Calendula Tallow Cream for Dry Skin
This homemade calendula tallow cream is a rich, nourishing moisturizer made with just a few simple ingredients. Calendula-infused oil, grass-fed tallow, cocoa butter, and beeswax come together to create a smooth, creamy texture that melts into the skin, making it especially lovely for dry, rough, or tight skin.
The calendula-infused oil adds a soothing touch that makes this cream especially nice for dry, irritated skin, while tallow and beeswax help nourish the skin and seal in moisture.
Although I call it a “cream,” this recipe is completely water-free. Unlike conventional lotions and emulsified creams, it doesn’t contain a water phase, so there is no need to emulsify the ingredients. This makes it simple to make, even if you’re new to DIY skincare, and gives the finished cream a longer shelf life without refrigeration.
Why You’ll Love This Calendula Tallow Cream
- Made with simple, natural ingredients that are easy to find
- Uses homemade calendula-infused oil
- Simple to make at home, even if you’re new to DIY skincare
- Rich and nourishing for dry skin, and especially lovely for hands, elbows, feet, and other rough or dry areas
Who Is Calendula Tallow Cream Good For?
Even though this calendula tallow cream is made with pure, natural ingredients, it may not be the best fit for every skin type. Of course, this is true of any skincare product—even those made with natural or organic ingredients.
This cream may be a good choice for:
- Dry or very dry skin that needs richer moisturization
- Rough skin, such as elbows, knees, hands, and heels
- Those who find lightweight lotions aren’t moisturizing enough
This cream may not be the best choice for:
- Very oily or acne-prone skin, as tallow and cocoa butter make this a rich moisturizer
- Anyone who prefers a lightweight, fast-absorbing lotion
- Anyone with a known sensitivity or allergy to one of the ingredients
If you have sensitive skin, start by applying just a little to a small area and see how your skin responds before using it more widely.
Ingredients
- Calendula-infused oil: Calendula is a traditional herbal ingredient often used in skincare for dry, irritated skin and minor skin discomfort. You can easily make your own calendula-infused oil to use in this calendula tallow cream—see my beginner-friendly tutorial.
- Tallow: Home-rendered tallow works just fine in this recipe, so you can use your own homemade tallow if you have it on hand.
- Cocoa butter: Cocoa butter adds structure and firmness to the cream while giving it a rich, silky feel. You can substitute unrefined shea butter if you prefer.
- Beeswax: Beeswax helps give the cream its firm, creamy texture and forms a protective layer on the skin that helps seal in moisture.
- Lavender essential oil: A small amount adds a light, natural scent. You can also leave the cream completely unscented, which is a good option if you have sensitive skin or intend to use it on young children.
How to Make Calendula Tallow Cream
Step 1: In a double boiler, gently melt the tallow, cocoa butter, and beeswax over low heat, stirring occasionally, until completely melted and smooth.
Step 2: Stir in the calendula-infused oil until fully combined. Let the mixture cool until it begins to thicken. It should be soft and partially set, but not completely solid. I like to place mine in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes to speed up the cooling process.
Step 3: Once cooled and slightly thickened, use a hand mixer or whisk to whip the mixture until it becomes lighter and thicker, about the consistency of heavy cream. It should be thickened but still pourable.
Step 4: Add the lavender essential oil, if using, and whip briefly again to combine. Spoon the cream into clean, dry jars.
This recipe makes just over 1 cup of calendula tallow cream, enough to fill approximately four 60 ml jars.
What Texture Should Calendula Tallow Cream Have?
Your finished calendula tallow cream should be thick and creamy, with a smooth texture that is soft enough to scoop easily with your finger.
You can store the cream at room temperature, but keep in mind that temperature will affect its consistency. In hot summer weather, I recommend storing it in the refrigerator to prevent it from becoming too soft or melting.
How to Use Calendula Tallow Cream
This calendula tallow cream is rich and nourishing, so a little goes a long way. For the best absorption, apply a small amount at a time to slightly damp skin, preferably after bathing or showering. Using too much at once can leave your skin feeling greasy.
You can use it as an all-over body moisturizer, which is how I use it, or apply it just to areas that tend to become dry or cracked, such as your elbows, knees, feet, and hands. I also find it very soothing to use on my legs after shaving.
You can even use a small amount on your face if your skin is particularly dry. Because this is a rich moisturizer, I find it works best as an overnight treatment, applied before bed.
Storage Tips
- Keep it cool and away from light: I like to keep mine in dark amber jars in a cool cupboard, with any extra jars stored in my cool pantry.
- Keep water out of the jar: Always use clean, dry hands when scooping out the cream. Avoid getting water into the jar, as moisture can shorten its shelf life and encourage spoilage.
- Expect some softening in warm weather: The cream will soften as temperatures rise. You don’t need to refrigerate your calendula tallow cream unless you live in a very warm climate or prefer a firmer consistency.
- Shelf life: When made with fresh oils and fats and stored properly, this cream can last for approximately 6–12 months. Always check for changes in smell, color, or texture before using.
Recipe FAQ
Calendula Tallow Cream vs. Calendula Balm
You may be wondering what’s the difference between this calendula tallow cream and my calendula balm. While both are made with calendula-infused oil and beeswax, they have different textures and are best suited to different uses.
This calendula tallow cream is soft, creamy, and easy to scoop, making it ideal as an everyday body moisturizer for larger areas of dry skin. My calendula balm is firmer and more protective, making it especially useful for very dry hands and feet, cracked heels, minor skin irritations, nettle stings, insect bites, and diaper rash.
Choose the calendula tallow cream when you want a rich, creamy moisturizer for dry skin. Choose the calendula balm when you need something firmer and more protective for small, particularly dry or irritated areas.
A Simple Natural Moisturizer for Dry Skin
I hope you love this calendula tallow cream as much as I do. It’s one of my favorite calendula recipes I’ve made—it feels so luxurious and nourishing, yet absorbs beautifully into damp skin after a shower.
Making your own DIY skincare is so much fun! You know exactly what went into the products you’re using, and you can choose high-quality, nourishing oils and butters that you feel good about putting on your skin.
Feeding my family healthy, from-scratch food and creating a peaceful, more natural home for them is my passion. If these things are dear to you too, I’d love to have you join me through my weekly newsletter, where I share recipes, practical tips, and traditional homemaking inspiration.
More Calendula Recipes to Try
Tinted Calendula Tallow Lip Balm
Calendula Tallow Cream
Equipment
- Jar or heatproof bowl set in a saucepan
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Clean glass jar(s) for storage
Ingredients
- ¼ cup beef tallow
- 2 Tbsp cocoa butter
- 1 Tbsp beeswax
- ½ cup calendula infused oil
- 5-10 drops lavender essential oil (optional)
Instructions
- Melt the ingredients: In a double boiler, gently melt the tallow, cocoa butter, and beeswax over low heat, stirring occasionally, until completely melted and smooth.
- Add the calendula oil: Stir in the calendula-infused oil until fully combined. Let the mixture cool until it begins to thicken. It should be soft and partially set, but not completely solid. Place it in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes to speed up the cooling process.
- Whip the cream: Once cooled and slightly thickened, use a hand mixer or whisk to whip the mixture until it becomes lighter and thicker, about the consistency of heavy cream. It should be thickened but still pourable.
- Add the essential oil: Add the lavender essential oil, if using, and whip briefly again to combine.
- Jar and store: Spoon the cream into clean, dry jars. This recipe makes just over 1 cup, enough to fill approximately four 60 ml jars.
