Your 2024 Tallow Soaps and Balms Wrapped!

As we wrap up the year, it’s time to dive into the numbers that made 2024 shine! Inspired by Spotify’s Wrapped, we’re sharing the highlights of your love for our tallow soaps and balms. From best-sellers to global adventures, here’s your year in review.

Top 5 Products of the Year

1. Pure tallow soap

Taking the crown as 2024’s top seller, this gentle favorite proves that sometimes less is truly more. Beloved for its simple, nourishing formula, it’s the ultimate classic that never goes out of style.

2. Pine Tar 20% tallow soap

A rugged runner-up with a loyal fanbase! Darlene’s favorite is perfect for tough skin challenges and packed with earthy charm. It’s the heavy hitter that keeps you feeling refreshed and restored.

3. Tallow Balm, Unscented

Your unscented MVP of the year! Whether you’re soothing dry skin or protecting against harsh weather, this balm does it all—no wonder it’s a classic.

4. Orange Clove tallow soap

Our most popular scent stole the spotlight yet again! With its warm, spicy aroma, it’s a cozy treat that makes every season feel like the holidays.

5. Cedarwood tallow soap

Bringing earthy sophistication to your skincare, Cedarwood tallow soap rounds out the list. It’s a woodsy escape in a bar, perfect for grounding your routine. 

Fun Stats From 2024

• Top Seller: Pure tallow soap—your ride-or-die!

• Needs More Love: Lavender & Tea Tree tallow soap. This hidden gem has been flying under the radar. Is 2025 the year it gets its time to shine?

• Top Blog Engagement: Surprisingly, our 2022 blog post, “What is Lye, and Why Is It Used in Soap?”, continues to spark curiosity and rack up clicks.

• State with the Most Orders: California takes the crown! Sunshine and soap go hand in hand.

• Busiest Sales Month: November. Whether it’s prepping for gifts or indulging in self-care, it’s clear November is a big month for tallow love. Plus, it’s our annual Small Business Saturday sale!

• Furthest our Products Have Traveled: All the way to Singapore! From local fans to global admirers, our products are truly making waves.

Founder Favorites:

• Jen’s Favorite: Lavender Spearmint Soap. It’s the perfect balance of relaxing and refreshing—a spa day in a bar!

• Darlene’s Favorite: Pine Tar 20% Soap. For its powerhouse performance and campfire-like aroma.

Looking Ahead to 2025

What will next year bring? Maybe Lavender & Tea Tree tallow soap will have its breakout moment, or perhaps we’ll see some new contenders in the top 5. Stay tuned for exciting product launches and more ways to elevate your self-care routine.

Thank You for an Amazing Year!

Whether you were lathering up with Orange Clove tallow soap or keeping it classic with our Pure tallow soap, your love and support made 2024 unforgettable. Here’s to another year of glowing skin, new favorites, and global adventures!

What was your top pick of the year? Let us know in the comments or tag us on social media with your 2024 tallow soap and balm wrapped.

All about tallow balm and unique ways to use it

Tallow balm is more than just a moisturizer—it’s a skincare powerhouse rooted in all-natural ingredients. Before exploring the many ways you can incorporate tallow balm into your daily routine, let’s explore what makes tallow so unique and why it stands apart from traditional lotions.

What is tallow, and how is it different from other lotions? 

Tallow is made from rendered animal fat, beef in our case, historically used for cooking, candle making, and skincare. Unlike commercial lotions, which often rely on water, preservatives, and synthetic ingredients, tallow balm offers a simple, nutrient-rich alternative. 

Why does tallow stand out? 

Tallow is naturally packed with saturated fats like stearic and oleic acids, closely resembling the sebum your skin produces. This similarity allows tallow to:

• Deeply nourish and hydrate the skin without clogging pores.

• Support the skin’s natural barrier, locking in moisture and shielding against environmental stressors.

• Deliver essential vitamins A, D, E, and K directly to the skin, promoting overall vitality and resilience.

Tallow soaps and balms use minimal ingredients but provide maximum benefits.

Tallow provides long-lasting moisture. Unlike water-based lotions that evaporate quickly, tallow balm provides long-lasting hydration, requiring fewer applications throughout the day.

Key Differences between tallow and lotions

Creative ways to use tallow balm in your everyday routine 

Now that you understand what makes tallow balm so special, let’s explore how you can use it to enhance your daily skincare routine.

Lip care: Tallow balm is a lifesaver for dry, cracked lips. Its rich, moisturizing properties provide deep hydration, keeping your lips soft and smooth. Apply a small amount throughout the day for continuous nourishment.

Pro tip: Add a drop of your favorite essential oil for a personalized lip balm.

Cuticle repair: Dry, neglected cuticles can lead to painful hangnails and brittle nails. Massage a bit of tallow balm into your cuticles daily to keep them soft and promote healthy nail growth.

Bonus: Use it as an overnight treatment for extra hydration.

Nourishing eye cream: The delicate skin around your eyes deserves special attention. Tallow balm’s gentle yet potent formula helps reduce puffiness and fine lines. Tap a tiny amount around your eyes each night for a rejuvenating boost.

Why it works: Tallow’s fatty acids maintain skin elasticity and moisture.

Hand relief: Transform dry, cracked hands into soft, smooth ones by applying a generous layer of tallow balm. For an overnight treatment, wear cotton gloves to lock in moisture.

Moisturizing hack: Use our Pumice tallow soap to remove dead skin first and then lock in moisture with tallow balm.

After-shave balm: Both men and women can benefit from the soothing properties of tallow balm after shaving. Its anti-inflammatory benefits calm irritated skin and reduce redness.

Tip: Apply right after shaving to lock in moisture for maximum effect.

Tallow balm isn’t just a moisturizer—it’s a versatile, natural solution for a variety of skincare needs. From lip care to soothing after-shave balm, there are countless ways to incorporate this nutrient-rich product into your daily routine. 

Discover the Uses and Benefits of Tallow Balm this Winter

We have covered tallow balms in previous blogs, but we have never explored the full capabilities of tallow balm. If you're new here, tallow balm is similar to a lotion, but it is made from rendered animal fat, has more vitamins and nutrients than traditional lotions, and has a thicker consistency. Tallow balm, and tallow products in general, have gained popularity in recent years as people pursue healthier and more sustainable skincare options with time-tested benefits. In this blog post, we'll explore what tallow balm is, how to use it, and why it deserves a place in your skincare routine. 

What is Tallow Balm?

Tallow balm is a skincare product made from rendered animal fat, typically sourced from cows and sheep. The rendering process involves melting and purifying the fat to obtain a smooth, creamy, nutrient-rich substance. This traditional ingredient has been used for centuries and is renowned for its moisturizing and soothing properties.

What are the benefits of Tallow Balm?

1. Rich in Nutrients: Tallow is a potent source of fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K. These vitamins play a crucial role in skin health, promoting elasticity and providing antioxidant protection.

2. Similar to Skin's Natural Lipids: Tallow closely resembles the natural lipids found in our skin. This makes it an effective moisturizer that can be easily absorbed, restoring and maintaining the skin's barrier function without clogging pores.

3. Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Tallow contains anti-inflammatory compounds that can soothe irritated or inflamed skin. This makes it an excellent choice for those with sensitive or reactive skin.

How do I use Tallow Balm?

While we see tallow as a lotion alternative, it has many other capabilities that make it an effective skincare tool. Here are a few of the ways you can use tallow balm:

1. Daily Moisturizer: After cleansing your face or showering, apply a small amount of tallow balm to your skin. Its rich texture provides deep hydration, leaving your skin soft and supple.

2. Targeted Treatment: Tallow balm can be used on specific areas of concern, such as dry patches or areas prone to eczema. Massage a small amount into these areas for targeted relief.

3. Makeup Remover: Tallow balm's emollient nature makes it an effective and gentle makeup remover. Apply a small amount to your face, massage it, and wipe it away with a cotton pad.

4. Nighttime Treatment: For an overnight skincare boost, use tallow balm as a nighttime treatment. Apply a slightly thicker layer before bedtime to allow the nutrients to work their magic while you sleep.

Why Choose Tallow Balm?

1. Natural and Sustainable: Tallow balm is a natural product that utilizes a byproduct of the farming industry that might otherwise go to waste. This makes it an environmentally friendly choice for those seeking sustainable skincare options.

2. No Harsh Chemicals: Unlike some commercial skincare products that may contain synthetic additives and preservatives, tallow balm is a pure and simple solution without unnecessary chemicals. 

3. Historically Proven: Many cultures have used animal tallow for skincare over the years. Tallow balm is a continuation of this time-tested tradition, offering a reliable and effective way to care for your skin.

4. Soothing for Dry, Cracked Winter Skin: Tallow balm is known for its ability to provide deep moisture to dry skin and soothe skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. 

With its rich nutrient profile and time-tested appeal, tallow balm has become a beloved addition to the skincare routines of those seeking natural and sustainable options. As you consider your skincare choices this winter, don't shy away from exploring the benefits of this natural remedy – your skin may just thank you for it.

How is tallow balm different than a lotion?

In our previous blogs, we discuss the benefits of tallow balm and the wonders it does for your skin. Today, we wanted to dive deeper into a question we often get: “how is tallow different from lotion?” It might seem simple enough, and some might even consider tallow balm a thicker lotion alternative, but their benefits and ingredients make them quite different.

In fact, tallow balm is a natural alternative to lotion that has been gaining popularity in recent years, and for a good reason. In this blog post, we’ll explore how tallow balm differs from lotion and why it is worth considering for your skincare routine. 

What is Tallow Balm?

Tallow balm is a moisturizing product made from rendered animal fat, typically beef or sheep tallow. While the idea of putting animal fat on your skin might sound unappealing, tallow balm has been used for centuries as a natural skincare remedy. The fat is rendered to remove any impurities and then mixed with other nourishing ingredients like essential oils and herbs to create a luxurious, creamy balm.

Our tallow balms, in particular, are made with all-natural beef tallow that comes from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows. We believe in sourcing our tallow from high-quality, grass-fed, and pasture-raised animals because it produces higher quality tallow than traditionally fed animals.

The quality of tallow we use in our products allows them to maintain a lot of their natural vitamins and nutrients without unnecessary chemicals or cortisol present in traditionally fed animals. Tallow balms contain vitamins A, D, E, K, and B12, which can all benefit your skin health and appearance.

How is it different from lotion?

One of the main differences between tallow balm and lotion is the ingredients. Lotion is typically made with water, oil, and emulsifiers to help the ingredients mix together. Tallow balm, on the other hand, is made entirely from natural, animal-based ingredients. This means it contains a high concentration of nutrients that are easily absorbed by the skin.

Another difference is the way tallow balm feels on the skin. Unlike lotion, which can feel greasy or heavy, tallow balm is lightweight and absorbs quickly, leaving your skin feeling soft and nourished without any residue. This is because the fat molecules in tallow are very similar to the oils naturally produced by our skin, which allows it to be easily absorbed. 

What are the benefits of tallow balm?

In addition to its natural ingredients and lightweight texture, tallow balm offers a host of benefits for the skin. The high concentration of nutrients in tallow, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, as well as antioxidants and fatty acids, help to nourish and protect the skin. Tallow balm can also be beneficial for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin, as it is non-comedogenic and can help to soothe and reduce inflammation.

Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant that is widely recognized for its beneficial effects on the skin. It is known for promoting healthy skin cell growth and renewal, which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sun damage.

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is crucial in maintaining healthy skin. When the skin is exposed to sunlight, it synthesizes vitamin D, which helps to regulate calcium levels in the body and supports the immune system. Vitamin D has also been found to have several beneficial effects on the skin when applied topically. It has antimicrobial properties that can help to protect the skin from harmful bacteria and fungi.

Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that is widely recognized for its beneficial effects on the skin. It is known for its ability to protect the skin from the harmful effects of free radicals, which are caused by environmental stressors like pollution, UV radiation, and cigarette smoke. Vitamin E also has excellent moisturizing properties that help to keep the skin soft and hydrated.

Vitamin K is a vital nutrient that plays an important role in maintaining healthy skin. When applied topically, vitamin K has been found to have several benefits for the skin. It is known for its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to protect and improve the appearance of the skin.

In tallow balm and soap, these vitamins work together to repair, protect, and soothe the skin, providing unique benefits.

While tallow balm might seem like a new product, it has been used for centuries as a natural skincare remedy. Its natural ingredients, lightweight texture, and nourishing properties make it an excellent alternative to traditional lotion. If you’re looking for a natural, effective way to moisturize your skin, tallow balm is definitely worth trying.

Why should tallow balm be a part of my skincare routine?

If you are already using tallow soap, adding tallow balm would be complimentary to your routine. Tallow soap and tallow balm work together to keep skin smooth and moisturized for longer. However, tallow balm can be a great addition to any skincare routine, even if you don’t use tallow soap. Tallow balm lasts longer than traditional lotions without constant reapplication. The long-lasting effects of tallow balm are just one of the benefits. The vitamins and nutrients in tallow balm are what really make it worth ditching regular lotion. 

Our tallow balms are made with all-natural beef tallow that comes from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows. We believe that sourcing our tallow (rendered fat from certain animals like cows or sheep) from grass-fed, and pasture-raised animals produces higher quality tallow than traditionally fed animals. This helps our tallow maintain a ton of vitamins and nutrients without unnecessary chemicals or cortisol present in traditionally fed animals. Choosing to use high-quality tallow ensures it is packed with vitamins and nutrients. Tallow balms contain vitamins A, D, E, K, and B12, which can all benefit your skin health and appearance. 

What benefits do the vitamins in tallow balm provide? 

Vitamin A is commonly known to smooth wrinkles, lighten sunspots, calm acne, balance oil, and more. When vitamin A is used on the skin, it promotes the production of collagen, which helps smooth fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin A also supports the healthy function of your sebaceous glands. 

Vitamin D has been shown to have antimicrobial properties, which help improve your skin’s natural defenses, help repair cells, and rebuild your skin’s barrier. This allows your skin to retain moisture and prevent damage from the environment. Vitamin D is also a known anti-inflammatory that has been used to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis. Think of vitamin D as a great protector for your skin, making it stronger for longer. 

Vitamin E is known for promoting skin rejuvenation through protection against free radicals. Free radicals like pollution, chemicals, and others have been shown to cause wrinkles and damage our skin. Vitamin E is also prevalent in tallow and has been shown to prevent collagen breakdown. Sun exposure tends to deplete our body’s antioxidants. Using skincare products with these antioxidants can help replenish what the body loses. Antioxidant skin care acts as the first line of defense from things like sunlight and pollution.

Vitamin K is known as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. It will help protect your skin and keep it looking its best. Vitamin K is also ideal for soothing skin ailments because it helps speed up the recovery time of certain skin injuries, such as cracks in the skin.

The vitamins in tallow balm have their own unique benefits, but they come together in the balm and soap to help repair, protect, and soothe your skin. 

How can tallow balm improve your skincare routine?

Tallow balm will make your routine a little more seamless—fewer reapplications and soft skin that will last all day long. The vitamins and nutrients in tallow balm are game changers. They will make your skin look and feel better with less effort. Tallow balms are a natural alternative that will give your skin the vitamins and minerals it needs to protect and reinvigorate itself. Tallow balms help aid skin conditions, including cracked, calloused, dry skin, rashes, burning, itching, wrinkles, sun damage, eczema, and more. Tallow balms give the skin the nutrients it needs to repair itself and the natural oils that keep in the moisture and nutrients. We recommend going in with our all-natural tallow soaps first and following up with a tallow balm, but it isn’t required. Adding tallow balm as a lotion replacement to your initial routine can make all the difference. Check out our balms today!

What is white labeling? Our latest partnership with Walden Local Meat.

We have been working with Walden Local Meat for quite some time, and we have exclusively purchased our suet from their farms for about a year. Walden Local is an incredible company that focuses on connecting farmers and their quality agricultural products to consumers. They found farmers in the New England and New York area doing everything right to feed and raise animals. They work with these local farmers to get their products packaged and delivered to the community. With nearly ten years of experience in the tallow industry, we really related to their mission and commitment to using and distributing sustainable, local, and nutrient-rich products. In our latest partnership with Walden Local, we are using their tallow to white label soaps and balms for them. Specifically, they will carry Unscented Soap (Healthy Porcupine Pure Tallow Soap) and Unscented Balm. 

What is white labeling? 

White label products are sold by retailers with their own branding and logo, but a third party manufactures them. The labeling will include the retailer's name prominently on the label and not the actual manufacturer, so the end product appears as though it has been produced by the retailer. A perfect example of this is Trader Joe's or Costco. It is no secret that these two grocery chains offer Trader Joe's or Kirkland brand products that other known retailers produce. In fact, according to MoneyWise, the Kirkland Brand coffee is actually made by Starbucks and simply white-labeled to be branded as Kirkland coffee. This is a very common occurrence for big-box retailers. You have likely seen this at your favorite grocery chain. 

What are the benefits of white labeling?

There are many benefits to white labeling and a variety of reasons brands choose to go this route. Having quality products manufactured and labeled can save money on production costs and time. As an established soap brand with the necessary equipment and expertise, it is much easier for us to white label soaps for a brand instead of the brand starting to make soap from scratch. We also maintain quality control standards, so the brand can ensure the products they provide to their customers are of the highest quality. White labeling is also a great tool that allows brands to broaden the range of products they offer and provide more of what their customers need, increasing brand loyalty.

White Labeling vs. Private Labeling

White labeling is the process of selling an existing product through a different channel, usually with a tweak or two in terms of packaging, marketing, and pricing. This can be done so that you can increase your reach, gain exposure to new customers or move from one retailer to another. However, private labeling sells products to one specific brand to allow them sole access to use their branding. In other words, the manufacturer will produce an item specifically for a retailer like Target or Amazon, and the manufacturer is limited to selling that product to that brand exclusively. 

White and private labeling are very common in many industries for goods and services. You can find white labeling and private labeling in clothing, food, electronics, technology, home goods, and more. It allows businesses of any size to diversify their income and product offerings and remain competitive in their industry and with their customers.  

We white label our products for Walden Local and a few other wholesale clients. Whether our soaps are white-labeled or come with your favorite Healthy Porcupine logo, they are still quality, sustainable soaps that we are thrilled to share with the world. #OptOutOfTheChemicalLifestyle