From farmers’ markets to bathroom cabinets across New Zealand, a humble old-fashioned remedy is making a comeback. Tallow balm – a rich natural moisturiser made from rendered animal fat (in our case, nourishing lamb tallow) – is now winning over Kiwis looking for gentler, more effective skincare solutions. In this post, we explore why more New Zealanders are switching to this nature’s moisturiser, covering everything from supporting local NZ-made products to the skin-loving benefits of grass-fed tallow, plus tips on how to use tallow balm for glowing, healthy skin.
NZ-Made Products: Support Local
There’s something special about skincare crafted right here in Aotearoa. Choosing NZ-made products means you’re not only caring for your skin but also supporting local artisans and communities. When you buy from a small-batch producer like Bloom Tallow, you know exactly where your product comes from – every jar of our tallow balm NZ is handmade in Nelson with locally sourced ingredients. This local focus reduces our carbon footprint (less overseas shipping!) and boosts the regional economy by supporting New Zealand farmers and suppliers. Plus, Kiwi-made skincare tends to meet high quality standards, so you can trust that you’re putting safe, natural goodness on your skin.
Buying local also means fostering a personal connection and trust. You’re supporting a family business – in our case, a husband-and-wife team who genuinely care about transparency and quality. We pour our hearts into each batch, and it shows in the purity and effectiveness of the balm. In short, supporting local NZ skincare like Bloom Tallow isn’t just a trend; it’s a meaningful choice that benefits you, the environment, and the community.
Why Tallow Balm is Trending
In the world of natural skincare, many people are returning to basics and rediscovering remedies our ancestors swore by. Tallow balm is a prime example. Generations past used tallow (rendered animal fat) to moisturise and protect their skin, and modern Kiwis are finding that this ancestral fix works for dry, sensitive, and eczema-prone skin. With growing awareness of harsh chemicals in commercial creams, more folks are seeking simple, back-to-basics alternatives – and tallow balm fits the bill, especially for those seeking natural skincare NZ options.
Why is tallow balm so effective that it’s causing a buzz in skincare circles? For starters, tallow’s fatty acid profile closely resembles the natural oils our skin produces. It absorbs readily and helps repair the skin barrier instead of just sitting on top. Grass-fed lamb tallow is packed with vitamins A, D, E, and K, plus nourishing fats like oleic and stearic acid that promote hydration and skin regeneration. Many users report softer, calmer skin; even those with eczema often find relief thanks to tallow’s soothing, anti-inflammatory nature. This back-to-nature approach aligns with the clean beauty movement – after all, a balm made from pure tallow has zero mystery ingredients and plenty of wholesome goodness.
An added bonus is sustainability. Tallow is often a by-product that might otherwise go to waste, so using it in skincare is eco-friendly. Here in NZ, utilising local lamb tallow supports ethical, grass-fed farming and reduces waste. In choosing tallow balm, you’re not only doing your skin a favour but also making a planet-friendly choice in line with New Zealand’s love for sustainable living.
Our Small-Batch Process
At Bloom Tallow, we take pride in doing things the old-fashioned way. Our small-batch, artisanal process is the secret behind the silky texture and purity of our lamb tallow balm. It all starts with sourcing premium, grass-fed lamb suet from local New Zealand farms. Grass-fed lamb means the animals are healthy and naturally raised, and their fat is packed with nutrients – an ideal foundation for skincare.
We begin by rendering the raw tallow gently and slowly. The lamb suet is melted at a low temperature and carefully strained. This patience in rendering preserves the tallow’s natural vitamins and nutrients. The result is pure, clean tallow with no impurities – the perfect base for a truly natural moisturiser.
Next comes whipping. Once the tallow cools and solidifies, we whip it together with a few simple, skin-loving additions (like a splash of cold-pressed jojoba or olive oil, and perhaps a whisper of essential oil for a light scent in certain blends). Whipping transforms the tallow into a luxurious, fluffy cream that glides on smoothly. It melts upon contact with your skin, turning into a velvety oil that absorbs beautifully, leaving no heavy residue.
Because we craft every batch by hand, we maintain quality at every step – from the careful rendering to the gentle whipping. We don’t use any preservatives, fillers, or artificial additives. The result is a fresh, potent balm in every jar. When you open a jar of Bloom Tallow, you know you’re getting pure tallow goodness made with patience and care, like skincare from a simpler time.
How to Use Tallow Balm
One of the joys of tallow balm is its versatility – a single jar can replace a slew of other products in your routine. Here are some practical tips on using our balm for face, hands, and body:
- Face: After cleansing, warm a pea-sized amount of tallow balm between your fingers, then gently massage it into your face. It’s fantastic as a night-time moisturiser for overnight rejuvenation. If your skin is very dry, you can use a tiny dab in the morning as well (just let it absorb for a minute or two before makeup).
- Hands & Cuticles: Massage a small amount into your hands whenever they feel dry or after washing. Tallow balm creates a protective barrier that locks in moisture, making it ideal for chapped knuckles or rough cuticles. Apply as needed throughout the day, especially in colder weather when skin tends to be drier.
- Body & Problem Areas: For your body, the best time to apply is right after a warm shower, while skin is still slightly damp. Scoop out a little balm, rub it between your palms, and spread it over any dry areas – elbows, knees, heels, you name it. It’s also gentle enough for sensitive spots; some mums even use it on baby’s eczema or cradle cap (unscented is best for babies).
Remember, a little goes a long way. Start with a small dab on clean, damp skin for best absorption. This rich balm will keep your skin soft and hydrated for hours, whether you use it as a daily face cream, a hardworking hand salve, or an all-purpose remedy for dryness and irritation.
Ready to Make the Switch to Nature’s Moisturiser?
Tallow balm has captured the hearts of many Kiwis seeking a natural skincare solution. It combines the best of New Zealand’s ingredients, time-tested wisdom, and modern simplicity. If you’re curious to try this nourishing tradition, we invite you to explore our full product range on our online shop.
Switching to tallow balm is more than just changing your moisturiser – it’s embracing a piece of nature and New Zealand craftsmanship in your daily routine. Your skin will thank you for it, and you’ll be supporting local and glowing naturally!