We were thrilled to welcome Sophie from Tallow Balm Shop for a special in-store event over the weekend! Sophie shared her journey of creating her beautiful, natural tallow balms — from her passion for traditional skincare to the process behind each handcrafted batch. She’s also taken the time to answer all your online questions below, so you can learn even more about her philosophy, ingredients, and the story behind Tallow Balm Shop...
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Sophie and I live on the beautiful Gold Coast. I love spending time at the beach and going for a surf whenever I can (ice cream afterwards is mandatory!). Good food shared with good company is definitely the quickest way to my heart.
What first drew you to using tallow as a skincare ingredient? What led you to start making tallow balm? What inspired you to start making tallow balm? Was there a particular moment or experience that inspired your brand's creation?
I’ve always had sensitive skin, and in my late teens and early twenties, I struggled with perioral dermatitis around my mouth. Having a skin condition on your face can really affect your confidence — I tried every cream and ointment I could find, but the problem always came back, sometimes worse. After researching my condition, I was determined to find something gentle that could truly repair my skin barrier after all the harsh products I’d used. That’s when I came across people sharing their success stories with tallow for skin healing. I had to try it — even though the idea of putting beef fat on my face sounded a bit strange at first! Within a week, I noticed massive improvements, and before long, my skin was clear. I’ve now been dermatitis-free for over a year thanks to tallow!
How did you develop your first formula — lots of research, trial and error?
Our formula came to life through a mix of research and plenty of trial and error! Being a bit of a perfectionist, I spent a lot of time tweaking the ingredient list to create a natural, high-quality product you can trust. I looked at what was already on the market, what worked, what didn’t, and listened to what people were missing in their skincare routines. From there, it was all about finding ways to fill those gaps naturally.
What type of tallow do you use (e.g. grass-fed, organic, locally sourced)?
We source our tallow from Melbourne to support our Australian economy. It’s both organic and grass-fed, ensuring the most nutrient-dense, nourishing properties for your skin.
Are there any additives, essential oils, or preservatives in your balm?
We’re proud to say our balms contain no additives, essential oils, or preservatives. Our original tallow balm has just three natural ingredients, and our honey tallow balm has five — that’s it!
Is tallow suitable for treating hormonal acne?
Yes! Tallow is rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K — all amazing for skin health. It helps balance oil production and calm inflammation (since hormonal acne is often linked to excess oil). Plus, tallow is deeply nourishing and reparative, making it great for healing acne scars too.
Is your balm suitable for sensitive skin or specific skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis, etc.)?
If you’ve been struggling with skin issues, we know how frustrating it can be! That’s why we formulated our balm with simple, gentle ingredients known to soothe dry, irritated skin and support the skin’s natural healing process. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties and fatty acid profile, it helps hydrate, reduce inflammation, and repair the skin barrier — all of which can improve conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
How long does the balm last once opened?
Once opened, tallow balm lasts about 12 months at room temperature and up to 18 months if stored in the fridge. While refrigeration isn’t necessary, keeping it cool will significantly extend its shelf life.
What makes your tallow balm unique compared to others on the market?
Our tallow balm stands out because it’s made with nutrient-dense ingredients and intention — just pure, grass-fed tallow blended to deeply nourish skin without unnecessary fillers or fragrances. Our brand is also built on sustainability from the ingredients we’ve chosen to the packaging we use.
How do you educate customers who are new to tallow-based skincare?
We keep it simple and informative — explaining what tallow is, why it’s so compatible with our skin, and how it compares to conventional products. We share the natural benefits, how to use it, and what results to expect through our website, social media, and product packaging. It’s all about helping people see that tallow isn’t just an old tradition but a sustainable, effective way to care for your skin naturally.
How would you describe your brand's philosophy in a few words?
Natural. Intentional. Skincare.
How do you hope your products make people feel when they use them?
Confident and cared for! Looking after your skin is an extension of looking after yourself — both mentally and physically. I hope using our tallow balm becomes a small ritual to slow down, be intentional, and reconnect with yourself.
What's next for you and your brand — any new products, goals, or dreams?
My main goal is to make this your brand — a space where everyone feels welcome and inspired to be part of it. I want to keep growing our tallow-loving community and share the amazing benefits of tallow with more people. As for new products... you might just have to wait and see!
Love Sophie x
We hope you’ve discovered a little more about this incredible product and the care that goes into every jar. If you have any more questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out — and trust us, once you’ve tried Tallow Balm, you’ll never look back.
