Tallow Balm vs Petroleum Jelly

Is tallow balm better than petroleum jelly?

It depends what you want it for. Petroleum jelly is cheap, very well researched, and excellent at sealing moisture in, but it sits on the skin and feels greasy. Tallow balm feels lighter, sinks in more, and has a natural, very short ingredient list, but it costs more and has much less research behind it. If budget and proven results are what matter, petroleum jelly is hard to beat. If you want something that absorbs and that you are happy to use on your face every day, a balm may suit you better.

What each one is

• Petroleum jelly (petrolatum) is a refined mixture of hydrocarbons from petroleum. It does not absorb much. It forms a film on top of the skin that slows water loss.
• Tallow balm is rendered beef fat, usually blended with something to adjust the texture. AusTallow is grass-fed tallow, beeswax and olive oil. It softens with body heat and absorbs into the skin more than petroleum jelly does.

How they compare

• Research. Petrolatum is one of the most studied moisturising ingredients there is, and dermatologists commonly recommend it. Tallow has far less high-quality research.
• Feel. Petroleum jelly stays shiny and slick. A tallow balm, used in a small amount, sinks in within a minute or two.
• Cost. Petroleum jelly is much cheaper per gram.
• Ingredients. Petroleum jelly is a single refined ingredient. Tallow balm is a few natural ingredients. Which you prefer is a personal choice.
• Animal products. Petroleum jelly contains none. Tallow is an animal product, so it is out if you are vegan.
• Pores. Pure petrolatum is generally considered low risk for clogging pores. Tallow is rated about 2 out of 5. See does tallow balm clog pores?

Which to use for what

• Very cracked heels, chapped lips at night, or a cheap barrier on a budget: petroleum jelly does the job well.
• Daily face and hand moisturising where you do not want a greasy film: a tallow balm is often more pleasant to use.
• Both: plenty of people use a balm day to day and keep petroleum jelly for the worst spots.

Neither is a sunscreen, and neither treats a skin condition. If your skin is cracked and bleeding or not improving, see your GP.

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.