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Looking for a natural, gentle way to remove your makeup at the end of the day? This homemade makeup remover is made with nourishing ingredients like tallow, jojoba oil, and vitamin E to cleanse your skin without harsh chemicals or drying it out. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for anyone looking to simplify their skincare routine with ingredients they can trust. If you’re ready to ditch store-bought removers and try something thatactuallysupports your skin, this DIY is a great place to start.

Say goodbye to harsh, store-bought makeup removers that strip your skin of its natural oils—and say hello to a nourishing, homemade tallow-based makeup remover that melts makeup effortlessly while moisturizing your skin.This gentle and effective DIY blend is perfect for anyonewho wantsa natural alternativeusingskin-loving oils and nutrient-rich tallow.With just a few simple ingredients, you can make yourowncleansing balm that not only removes makeup but also supports your skin barrier.
Tallow, rendered fat typically from grass-fed cows, has been used for centuries in traditional skincare. It closely resembles the structure of human sebum, making it highly compatible with our skin. This compatibility means tallow is easily absorbed and incredibly moisturizing without clogging pores.
Here’s why it’s so good for your skin:
- Rich in Vitamins: Tallow contains fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K—all essential for skin health and regeneration.
- Anti-Inflammatory: Thanks to its natural CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) content, tallow has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Highly Emollient: It creates a protective barrier that helps retain moisture, making it ideal for dry or sensitive skin.
- Supports the Skin Microbiome: Because of its natural composition, it helps balance and support the skin’s healthy bacteria.
How To Make Homemade Makeup Remover with Tallow
For this recipe, you will need tallow (learn to make your own here), coconut oil, castor oil, vitamin E oil, jojoba oil, and essential oils.

Place your tallow and coconut oil into a glass bowl or jar and set it over a saucepan of gently simmering water (doubleboiler method). Stir occasionally until completely melted.
Remove from heat and stir in castor oil, jojoba oil, and vitamin E oil. Mix well to combine.
If you’re using essential oils, now is the time to add 2-3 drops. Stir again.
Pour the mixture into a clean jar or container. Allow it to cool and harden at room temperature.
Once fully set, stir it one last time to ensure an even distribution of all oils, especially if any are separated during cooling.
Store in a lidded glass container and use a clean scoop or fingers to apply.

How to Use:
Scoop a small amount of balm with clean, dry fingers and gently massage onto your face, focusing on areas with makeup. Use a warm, damp cloth to wipe away the oil and makeup residue. You’llbe leftwith clean, soft skin that feels nourishedinstead ofstripped.
DIY Tallow Makeup Remover
This recipe is incredibly forgiving and versatile, so feel free to tailor it to your skin type and preferences:
Substitutions:
- No Coconut Oil?Swap it out for more jojoba oil or avocado oil if you’re sensitive to coconut.
- Castor Oil Alternative:Castor oil is excellent at breaking down makeup, but if it’s too drying for your skin, try a small amount of olive oil instead.
- Vitamin E Oil:If you don’t have it, you can skip it or pierce a few vitamin E capsules and squeeze them into the mix.
- Essential Oils:These are optional! If you enjoy scented skincare, go for gentle oils like lavender or chamomile. Avoid peppermint, citrus, or cinnamon oils near your eyes.
Homemade Makeup Remover FAQ
Is this safe to use around the eyes?
Yes, but make sure to avoid essential oils that could irritate your eyes. Lavender and chamomile are two safe options in small amounts.
Will it clog my pores?
Tallow is non-comedogenic for most people,especiallywhen sourced from grass-fed animals. If you’re acne-prone, consider omitting coconut oil or replacing it with hemp seed or grapeseed oil.
Can I use this if I wear waterproof mascara?
Absolutely. The blend of castor oil and tallow breaks down even the most stubborn waterproof makeup. Just be gentle around your eye area when wiping it off.
How long does it last?
Stored in a clean container in a cool, dry place, this makeup remover can last 3-6 months. There’s no water content, so it’s shelf-stable.

Related Recipes:
- Tallow Lip Balm Recipe
- DIY Tallow Lotion Bars
- Tallow Balm Recipe
Homemade Makeup Remover (Made with Tallow)
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Say goodbye to harsh, store-bought makeup removers that strip your skin of its natural oils—and say hello to a nourishing, homemade tallow-based makeup remover that melts makeup effortlessly while moisturizing your skin.
- Author: Tiffany Pelkey
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 ounces 1x
- Category: DIY
- Method: Double Boiler
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup beef tallow
- 1 tbsp jojoba oil
- 1 tbsp castor oil
- 1/2 tbsp coconut oil
- 1/2 tbsp vitamin E oil
- 3 drops lavender essential oil
Instructions
- Place your tallow and coconut oil into a glass bowl or jar and set it over a saucepan of gently simmering water (double boiler method). Stir occasionally until completely melted.
- Remove from heat and stir in castor oil, jojoba oil, and vitamin E oil. Mix well to combine.
- If you’re using essential oils, now is the time to add 2-3 drops. Stir again.
- Pour the mixture into a clean jar or container. Allow it to cool and harden at room temperature.
- Once fully set, stir it one last time to ensure an even distribution of all oils, especially if any are separated during cooling.
- Store in a lidded glass container and use a clean scoop or fingers to apply.
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