Does Tallow Balm Clog Pores?
It can, for some people. Here is who is most likely to have a problem, what the comedogenic scale does and does not tell you, and how to find out safely for your own skin.
Can tallow balm clog pores?
Yes, it can for some people, and it does not for many others. Tallow is commonly rated about 2 out of 5 on the comedogenic scale, which means a moderate chance of blocking pores. That is lower than coconut oil (usually rated 4) and higher than some plant butters. If your skin is dry, it is usually fine. If your skin is very oily or breaks out easily, a rich balm on the face is the thing most likely to cause trouble, so patch-test first or keep it to your hands and body.
What the comedogenic scale actually tells you
The scale runs from 0 to 5 and estimates how likely an ingredient is to block pores. Commonly cited figures put tallow at 2, shea butter at 0 to 2, and coconut oil at 4.
It is a rough guide, not a verdict. The ratings come largely from old animal studies, sources disagree, and a number for a raw ingredient does not reliably predict how a finished product behaves on a human face. How much you use, how often, and your own skin matter more than the number.
Who is most likely to have a problem
- Very oily skin. Skin that already makes plenty of its own oil does not need a rich balm on top, and is more likely to feel congested.
- Breakout-prone skin. If you break out easily with heavier creams, a balm is a bigger risk than a light lotion.
- Using too much. This is the most common cause. A pea-sized amount does the whole face. A fingertip scoop is several times too much and will sit on the skin.
People with dry, rough or tight-feeling skin tend to get on with it best, because their skin is short on oil to begin with.
How to test it on your own skin
- Patch-test first. Apply a small amount to your inner forearm and leave it for 24 hours.
- Then try one small area of your face, such as along the jaw, for a week.
- Use less than you think. Warm a pea-sized amount between your fingertips until it turns clear, then press it in rather than rubbing a thick layer on.
- Use it at night first. It is easier to judge how your skin responds without makeup or sunscreen on top.
If you notice new bumps or congestion, stop using it on your face. Plenty of people who cannot use a balm on their face still use it on hands, elbows and heels.
Does fragrance-free make a difference?
For irritation, often yes. Fragrance is one of the most common causes of skin reactions, and a lot of tallow balms add it to cover the smell of a fast render. AusTallow has no fragrance and no essential oils, just tallow, beeswax and olive oil. That does not change how comedogenic the fats are, but it removes one of the usual culprits. More on that in why fragrance-free matters.
The short version
Tallow balm is not a good fit for every face. It suits dry skin best, it is a riskier choice for very oily or breakout-prone skin, and the amount you use matters more than anything. If you want to try it, the 60-day money-back guarantee means you can find out without being stuck with a jar that does not suit you.
AusTallow is a cosmetic moisturiser. It is not a therapeutic good and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or skin condition. Information on this page is general in nature. If you have a diagnosed skin condition, speak to your GP or dermatologist.
Three ingredients. One jar.
100% Australian grass-fed tallow, Australian beeswax, Australian extra-virgin olive oil. Nothing else, and 60 days to change your mind.
See The Balm →