Tallow balm goes soft in the heat because tallow is a natural fat, and natural fats soften when they're warm and firm up when they're cool. A soft or even melted jar isn't spoiled or faulty. Put the lid on, pop it somewhere cool, and it will set again.
I live in north Queensland, so trust me, I get this question every summer. A parcel sits in a hot letterbox, a jar gets left on the dash of the ute, or the bathroom turns into a sauna after a long shower, and suddenly your balm looks nothing like it did the day it arrived. Here's what's going on and what to do about it.
Why tallow changes with the temperature
Think about butter. Straight out of the fridge it's hard, on the bench on a warm day it's soft, and left in the sun it turns to liquid. Tallow is the same kind of thing. It's rendered beef fat, not a lab-made cream packed with ingredients to keep it looking identical in every climate. That's exactly why it feels so rich on your skin, and it's also why it responds to the weather. Old age wisdom, with a little bit of attitude.
Is soft or melted tallow balm still OK to use?
Yes. Softening in the heat is completely normal. If your jar has gone soft, keep using it as usual, you'll just need to warm it between your fingers for less time. If it has fully melted, put the lid on tight and let it set again somewhere cool before you use it. Sometimes the texture comes back slightly different, a little grainier or smoother than before. That's just the fat setting again and it will still melt into your skin the same way.
The things to check for are the same as any skincare: a sour or off smell, mould, or anything growing in the jar. If you see any of those, stop using it and send me a message.
How to store tallow balm in hot weather
- Lid on tight, every time. It keeps dust, water and fingers out.
- Out of direct sun. A bathroom windowsill or the dash of the car gets far hotter than you think.
- A cool cupboard is perfect. Somewhere dark and away from the stove or hot water system.
- Clean, dry fingers. Try not to get water into the jar, especially straight after a shower.
- Keep it out of the car in summer. A hot car will melt any balm, even a small slide tin like The OG. In the warmer months, keep your tin and jars in a cool cupboard, and save The OG for your bag when the weather cools down.
What if my parcel arrives soft?
In summer this happens. Bring it inside, leave the lid on, and put it in a cool cupboard for a few hours or overnight. It will firm back up. If something doesn't look right when it arrives, just hit reply on your order email. It comes straight to me and I'll help you sort it.
Using tallow balm in hot weather
In the heat, you need even less than usual because it's already soft. A tiny bit, rubbed well into slightly damp skin, is plenty. If you're new to tallow, start with my 5 tips for your first jar.
Prefer something lighter for summer? Whip Crackin' is our whipped body moisturiser, lighter than a pure balm and easy to spread all over. For hardworking hands, PHAT Balm is still the one.
Frequently asked questions
Why did my tallow balm melt?
Tallow is a natural fat, so it softens and can melt when it gets hot, like butter does. Let it cool with the lid on and it will set again.
Can I put tallow balm in the fridge?
You can, but it will go very firm. A cool cupboard is usually enough. If you do use the fridge, warm a little between your fingers before applying.
Does tallow balm go off?
Check the best-before date on your jar and store it cool with the lid on. If it ever smells sour or you see mould, stop using it.
Why is my tallow balm grainy?
Graininess can happen when a natural fat melts and sets again. It still melts into your skin once you warm it between your fingers.
