At Bulk Apothecary, we’re always on the lookout for ways to enhance the crafting journey for our makers, delving deep into research and embracing innovation. Yet, sometimes we need to look at the past not just the future. This is why we are now carrying Tallow and Lard for your skincare and soap-making needs. More and more consumers are looking for natural and eco friendly products on the market. We are seeing trends in getting back to the roots by making things from scrap and buying healthier products for families. This is where Tallow and Lard come in.
The resurgence of Tallow and Lard in contemporary soap making and skincare signifies a rekindled appreciation for sustainable, potent, and historically enriched practices. We are pleased to announce that both Lard and Tallow are now ready for your innovative uses. In this blog you will find more about the history, benefits, comparison, and of course, a recipe to try yourself!
The History of Tallow & Lard in Skincare
Tallow and Lard, have a history spanning centuries back to ancient civilizations. They were the cornerstone of the earliest skincare formulations and soap recipes, loved for their moisturizing and protective qualities.
The inception of soap making can be traced to the Babylonians and Egyptians, who stumbled upon the cleaning potential of fats mixed with ash. This discovery was the precursor to an art that would flourish, especially by the Middle Ages in Europe, where soap making emerged as a recognized trade. The availability and superior saponification qualities of animal fats such as tallow and lard made them indispensable.
In skincare, the ancients revered tallow and lard for their exceptional ability to hydrate deeply, shield the skin from environmental adversities, and fortify the skin’s natural defenses. These benefits transcended cultures, embedding tallow and lard as fundamental elements in age-old skincare routines.
The Benifits Of Tallow & Lard
- Rich in Nutrients: Loaded with vitamins A, D, E, K, B12, and essential fatty acids, they offer unmatched nourishment for the skin.
- Sustainable and Ethical: Utilizing these byproducts promotes a no-waste ethos and supports more ethical consumption.
- Gentle for Sensitive Skin: Known for their mildness, they are perfect for formulations intended for sensitive skin types.
- Enhances Soap Quality: They contribute to a soap’s creamy lather, hardness, and longevity.
Tallow versus Lard
While both tallow (rendered from beef or mutton fat) and lard (rendered from pig fat) share many benefits, their unique compositions offer subtle differences in soap and skincare products. Tallow tends to produce a harder bar of soap with a stable lather, making it ideal for soap bars that last longer. Lard, slightly softer, lends a creamy texture to soaps and skincare products, providing a luxurious feel. Despite these differences, tallow and lard can often be used interchangeably in recipes, depending on your desired outcome.
DIY Whipped Tallow Lotion
Indulge in the art of crafting with our simple yet luxurious Whipped Tallow Balm recipe, perfect for deep skin nourishment: The recipe makes 8oz
Ingredients:
- 2oz Tallow
- 2oz Shea Butter
- 2oz Avocado Oil (jojoba, almond, etc.)
- .2oz Aloe Vera Powder
- .1oz Vitamin
- .15oz Lavender Bulgarian (Certified Organic) Essential Oil or Fragrance of choice (optional for scent)
- 8oz or (2) 4 oz Wheat Straw Double Wall Jars with Caps
Instructions:
- Gently melt tallow and shea butter together.
- Once melted, remove from heat and mix in the liquid oil, aloe vera, and vitamin E.
- Allow the mixture to cool until it starts to solidify.
- Whip the semi-solid mixture until fluffy.
- Add essential or fragrance oil and whip again to incorporate.
- Transfer to containers and let set.
The cost to make this whipped Tallow Lotion recipe is $3.67 per 4oz container. The MSRP is $29.99 per 4oz container.
Reintroducing tradition into your soap-making and skincare formulations is more than a nod to the past; it’s a step towards embracing natural, effective, and time-honored ingredients. Let’s celebrate the wisdom of our predecessors and carry forward the legacy of nurturing care and sustainable crafting practices.
Looking for more recipes? Explore the blog and be sure to check out our Lavender Cold Process Soap Recipe
