Create nourishing soap bars with this cold-process Tallow and Coconut Oil Soap recipe! Perfect for dry, sensitive skin, zero-waste beauty, and natural skincare lovers.

Craft a luxurious, moisturizing soap from two simple, powerful ingredients: beef tallow and coconut oil. This traditional cold-process method creates rich, creamy soap bars that deeply nourish, cleanse, and protect sensitive skin — naturally.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Soap

When it comes to pure, effective skincare, nothing beats old-fashioned, handcrafted soap.
This Tallow & Coconut Oil Soap recipe is:

Moisturizing: Tallow is rich in fatty acids similar to those naturally found in human skin, deeply hydrating without clogging pores.
Cleansing: Coconut oil provides a deep cleanse while creating a luxurious, creamy lather.
Gentle: No harsh chemicals, fragrances, or additives — just natural, skin-loving ingredients.
Sustainable: A wonderful zero-waste way to honor the whole animal and embrace clean beauty traditions.

🌿 Perfect for dry, sensitive, or mature skin types.

Nourishing Tallow & Coconut Oil Soap Bars Recipe

Yield: 12 soap bars
Total Time: 1 day, 1 hour, 5 minutes
Cure Time: 3–4 weeks

Nourishing Tallow & Coconut Oil Soap Recipe

Ingredients:

18 oz beef tallow
12 oz coconut oil
4.42 oz lye (sodium hydroxide)
9.89 oz distilled water

Required Equipment:

Digital kitchen scale
Immersion blender
Silicone soap molds
Heat-resistant glass container
Kitchen thermometer
Saucepan

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Lye Water

Measure 9.89 oz of distilled water into a heat-resistant glass bowl.
Slowly add 4.42 oz of lye to the water (never the other way around!).
Stir gently until dissolved.

🚨 Important: Work in a ventilated area. The mixture will heat rapidly and release strong fumes.

Step 2: Melt the Oils

In a saucepan, melt 18 oz of beef tallow and 12 oz of coconut oil over medium heat.
Once melted, remove from heat and allow the oils to cool to 100°F (38°C).
Let the lye water cool to the same temperature.

Step 3: Mix & Blend

Slowly pour the cooled lye water into the cooled oils.
Use an immersion blender to blend the mixture until it reaches “trace” — a pudding-like texture where the soap leaves visible trails when dripped onto itself.

Step 4: Customize (Optional)

Add essential oils for scent (like lavender, tea tree, or peppermint).
Add natural colorants like clay, turmeric, or charcoal for a unique touch.

Step 5: Pour & Set

Pour the soap batter into silicone molds.
Let it sit undisturbed for 24–72 hours until it hardens.

Step 6: Cure

Remove the soap bars from the molds.
Place them on a drying rack in a cool, dry place.
Allow the soap to cure for 3–4 weeks to complete saponification and achieve optimal hardness.

✨ Results:

🧼 Beautifully creamy, moisturizing soap bars — ideal for gently cleansing, hydrating, and protecting sensitive skin naturally.

✨ FAQs

Is tallow soap good for sensitive skin?
Yes! Tallow is deeply nourishing and compatible with human skin lipids, making it ideal for sensitive, dry, or mature skin.

Can I substitute the beef tallow with another fat?
You could substitute with lard (pork fat) or even add a portion of shea butter or cocoa butter, but it will change the soap’s texture and curing time.

How long does homemade tallow soap last?
Properly cured and stored tallow soap bars can last up to one year. Store them in a cool, dry place away from moisture.

What’s the purpose of curing soap?
Curing allows the water to evaporate, making the soap harder, longer-lasting, and ensuring it’s fully safe and mild for skin use.

Can I make this soap without essential oils?
Absolutely. Essential oils are completely optional. The unscented soap is still deeply moisturizing and skin-friendly.