Tallow balm vs moisturiser: what's actually different?

Tallow balm and a normal moisturiser do a similar job, keeping dry skin comfortable, but they're built completely differently. Here's what's actually different, and how to decide which suits you.

What's in a normal moisturiser?

Most moisturisers are mostly water. That's what makes them light and easy to spread. But water causes two problems:

• Water and oil don't mix, so moisturisers need emulsifiers to hold them together.
• Water can go off, so they need preservatives to keep bacteria and mould out.

Add thickeners, fragrance and texture helpers and you can end up with a long ingredient list for something that's largely water.

What's in a tallow balm?

A tallow balm has no water. It's fats, oils and waxes. No water means no need for emulsifiers or preservatives, so the ingredient list can be very short. The Original has four ingredients: grass-fed beef tallow, olive squalane, Golden Jojoba Oil and candelilla wax. That's the whole list.

Tallow balm vs moisturiser: the main differences

• Texture: moisturisers are light lotions or creams. Tallow balm is solid in the jar and softens as you warm it in your fingers.
• How much you use: a moisturiser takes a good dollop. A balm takes a pea-sized amount for your face.
• Ingredients: moisturisers often have long lists. A tallow balm can have just a handful.
• Feel: moisturisers feel lighter straight away. A balm is richer and takes a minute to settle.
• How long a jar lasts: because you use so little, a 60ml jar of The Original lasts about 6 weeks used morning and night.

Is tallow balm better than moisturiser?

Not automatically. It depends on your skin and what you like. Tallow balm suits people who:

• have dry, tight or rough skin and want something richer
• want a short, readable ingredient list
• like one product for face, hands, elbows and heels

A light moisturiser might suit you better if you love a barely-there feel, or your skin only needs a little.

Can you use tallow balm instead of moisturiser?

Yes. Lots of people swap their moisturiser for tallow balm completely. Others use a light moisturiser in the morning and tallow balm at night. If you're swapping, start with a small amount and give your skin a couple of weeks to get used to the new routine. Patch test first if your skin is sensitive.

Can you use tallow balm with your other skincare?

Yes. As a rule, go from thinnest to thickest: serums first, balm last, because the balm sits on top. If you wear makeup, use a smaller amount and let it settle first.

The short version

A moisturiser is mostly water held together with emulsifiers and preservatives. A tallow balm is all balm. Neither is magic, they just suit different skin and different preferences. Comparing other options? See tallow balm vs shea butter and tallow balm vs coconut oil. Want the full picture? Read what tallow balm is or how to use it on your face. Ready to try it? The Original comes with a 60-day guarantee.