If you've discovered the nourishing power of lamb tallow balm, you're probably wondering: how long does it actually last, and how should you store it to keep it in top condition?
You're in the right place — at Bloom Tallow, we lovingly handcraft our balms right here in Nelson, New Zealand, using only the purest ingredients. Whether you're a busy mum, navigating sensitive skin, or simply leaning into a more natural skincare routine, this guide will help you get the most from your jar.
What’s the Shelf Life of Lamb Tallow Balm?
One of the best things about lamb tallow balm is its naturally long shelf life. Unlike many commercial moisturisers packed with water and preservatives, tallow is remarkably stable on its own. When rendered properly, it resists oxidation and doesn’t need refrigeration.
Typically, an opened jar of lamb tallow balm will remain fresh for around 6 to 12 months. If unopened and stored well, your balm can easily last a year or more.
Because Bloom’s balms are made in small batches right here in Aotearoa, you’re receiving a product that’s as fresh as possible — no long-haul shipping delays or sitting on warehouse shelves. Plus, lamb tallow NZ is naturally rich in vitamin E, a skin-loving antioxidant that helps preserve the product for longer.
What Impacts the Balm’s Freshness?
A few key factors influence how long your tallow balm NZ stays at its best:
1. Ingredients & Simplicity
Fewer ingredients often mean longer shelf life. Our balm contains only natural, purposeful ingredients — no fillers, no water, no synthetic preservatives. This not only makes it gentler on your skin, but also keeps it more shelf-stable. Products with water or fragile botanical oils tend to spoil quicker.
2. Air, Sunlight & Heat
Exposure to air and sunlight speeds up oxidation. Keep the jar tightly closed and store it out of direct sunlight. A shady drawer or cupboard is ideal — no need to tuck it away in the fridge unless you’re dealing with a summer scorcher.
3. Moisture Contamination
Tallow doesn’t contain water — which is great — but if water is introduced into the jar (like from wet hands), mould could develop. Always use clean, dry hands or a spoon to scoop out your balm.
4. How You Store It
We recommend keeping your tallow balm somewhere cool, dark, and dry. A bathroom cupboard might seem handy, but the steam and heat can reduce shelf life. If your home gets especially warm or humid, storing your balm in the fridge can help prolong its freshness.
Fridge vs. Room Temperature?
Here in NZ, most homes are cool enough for room-temperature storage, and that’s how we recommend keeping your balm day-to-day. It’ll stay creamy and ready to use without needing to soften first.
If you’re heading away, won’t be using your balm for a while, or you just want to extend its life, refrigeration is a great option. The balm will firm up (a bit like coconut oil does) but it’ll soften again once warmed between your fingers or left out for a few minutes.
You can also split your balm into two jars — one for everyday use at room temp, and one stored away in the fridge as backup.
How to Tell if Your Balm Has Gone Off
Natural skincare is beautifully simple — but it's still important to know when a product might have expired. Here’s what to look out for:
- Smell: Fresh tallow balm has a neutral or slightly creamy scent. If it starts to smell sour, musty or like crayons, it’s likely gone rancid.
- Texture: A little graininess can occur (especially if the balm’s been melted and re-solidified), but significant separation or gritty bits may signal spoilage.
- Colour: A shift in colour or the appearance of spots could mean contamination or oxidation.
- Effectiveness: If it no longer soothes your skin or causes irritation, it’s time for a fresh jar.
That said, with proper care, you’ll almost certainly use up your balm long before any of this becomes an issue.
Final Thoughts
Lamb tallow is one of nature’s most underrated skincare ingredients — stable, healing, and rich in skin-essential nutrients. At Bloom, we’re proud to use ethically sourced, grass-fed lamb tallow from right here in New Zealand, and every jar is lovingly whipped and poured by hand.
By keeping your balm stored well and using clean hands, you’ll get the very best out of it for months to come. No water. No nasties. Just natural nourishment for healthy, radiant skin.
From our Bloom family to yours — enjoy every smooth, soothing swipe. 💚Check out our range of Tallow here.