Frequently Asked Questions
What is tallow balm, and why do you use it?
Tallow balm is a rich, traditional moisturiser made from rendered beef suet, the fat taken from around the kidneys of grass-fed cattle. Suet has been used in skincare for generations because of its naturally smooth texture and its blend of fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K). These naturally occurring components help the skin feel soft, nourished and well-conditioned.
We choose suet because its fatty-acid profile is naturally similar to the skinโs own oils, which allows the balm to melt in comfortably and give a deeply moisturised feel without heaviness.
We blend this tallow with raw honey, beeswax, olive oil and jojoba oil, creating a simple, heritage-inspired balm that feels creamy, comforting and intentionally minimal. Each batch is made slowly and by hand, offering a natural alternative to modern skincare that often relies on long ingredient lists and synthetic additives.
Does the balm feel greasy or heavy on the skin?
Not at all. Our balm is designed to melt gently into the skin, leaving it feeling soft, nourished and smooth rather than oily. The blend of grass-fed tallow, cold-pressed olive oil, jojoba oil and a small amount of beeswax creates a balanced, breathable texture.
It tends to absorb well when applied to warm or slightly damp skin, giving a moisturised, comfortable finish without a greasy feel.
Does it have a scent? Iโm worried it might smell like beef.
Our rendering and filtering process removes the natural aroma from tallow, leaving a clean, neutral base. Each balm is either unscented or lightly scented with pure essential oils, creating a subtle, natural aroma.
If you choose our Unscented Pure balm, youโll simply notice the gentle scent of the ingredients themselves. There is no beef smell!
Is this product suitable for sensitive skin or people with skin conditions?
Our balm is made with a short list of gentle, natural ingredients, and many people with easily irritated skin choose simple formulations like this because they find them comfortable to use. We leave out synthetic fragrances, harsh additives and unnecessary fillers, which helps keep the formula mild and easy-going on most skin types.
If you have very sensitive skin or prefer to avoid essential oils, the Unscented Pure version is a popular choice. As always, we recommend doing a small patch test first, especially if your skin is reactive, to make sure it suits you personally.
What sets Holistic Heritageโs tallow balm apart from other skincare products?
We take a back-to-basics approach, focusing on quality, simplicity and traditional methods. What makes our balm unique is the way itโs sourced, crafted and formulated.
We start with suet from 100% grass-fed Irish cattle, a traditional ingredient valued for its naturally smooth texture and comforting feel on the skin. Suet contains a blend of naturally occurring fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K), which contribute to the balmโs soft, luxurious finish.
Our formula is intentionally simple, built from just a few ingredients: grass-fed tallow, organic cold-pressed jojoba oil, organic raw honey, cold-pressed olive oil and organic beeswax. Scented versions include carefully selected essential oils, chosen for their natural aroma rather than artificial perfumes or synthetics.
There is no water, no fillers and no unnecessary additives. Just recognisable ingredients chosen for texture, purity and a gentle, skin-friendly feel.
Every jar is handmade in Dublin in small batches, from rendering the tallow to blending and pouring each batch with care. This slow, hands-on process allows us to maintain a level of attention and consistency that mass-produced products canโt match.
Our approach is inspired by Irish heritage and long-standing natural practices, offering a simple, honest alternative for those who appreciate traditional skincare made with intention.
What ingredients do you use in your balm, and what are their benefits?
We keep our formulation simple and intentional, using only five organic ingredients. Each one is chosen for its quality, texture, and how naturally it works with the skin.
Organic Grass-Fed Tallow (Rendered Suet)
This is the foundation of our balm. Suet from grass-fed cattle naturally contains a blend of fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K). These components give the balm a rich, creamy texture that feels deeply comforting on the skin and helps support a soft, supple appearance.
Organic Cold-Pressed Olive Oil
We use cold-pressed olive oil for its smooth glide and antioxidant content. It adds a light, spreading quality to the balm and contributes to a hydrated, conditioned feel without being heavy.
Organic Cold-Pressed Jojoba Oil
Technically a liquid wax, jojobaโs composition is well-known for being compatible with many skin types. It provides lightweight moisture, helps balance the richness of the tallow and supports a smooth, non-greasy finish.
Organic Beeswax
Organic beeswax creates a breathable, protective layer that helps the skin retain moisture. It also contributes to the balmโs firm-yet-creamy texture and acts as a natural stabiliser for the formula.
Organic Raw Honey
Raw honey is naturally hydrating and contributes a soothing, comforting quality to the balm. Its humectant nature helps the skin attract and hold onto moisture, giving the balm its nourishing, velvety feel.
These five ingredients work together to create a rich, natural moisturiser with a simple, skin-friendly formula.
There is no water, no fillers and no synthetics โ just concentrated, organic ingredients blended with care.
Are there any synthetic chemicals or preservatives in your products?
No. Our products are completely free of synthetic additives. We do not use artificial preservatives, parabens, sulfates, phthalates or any harsh chemicals.
Our balm is 100 percent natural. Because the formula contains no water, it does not require chemical preservatives. In traditional skincare, water often forces companies to add preservatives to prevent spoilage. Our ingredient list avoids that entirely.
Tallow, beeswax and honey all have natural stabilising properties that help keep the balm fresh. Every component in the jar has a purpose and supports the formula. Nothing unnecessary is added.
Do your balms have any fragrance, and are the scents natural?
Yes. We offer both scented and unscented options, and all of our scents come from pure essential oils only. We never use artificial perfumes.
Our scented balms are lightly fragranced with essential oil blends. For example, Citrus Grove uses lemon and other citrus oils for a fresh and uplifting aroma. Woodland Breathe includes notes of silver fir and herbs for an earthy, forest-like scent. Every aroma comes directly from botanicals, so the scent remains gentle and natural.
If you prefer no scent, Unscented Pure contains only our core ingredients. It has a mild, natural aroma from the tallow and beeswax with nothing added.
In short, all fragrance in our balms is natural, subtle and derived entirely from essential oils.
How do I use or apply the tallow balm for best results?
Using the balm is straightforward and feels soothing on the skin. For best results:
- Start with a small amount. A pea-sized dab is usually enough. A little goes a long way.
- Warm it between your fingertips or palms for a moment. The heat of your hands helps it melt into a soft, buttery texture.
- Massage it gently into clean skin. You can apply it anywhere that needs moisture such as the face, lips, hands, elbows, cuticles or any dry patches.
- For the face or larger areas, it works well on slightly damp skin, as this helps the balm spread more easily and absorb more comfortably.
- You can use it morning and night. Many people prefer a light layer during the day and a slightly richer application in the evening for deeper nourishment.
Adjust the amount based on what feels right for your skin. The balm absorbs well when used sparingly, so your skin should feel soft and conditioned rather than oily. Over time, you will naturally find the routine that suits you best.
Can I use this balm on my face (and other parts of my body)?
Yes. Our balm is gentle and suitable for both the face and the body. Many people use it as their daily facial moisturiser or night balm.
The ingredients we use are generally considered low on the comedogenic scale, which helps the balm sit comfortably on most skin types without feeling heavy.
You can apply it to lips, hands, elbows, knees, cuticles, and any areas that feel dry or need extra care. If your facial skin is naturally oily or reactive, start with a very small amount and apply it to slightly damp skin to help it absorb quickly.
Overall, itโs a versatile, all-over moisturising balm you can use wherever your skin needs comfort and hydration.
Is it safe to use on babies or during pregnancy?
Our balm is made with simple, gentle ingredients, and many people choose it for babies and during pregnancy. However, a few precautions are important.
For infants and expectant mothers, we recommend the Unscented Pure version. It contains no essential oils and is made only from tallow, olive oil, jojoba oil, honey, and beeswax. This version is the most suitable option when extra sensitivity is a concern.
Parents often choose unscented tallow balms for dry skin, nappy areas, or flaky patches, but every baby is different, so we always suggest doing a small patch test first.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or using the balm on a baby under 6 months and are considering a scented version, itโs best to check with your healthcare provider before using any essential oils.
Overall, the formula is minimal, natural, and mild, but we prefer to be cautious when it comes to newborns and pregnancy.
How long does a jar of your tallow balm typically last?
A little goes a long way. Because the balm is concentrated, you only need a small amount per use. With daily application, a 2-ounce (60 ml) jar typically lasts one to two months, depending on how much you use and which areas you apply it to.
If you mainly use it as a facial moisturiser, it often lasts closer to the higher end of that range. If you apply it regularly to larger areas of the body, it may be used up a bit quicker.
Most people find that one jar lasts longer than expected thanks to its rich, slow-melting texture.
How should I store the balm, and does it need refrigeration or special care?
Our tallow balm is very easy to store. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. A bathroom cabinet or bedside drawer works perfectly. There is no need to refrigerate it.
The balm is naturally stable because it is made from tallow, beeswax, honey, olive oil, and jojoba oil, all of which have long shelf lives. These ingredients help keep the product fresh without the need for synthetic preservatives. Just make sure the lid is closed when you are not using it.
Avoid exposing the jar to high heat, as that can melt the balm into a liquid. If it melts, it will simply solidify again at room temperature and is still completely fine to use.
When stored correctly, the balm typically stays fresh for at least a year after opening. Most people finish their jar long before any freshness concerns arise.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. We are based in Ireland and ship to all of the EU, Northern Ireland, Great Britain, the USA, and Canada.
At checkout, simply enter your address and you will see the available shipping options and exact rates for your location.
You can view full details, delivery times, and costs on our Shipping Policy page.
How long will it take to receive my order?
We prepare and dispatch most orders within 1โ2 working days. Delivery times depend on the destination and shipping method chosen.
Republic of Ireland:
Usually next working day after dispatch for standard and tracked post. Express options may arrive even sooner.
Northern Ireland:
Typically 1โ2 working days after dispatch.
Great Britain:
Generally 3โ5 working days after dispatch for standard/tracked shipments.
European Union:
Delivery times vary by country, but most parcels arrive within 3โ7 working days after dispatch.
United States & Canada:
Usually 4โ7 working days after dispatch, depending on customs and local postal services.
We offer Tracked, Express Tracked, and Local Delivery (for eligible Dublin addresses).
If you choose a tracked service, youโll receive a tracking number by email as soon as your order has been dispatched.
Delivery times are estimates and may vary due to factors such as customs checks, postal delays, or peak seasons. If you ever have a question about your shipment, youโre always welcome to contact us.
How much does shipping cost, and do you offer free shipping?
We keep our shipping rates straightforward and transparent.
For customers in the Republic of Ireland, we offer free tracked shipping on orders of โฌ50 or more.
If your address qualifies for local delivery, youโll also see a Free Local Delivery option at checkout.
For orders under โฌ50, and for all shipments to Northern Ireland, Great Britain, EU countries, the USA, and Canada, shipping costs are calculated automatically at checkout based on the parcelโs weight, destination, and the shipping method you choose.
We donโt add markups or hidden fees. You simply pay the rate charged by our carrier.
All available options including Tracked, Express Tracked, and Local Delivery (where eligible) will appear at checkout along with their prices before you complete your order.
Our aim is to ensure your Holistic Heritage products arrive safely, efficiently, and at a fair cost.
Is your tallow (and other ingredients) ethically sourced?
Yes. Ethical and responsible sourcing is a core part of how we work at Holistic Heritage.
We use organic, grass-fed suet from small Irish farms, taken from heritage-breed cattle raised on natural grass pastures. These farms prioritise traditional, low-impact methods and operate on a small scale. The suet we use is a natural by-product of food farming, meaning itโs repurposed rather than wasted.
Our other ingredients follow the same standards:
Organic beeswax and organic raw honey, sourced from trusted suppliers who prioritise responsible beekeeping and high-quality, unrefined ingredients.
Organic cold-pressed olive oil from Spain, produced without synthetic pesticides.
Organic cold-pressed jojoba oil from suppliers who maintain sustainable growing and processing methods.
We focus on using ingredients that are high-quality, traceable, and produced with care, ensuring clarity in our supply chain and confidence in every jar.
Do you use sustainable or eco-friendly packaging?
Yes. We keep our packaging as plastic-free and recyclable as possible.
Each balm comes in a reusable glass jar with an aluminium lid, so there are no single-use plastic containers. You can reuse the jars at home or recycle them when youโre finished.
For shipping, we use recycled kraft paper, recyclable cardboard boxes, and paper tape. We avoid plastic completely in our packaging materials.
Our aim is to keep waste low, use straightforward materials, and make sure everything you receive can be reused or easily recycled. While weโre always looking for ways to improve, weโre proud that a Holistic Heritage order arrives in simple, low-impact packaging from start to finish.
What is Holistic Heritageโs overall philosophy or approach to skincare?
Our philosophy is simple: keep skincare honest, natural and rooted in tradition.
โHolistic Heritageโ reflects exactly what we stand for. Holistic means looking at wellbeing as a whole and choosing ingredients and methods that support the skinโs natural balance. Heritage speaks to our inspiration from time-tested practices and the traditional ways people cared for their skin.
In todayโs world of heavily formulated products and synthetic add-ons, we choose simplicity, quality and transparency. Our balms are made with a short list of natural ingredients and crafted in small batches using gentle techniques that previous generations would recognise.
We start with straightforward ingredients such as grass-fed tallow, beeswax, honey, olive oil and jojoba oil. There is nothing unnecessary added and nothing complicated included. The focus is on creating skincare that feels natural, dependable and aligned with traditional approaches to caring for the skin.
Our philosophy centres on respecting the skin, respecting the ingredients and respecting the process. No fluff or fillers, just thoughtful, traditional skincare made with integrity.