip the DIY or want to keep some on hand, you can find my ready-made Tallow Lotion in the shop—made in small batches with the same simple, nourishing ingredients.

And if you’d like more recipes, garden tips, and from-scratch homemaking ideas, be sure to sign up for my email list so you don’t miss what’s coming next.