Tallow for Babies: Nature's Gentle Solution for Delicate Skin

Two of my babies/toddlers struggled with eczema from 2 months old. This was not just the normal eczema patch, this was weeping eczema from head to toe that kept them up at night and had a concerning mother up in arms. 

We did many paediatrician, allergist and dermatologist visits - all of them leading to a cortisone prescription.

Searching for answers - that was not cortisone - was on-top of my google search.

A suggestion for tallow was mentioned in a ‘chain-talk’. My curiosity was instantly sparked and I made sure to get my hands on some tallow the following week. 

My one child still has the occasional flare (mostly only behind his knees) from a food trigger, that however gets some good old tallow lathered on and disappears in a few days.

When it comes to baby skincare, the shelves overflow with options—creams, lotions, and ointments, many filled with ingredients you can't pronounce. 

Typical baby creams often contain:

• Petrolatum (petroleum jelly) that can trap moisture and bacteria
• Synthetic fragrances that commonly trigger rashes
• Mineral oil that offers no real skin benefits
• Water-based formulas that evaporate quickly, leaving skin dry again. These water based creams also need preservatives to stay fresh.

Here is a more detailed breakdown of why I think tallow should replace them all -

This traditional remedy is making a modern comeback as a gentle, nourishing moisturizer for baby skin, especially for common issues like eczema, diaper rash, and dry patches.

What Makes Tallow Perfect for Baby Skin?

Tallow's fatty acid composition closely mirrors human sebum—the protective oil naturally produced by our skin—making it incredibly biocompatible with even the most sensitive baby skin. Unlike conventional creams packed with preservatives, fragrances, and fillers, beef tallow works in harmony with your baby's natural skin barrier. Many parents are surprised to learn that tallow's composition is similar to vernix caseosa—the waxy coating on newborns that serves as nature's own moisturizer at birth.

Tallow doesn't just sit on top of the skin—it actually reinforces the skin's natural barrier function. This is especially important for babies, whose skin is still developing and more prone to irritation, water loss, and sensitivity.

The Science Behind Tallow's Effectiveness

Tallow is naturally rich in three key fatty acids that make it ideal for delicate skin:

Oleic Acid (Omega-9): A soothing, moisturizing fat that helps nutrients penetrate deeply into the skin. It's especially helpful for dry, irritated skin as it softens and conditions without feeling greasy.

Palmitic Acid: This fatty acid helps form a healthy skin barrier and protects against environmental stressors like wind, cold, or diaper friction. It's what gives skin its smooth, cushiony feel.

Stearic Acid: Known for its ability to help maintain skin structure and integrity, stearic acid also enhances the skin's ability to hold onto moisture—keeping it soft, calm, and hydrated for longer.

Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA): A fatty acid known to calm inflammation, and Palmitoleic Acid, which has natural antimicrobial benefits. Together, these help reduce redness and itching while deeply moisturizing dry, cracked areas. It acts as a natural anti-inflammatory.

One of the key benefits of using natural baby moisturizer made with grass-fed tallow is its concentration of fat-soluble vitamins:

• Vitamin A helps with skin regeneration and healing
• Vitamin D supports skin immunity
• Vitamin E protects against oxidative stress
• Vitamin K reduces inflammation and encourages skin recovery

Common Baby Skin Issues and How Tallow Helps

Eczema Flare-Ups

Tallow's anti-inflammatory properties can bring relief to angry, itchy eczema patches. Many parents report improvements in as little as a day, noting reduced itching and better moisture retention. For eczema patches, warm the balm between your fingers and softly massage onto the affected spots.

Diaper Rash

Tallow can act as a protective moisture barrier on the diaper area, similar to commercial barrier creams—except it's completely natural and allows the skin to breathe. A thin layer forms a shield against wetness and irritation while supporting faster skin recovery.

Dry Patches and Cradle Cap

Whether it's cradle cap on the scalp, dry flaky patches on the forehead, or chapped little cheeks in winter, tallow balm provides intensive natural moisture. It softens rough spots and helps repair the skin's lipid barrier.

Beef tallow provides long-lasting hydration, natural protection, and gentle nourishment—all without synthetic additives or questionable fillers. Unlike many commercial creams that mask symptoms or rely on petroleum-based shortcuts, tallow works in harmony with your baby's natural skin function. It supports healing from the inside out, protects without clogging pores, and delivers the kind of real, lasting comfort every parent wants for their little one.

For parents seeking a truly safe, effective, and natural alternative, beef tallow balm stands in a category of its own—offering the perfect blend of traditional wisdom and modern understanding of what delicate skin truly needs.

Additional Tips for Baby's Sensitive Skin

While tallow can be incredibly helpful, remember these complementary care practices:

• Gentle bathing: Limit baths to 5-10 minutes in lukewarm water with fragrance-free soaps
• Avoid overheating: Dress babies in breathable, natural fabrics to prevent heat rash
• Avoid harsh washing powders: opt for fragrance free.
• Avoid synthetic fibres: try to cloth your baby in cotton or similar natural fibres.

Essential Features for Baby-Safe Tallow:

Grass-Fed Source: Ensure the tallow comes from grass-fed cows, reducing potential pesticide or hormone residues while providing a richer nutrient profile.

Simple Ingredient List: Ideally, the balm should have only a few ingredients—tallow, perhaps a gentle wax like beeswax, and maybe a mild essential oil. Fewer ingredients mean fewer chances for allergic reactions.

Unscented or Mildly Scented: Newborns and infants have developing respiratory systems, so strong scents can irritate them. Look for unscented options or those with gentle, natural botanical extracts.

No Harmful Additives: Avoid products with parabens, artificial fragrances, petroleum derivatives, or synthetic preservatives.

Handcrafted or Small-Batch: Products made in small batches are more likely to retain their integrity and be made with real intention and care.

Application Tips

1. Start with clean, dry skin - Apply after baths or diaper changes
2. Warm between fingers - Tallow balms are firm at room temperature but melt easily with body heat
3. A little goes a long way - Use only a small amount and massage gently
4. Keep it clean - Use a clean finger each time to avoid contamination

Frequency

• For diaper rash prevention: Apply at each diaper change
• For eczema or dry skin: Use 2-3 daily for 2 weeks and thereafter as needed
• For general moisturizing: Use after baths or when skin appears dry.

Remember: For severe rashes or persistent skin issues, always consult your pediatrician. Tallow is gentle and natural, but it's not a substitute for medical evaluation when needed.

Our range for newborns, babies & toddlers:

Twine and Co Organics tallow baby bum balm is a soothing, all-natural tallow balm for your baby's bottom.  Apply to your baby's bum at diaper changes to protect & soothe skin.
Twine and co organics tallow baby bum balm Bum Balm is all-natural and non-toxic.

Tallow balm - Unscented

This wholesome tallow body moisturiser and balm is made with clean ingredients only. Tallow is highly absorbable and rich in vitamins A,D,K and E.
Choose from either our whipped tallow balm or our regular tallow balm. Click HERE to see our whipped or un-whipped tallow balm post so that you can make the most suitable choice.

Tallow soap - unscented

With only 3 ingredients, this soap is mild on the skin, moisturising and light-weight.

It is suitable for any skin type but especially crafted for sensitive, eczema prone skin. It is also our most suggested soap for babies. 

Also see our baby bundle here.