How to Slug with Tallow Balm (And Ditch the Oil & Petroleum)

Slugging with petroleum jelly is so 2022. Welcome to 2023, where we go clean and slug with more sustainable, skin-loving ingredients—like tallow.

First marketed by Vaseline, petrolatum was historically believed to have medicinal benefits. Ancient Persians, 10th-century Sumatrans, and European monarchies of the Middle Ages used petrolatum for joint pain, material preservation, and skin protection. The Native American Seneca tribe later used petroleum jelly in the 19th century to protect wounds, promote healing, and keep skin moisturized.

What Is Slugging Anyway?

Slugging is the practice of applying an occlusive moisturizer as the last step in a skincare routine to help nourish, heal, and protect the skin. By forming a barrier, the occlusive locks in moisture while keeping out dirt and bacteria.

Traditionally, petroleum-based products have been the go-to for slugging due to their occlusive properties. But there’s a better way to get that glow—without relying on fossil fuel byproducts.

At Cowbelle Skincare, we believe in honoring tradition while embracing more sustainable and skin-friendly choices. That’s why we’ve developed a way to maintain the integrity of a slugging routine without compromising on quality or sustainability.

How to Slug with Tallow Skincare

Whether you prefer a minimal routine or love layering multiple skincare products, there are several ways to slug with a tallow balm. If you're new to slugging, start with the bolded steps to ease into it.

1. Cleanse your skin. Begin by thoroughly cleansing your face to remove dirt, bacteria, excess oil, and makeup. This is a crucial first step to avoid trapping impurities under the balm.

2. Apply toner. After cleansing, use a toner to balance your skin’s pH and prepare it for the next steps in your skincare routine.

3. Use serums. If you include serums or essences in your routine, apply them now for optimal absorption.

4. Apply a thin layer of tallow balm. Take a small amount of Cowbelle Tallow Balm and gently spread it across your face in a thin, even layer. Use clean fingers or a brush for application.

5. Massage into your skin. Using upward, circular motions, massage the balm into your skin to enhance absorption and stimulate circulation.

6. Leave overnight. Let the balm work its magic while you sleep. You can either leave it as is or cover your face with a thin cotton sheet to prevent transfer onto your pillow.

7. Rinse off in the morning. Use lukewarm water to remove any excess product, then follow up with your morning skincare routine—featuring more tallow balm if desired.

What’s the Difference Between Vaseline and Tallow Balm?

Vaseline is 100% petroleum jelly, a byproduct of the fossil fuel industry. Tallow balm is made from suet, typically sourced from pasture-raised cows.

Beyond slugging, tallow is highly beneficial for treating skin concerns such as sunburn, redness, irritation, and dryness. Its unique composition mimics the skin’s molecular structure, providing essential fatty acids and vitamins in a perfectly balanced ratio. Because of this, some people find tallow more effective than Vaseline when used alone or as part of a slugging routine.

Tallow is also a more sustainable alternative to Vaseline. When sourced from regenerative farms, tallow production can contribute to carbon sequestration, helping reverse climate change. In contrast, synthetic skincare ingredients—like mineral oil, petroleum jelly, and paraffin wax—carry a significant environmental impact, from emissions to hazardous waste disposal.

Is Tallow Balm Safe for All Skin Types?

Both Vaseline and tallow balm have a low likelihood of causing allergic reactions. However, some people may experience irritation from mineral oil, a common ingredient in petroleum-based products. Tallow, being a natural and biocompatible ingredient, is often better tolerated by sensitive skin.

A Tradition Worth Reviving

At Cowbelle Skincare, we’re bringing back ancestral skincare wisdom with regenerative, sustainable ingredients. Tallow has been used for centuries as a powerful moisturizer, including by Ancient Romans, who relied on natural ingredients like olive oil for skin nourishment—an ingredient also found in our Cowbelle Tallow Balm.

Our philosophy? Gentle on the skin, gentle on the environment. When slugging with Cowbelle Tallow Balm, you’re not just caring for your skin—you’re making a conscious choice for sustainability and clean beauty.

Ready to glow the natural way? Ditch the petroleum and experience the difference with Cowbelle Tallow Balm.