If you love natural skincare, making your own sunscreen is a game-changer! Many store-bought options contain questionable ingredients, but this homemade tallow sunscreen is simple, effective, and completely non-toxic. Plus, itβs packed with nourishing oils that love your skin while offering sun protection.
Iβve never been a big fan of sunscreens, not because I donβt want to protect my skin, but because I often donβt like the smell or consistency of them. They usually make me feel sticky and greasy. However, this homemade tallow sunscreen makes me feel great, and Iβm honestly very proud and confident in the things I make.
I know some people might be a little skeptical and I get it, I was skeptical at first too. But honestly, it works really well! Plus, it feels so much better on my skin compared to those sticky, greasy sunscreens I used to buy. If youβre not allergic to any of the ingredients, Iβd say give it a shot and see for yourself!
Why Tallow?
Tallow is rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K, making it an ultra-moisturizing base for sunscreen. It closely mimics our skinβs natural oils, helping it absorb beautifully without feeling greasy.
I also made a homemade whipped tallow sugar scrub in case you buy the tallow and are wondering what else you can make with it.
What kind of tallow is best?
Unscented Grass Fed Bulk Beef Tallow– Lady May on Etsy
I have never fallen in love with a tallow more than this one. I found her account on Etsy and told her this week that Iβm truly in love with her products. This is the first tallow Iβve used that is soft, 100% odorless, and can be applied directly to my skin as a moisturizer, it feels amazing! Iβll forever be buying my tallow from her.
Ingredients:
I have a food scale at home that was very cheap and is very useful. However, if you donβt have one, you can use a glass measuring cup or follow the cup measurements instead.
- 1 oz beeswax (about 3 tablespoons) If you want it to be firmer, use 1/4 cup of beeswax.
- 2 oz virgin coconut oil (1/4 cup) If you can’t use coconut oil, you can try using Sweet Almond oil, Jojoba Oil, Avocado Oil, Argan Oil, Grapeseed Oil as an alternative.
- 2 oz tallow or tallow balm ( 1/4 cup)
- 3 oz olive oil (1/3 cup)
- 2 oz non-nano zinc oxide ( 1/4 cup)
- Glass jar or silicone containers

Instructions:
1. Melt and Mix
Place all the ingredients into a double boiler over medium heat. Stir occasionally until everything is completely melted and combined. You can create a double boiler by filling a saucepan 1/3 to half full and placing your jar with ingredients inside.

2. Cool Slightly
Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly. You want it to start thickening but still be pourable.

3. Pour and Set
Transfer the mixture into your chosen storage container (a glass jar or tin works great). Let it solidify completely before using.

How to Use Homemade Tallow Sunscreen:
Scoop a small amount and apply it to exposed skin. Reapply as needed, especially after swimming or sweating.
How to Adjust the Recipe for Homemade Tallow Sunscreen Stick
To make this recipe into a tallow stick instead of a jar version, you just need to adjust the proportions slightly. For a stick, youβll want to use a push-up tube or any mold designed for solid balms. If you’re using a push-up tube, make sure it’s sturdy and can hold the melted ingredients without bending or breaking.
Hereβs a simple guideline for adjusting the recipe based on texture:
- For a firmer stick :
- Increase beeswax: Add an extra Β½ to 1 teaspoon of beeswax. This will help the balm harden more and make it easier to apply without being too greasy.
- For a softer stick (more creamy):
- Increase liquid oils: Add 1-2 teaspoons of your liquid oil blend (argan, jojoba, etc.) to soften the texture if it’s too hard or stiff.
- Adding more coconut oil will make it creamier, while using less will make it stiffer.
- More tallow will soften the stick, while less will make it firmer.
Just keep testing it as you go, especially if youβre using a new mold or tube! Itβs a bit of trial and error, but these tweaks should help you achieve a smooth, usable consistency for a tallow stick.
Notes:
- Since this is a DIY product, its SPF is not lab-tested, so coverage may vary. This sunscreen has an estimated SPF of 20-25, thanks to the zinc oxide and nourishing oils. However, always do a patch test and reapply regularly.
- Store in a cool, dry place. It will soften in warm weather but remain effective.
- If you prefer a softer sunscreen, use a little less beeswax.

Tallow Sunscreen
Ingredients
- 1 oz beeswax (about 3 tablespoons)
- 2 oz virgin coconut oil ( 1/4 cup)
- 2 oz tallow ( 1/4 cup)
- 3 oz olive oil ( 1/3 cup)
- 2 oz non-nano zinc oxide (about ΒΌ cup)
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients (except zinc oxide) into a double boiler over medium heat. Stir occasionally until everything is completely melted and combined.
- Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly. You want it to start thickening but still be pourable.
- Transfer the mixture into your chosen storage container (a glass jar or tin works great). Let it solidify completely before using.
Notes
- How to Use: Scoop a small amount and apply it to exposed skin. Reapply as needed, especially after swimming or sweating.
- This sunscreen has an estimated SPF of 20-30, thanks to the zinc oxide and nourishing oils. However, always do a patch test and reapply regularly.
- Store in a cool, dry place. It will soften in warm weather but remain effective.
- If you prefer a softer sunscreen, use a little less beeswax.
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