Quick answer
Tallow Sun Balm is a nourishing mineral balm with 20% non-nano zinc oxide, not a sunscreen. It has no SPF claim and has not been submitted for SPF lab testing, so it does not replace a tested sunscreen. It is an unscented balm for gentle everyday summer care, made in Belgium from grass-fed tallow, jojoba and raspberry seed oil.
Looking for a summer balm that cares for your skin? Our Tallow Sun Balm is a gentle mineral balm: 20% non-nano zinc oxide in a nourishing base of grass-fed tallow and skin-loving oils, made for the whole family. It is not a sunscreen (see the note below), but it is the kind of simple, unscented ritual you reach for on easy summer days.
A clear note: Tallow Sun Balm is not a sunscreen. We make no SPF claim and it has not been submitted for SPF lab testing. It does not replace a tested sunscreen.
The product I love making most
This is the product I love making most. The whole quest was to make a summer balm with zinc oxide that doesn't leave you looking like Casper — and we got there. When I melt the tallow with cacao butter, the whole atelier smells incredible; then I add raspberry seed oil and, for some reason, it turns sweet, like cookies. Once the zinc oxide goes in I have to move fast, because it starts to set. The label is even a little painting I made about eight years ago for Coach Me to Health, my health-coaching work — it was exactly what I'd always pictured for this balm: the sun, the whole family, my own child included. — Laura, founder
Why a natural tallow sun balm with zinc oxide?
Some people prefer to avoid chemical UV filters, and some find them irritating. Even some "natural" formulas use oils like olive or coconut oil, which can feel heavy on the face if you are prone to breakouts. Our balm is built around oils and butters chosen to be gentle on sensitive and breakout-prone skin: jojoba, raspberry seed oil, cocoa butter and tallow.
Zinc oxide vs chemical filters: how they differ
| Mineral (zinc oxide) | Chemical filters | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Sits on the surface of the skin | Absorbs into skin, converts UV to heat |
| Skin absorption | Non-nano particles stay on the surface | Absorb into the skin |
| Marine safety | A choice for people who think about marine life | Some filters are discussed in connection with coral reefs |
| Often chosen for | Sensitive and reactive skin | Water sports, higher tested SPF numbers |
| Trade-offs | Can leave a light white cast; our balm has no tested SPF number | Can irritate some skin; some people prefer to avoid them |
This table compares the two approaches in general. It is not a claim that our balm delivers any level of sun protection: it has no SPF claim. It is an unscented, nourishing balm built around a generous dose of a mineral many people prefer.
What's in Tallow Sun Balm
Crafted in small batches in Belgium, our balm is free from synthetic ingredients, essential oils and perfume — just skin-loving ingredients that work with your body:
- 20% non-nano zinc oxide — a mineral that sits on the surface of the skin rather than being absorbed.
- Grass-fed tallow — rich in vitamins A, D, E and K; closely mimics skin's own oils for deep hydration and comfort.
- Jojoba oil — non-comedogenic and balancing, mimics your skin's sebum; kind to oily or acne-prone skin.
- Raspberry seed oil — a light oil full of antioxidants (and the reason it smells faintly of cookies!).
- Cocoa butter — adds richness while reinforcing the skin barrier.
- Vitamin E — a natural antioxidant that helps defend skin against oxidative stress.
Who it's for
- Natural-skincare lovers who want a simple summer balm
- Parents looking for a gentle, unscented balm for family skin
- People with acne-prone or reactive skin
- Anyone who wants an unscented balm for easy summer days, alongside their usual sunscreen
What this means for your skin type
- Oily or acne-prone skin: zinc oxide is naturally mattifying and the jojoba and raspberry seed oils are non-comedogenic, which makes it a gentle choice for breakout-prone skin.
- Sensitive or reactive skin: no essential oils or synthetic fragrance means fewer likely triggers.
- Babies and young children: no essential oils or fragrance, and nothing that commonly irritates young skin. Always patch-test first, and keep infants under 6 months out of direct sun, whatever you use.
- Mature or dry skin: the tallow and cocoa-butter base adds a richness most mineral formulas skip, so skin doesn't feel stripped after a day outside.
- Water sports or long, high-UV days: reach for a tested high-SPF product, protective clothing and shade — this balm is for gentle, everyday care.
Not a sunscreen: why there is no SPF number
Tallow Sun Balm is not a sunscreen. We make no SPF claim, it has not been submitted for SPF lab testing, and we do not describe it as sun protection. Please do not use it in place of a tested sunscreen. What it does contain:
- 20% non-nano zinc oxide: a mineral ingredient. The EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety has published safety opinions on zinc oxide for use in cosmetic products.
- Nourishing oils: non-comedogenic jojoba and raspberry seed oil that support the skin barrier.
- No water: a waterless balm that stays where you put it.
It is lovely for everyday moments outdoors: walks, the park, sunny errands. When you need sun protection, use a tested sunscreen, a hat and shade, and listen to your skin.
Before you go
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Reading from the US or Canada? We ship worldwide from Belgium — prices show in your own currency and shipping is calculated at checkout, with free shipping available (see the banner at the top). Every product is handmade under EU cosmetic law, which has a long list of banned and restricted ingredients. We keep our ingredient lists short and simple.
Your gentle summer trio
A gentle mineral balm, a body butter to nourish skin after a day outside, and a fragrance-free everyday butter, all handmade in Belgium.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tallow Sun Balm a sunscreen?
No. It has no SPF claim and has not been submitted for SPF lab testing. It is a nourishing mineral balm with 20% non-nano zinc oxide for gentle everyday care. When you need sun protection, use a tested sunscreen, plus a hat and shade.
What is non-nano zinc oxide and why does it matter?
Non-nano zinc oxide is a mineral whose particles are larger than nano size, so it sits on the surface of the skin instead of being absorbed. Many people choose it when they want to avoid chemical filters. In this balm it is an ingredient, not a sun protection claim.
Can I rely on this balm in strong sun?
No. Because it has no SPF claim, do not use it as your only defence in strong or long sun. Use a tested sunscreen, a hat, shade and sensible timing.
Is this balm suitable for babies and children?
It contains no essential oils or fragrance, which makes it a gentle choice for young skin. Always patch-test first, keep infants under 6 months out of direct sun, and ask your paediatrician if you are unsure. For sun protection for children, use a sunscreen made and tested for them.
Will it clog my pores or cause breakouts?
It is formulated with non-comedogenic oils: jojoba and raspberry seed oil mimic skin's own sebum, and tallow is considered low on the comedogenic scale. Every skin is different, so patch-test first.
What is in Tallow Sun Balm?
20% non-nano zinc oxide, grass-fed tallow, jojoba oil, raspberry seed oil, cocoa butter and vitamin E. It contains no water, essential oils or fragrance.
What does tallow do in a sun balm?
Tallow is the nourishing base. It contains fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K and helps skin feel hydrated and comfortable. It does not protect against UV.
Written by
Laura, founder of Nana Latta
Formula Botanica-trained skincare formulator, health coach, and founder of Belgium's first tallow skincare brand. I make every batch by hand — the sun balm is the one I love making most.
