Tallow has been used in soap-making for centuries, yet in today’s world of plant-based alternatives, it sometimes gets overlooked. However, this traditional ingredient offers a wealth of benefits that make it a superior choice for soap makers looking to create a nourishing, long-lasting, and eco-friendly product. Whether you’re a seasoned soap maker or just getting started, here’s why you should consider incorporating tallow into your formulations.
1. Superior Moisturizing Properties
Tallow is rich in fatty acids that closely resemble the natural oils found in human skin. This makes it an excellent moisturizer, helping to keep the skin soft and hydrated. Unlike some plant-based oils that can leave skin feeling dry or stripped, tallow-based soaps provide a gentle, conditioning cleanse that supports the skin’s natural barrier. Let’s take a look at the fatty acids in tallow.
Fatty Acid Profile of Tallow (Approximate %)
- Palmitic Acid (C16:0) – 25-30%
Adds hardness and contributes to a stable lather. - Stearic Acid (C18:0) – 15-25%
Creates a firm bar and enhances longevity in soaps. - Oleic Acid (C18:1) – 35-45%
Provides conditioning and a creamy lather. - Linoleic Acid (C18:2) – 2-6%
A minor conditioning fatty acid. - Linolenic Acid (C18:3) – <1%
Minimal presence. - Myristic Acid (C14:0) – 3-5%
Boosts cleansing and lathering properties. - Palmitoleic Acid (C16:1) – 3-6%
A minor conditioning fatty acid.
Why Use Tallow in Soap?
- Hardness – Creates a firm, long-lasting bar.
- Mild Cleansing – Not too harsh, making it good for sensitive skin.
- Stable Lather – Provides a creamy, stable foam.
2. Creates a Hard, Long-Lasting Bar
One of the biggest challenges soap makers face is creating a bar that lasts. Tallow produces a hard bar of soap that doesn’t turn mushy in the shower, allowing for longer use and better value. Compared to softer oils, such as olive or sunflower oil, tallow helps extend the life of your soap significantly. I love my palm-free, vegan recipes, but I do tend to notice they dissolve more quickly in the shower.
3. Rich and Creamy Lather
Who doesn’t love a soap with a luxurious, creamy lather? Tallow enhances lather quality, producing a thick, stable foam that feels rich and indulgent. While coconut oil contributes to big bubbles, tallow balances it out by adding creaminess and density to the lather, resulting in a more luxurious washing experience. You can play around with different percentages of tallow and coconut oil to see what you like.
4. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable
Tallow is an incredibly sustainable ingredient, especially when sourced from local farms or butchers who use the entire animal. Unlike some plant oils that require deforestation or extensive processing, tallow is often a byproduct of the meat industry that would otherwise go to waste. Using tallow in soap-making supports a zero-waste approach and minimizes reliance on resource-intensive alternatives.
5. Gentle and Skin-Loving
Because tallow is so similar to the oils naturally found in our skin, it is well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and dry skin. It contains beneficial nutrients such as vitamins A, D, E, and K, which help promote skin health and healing.
6. A Connection to Traditional Soap Making
Historically, tallow has been a staple ingredient in soap-making for good reason. It was widely used before the advent of modern vegetable oils and synthetic detergents because it was accessible, effective, and provided exceptional soap quality. Incorporating tallow into your formulations is a way to honor traditional soap-making practices while reaping the benefits of time-tested ingredients.
How to Use Tallow in Soap Making
Tallow can be used as a primary hardening and conditioning fat in soap recipes, often paired with oils like coconut, olive, and castor for a balanced formulation. It typically makes up 30-50% of a soap recipe, though some traditional recipes use even higher amounts. To ensure a well-rounded bar, consider blending tallow with other nourishing ingredients for added benefits.
Despite modern trends favoring plant-based ingredients, tallow remains one of the best fats for making high-quality, nourishing soap. Its superior moisturizing properties, sustainability, rich lather, and long-lasting durability make it a powerhouse ingredient that should not be overlooked. If you haven’t yet tried incorporating tallow into your soap formulations, now is the perfect time to explore its many benefits and rediscover this traditional soap-making treasure.
Are you a fan of tallow-based soaps? Let us know in the comments below!
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Tallow is truly a powerhouse ingredient for soap-making. Its moisturizing properties, sustainability, and rich lather make it a fantastic choice for high-quality, long-lasting bars. It’s definitely worth considering in any formulation!
I agree with Janie. I think, for vegans and vegetarians – Tallow is the way to go. There’s no waste. Yes, it’s animal fat – but it does not go to a landfill. It’s great for your skin. It’s a means of using up what would otherwise be waste. Even if you don’t eat meat – this is so very pro environment. I usually use tallow at around 25% as well, but may up that to around 30%. Again, thanks for the article. Preaching to the choir, but still….. good to get the information out there!
I use tallow all of the time in my soap making. People that I give it to, say it’s the best soap they’ve ever used. I think it’s the tallow!
Thanks for that article!
How about something about how to use tallow in body butter or other direct skin products?
Thanks!
I’ve been using tallow in my soaps for many years. It makes a lovely bar with great lather especially when paired with some coconut and castor oils. I also add olive oil and other soft oils for a balanced recipe. My adult children love the lather and that their bars last longer than other handcrafted bars they’ve tried. My first batch of tallow soap back in 2011 was so hard that I was afraid that it would break my multi-cutter. I reduced the percentage and it was perfect. Today I use grass fed beef tallow at 25%.
To those who are hesitant to use tallow for environmental and animal cruelty reasons, cattle are not raised for their fat and using the animal’s fat keeps it out of landfills. You should have zero qualms about it if you eat meat.