Short answer: this is a nourishing mineral sun-care balm, not a tested sunscreen. It's made with 20% non-nano zinc oxide — a mineral that sits on the skin's surface rather than absorbing the way chemical filters do — in a base of grass-fed tallow and skin-loving oils. We have not had it lab-tested for an SPF number, so we don't print one and we'd never call it "protection." Think of it as gentle, everyday summer skin care for sensitive, acne-prone and family skin. For long or intense sun, pair it with a tested SPF, a hat and shade.
Looking for a summer balm that cares for your skin — the way sun care felt before it became a chemistry set? Our Tallow Sun Balm is a clean, gentle alternative to synthetic sunscreens: 20% non-nano zinc oxide in a nourishing base of grass-fed tallow and skin-loving oils, made for the whole family. Whether you're sun-sensitive, acne-prone or simply avoiding harsh chemicals, it's the kind of ritual you reach for without thinking twice.
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 mineral balm?
Most conventional sunscreens rely on chemical UV filters that can irritate the skin, and some raise hormone-disruption and marine-life concerns. Even some "natural" formulas use comedogenic oils like olive or coconut oil that can clog pores and trigger breakouts, especially on the face. Our balm is different: it's built to be non-comedogenic, using only oils and butters that let your skin breathe — even if it's acne-prone, sensitive or reactive.
Mineral vs chemical filters: how they differ
| Mineral (zinc oxide) | Chemical filters | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Sits on the surface and reflects UV | Absorbs into skin, converts UV to heat |
| Skin absorption | Non-nano particles stay on the surface | Can be absorbed into the bloodstream |
| Marine safety | Reef-friendlier at non-nano concentrations | Several filters linked to coral bleaching |
| Often chosen for | Sensitive, reactive and baby skin | Water sports, higher tested SPF numbers |
| Trade-offs | Can leave a light white cast; our balm has no tested SPF number | Irritation, hormone and environmental concerns |
This table compares the two approaches in general — it isn't a claim that our balm delivers a tested level of sun protection. It's an unscented, nourishing balm built around a generous dose of a mineral many people prefer.
What's inside
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 skin's surface and reflects UV rather than being absorbed like chemical filters.
- 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 non-toxic summer balm
- Parents looking for a baby-safe option
- People with acne-prone or reactive skin
- Anyone avoiding synthetic SPF who still wants everyday, gentle sun care
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, so it won't add to breakouts the way heavier chemical sunscreens sometimes can.
- Sensitive or reactive skin: no essential oils or synthetic fragrance means fewer triggers — often the sun-care balm that finally doesn't sting.
- Babies and young children: approved for babies, with nothing that commonly irritates young skin. Always patch-test first, and keep infants under 6 months out of direct sun regardless of any balm.
- 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.
Why we don't print an SPF number
We said it up top, and it's worth saying once more clearly: we haven't sent this balm for official SPF lab testing, so there's no number on the label and we don't describe it as sun "protection." What it does contain is a real, generous dose of a well-regarded mineral:
- 20% non-nano zinc oxide — a concentration commonly seen in mineral SPF formulas. According to the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, non-nano zinc oxide is considered safe and effective for use in cosmetic products.
- Antioxidant oils — non-comedogenic jojoba and raspberry seed oil that support the skin barrier.
- No water, no fillers — just pure, active ingredients that stay where you put them.
It's lovely for everyday moments in the sun — walks, the park, sunny errands. For anything longer or more intense, combine it with sun-smart habits: a hat, shade, a tested SPF, and listening 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 bans more than 1,600 ingredients still permitted in the US — exactly the kind of short, clean list you want for the skin your family shows the sun.
Your clean summer trio
Gentle sun-care balm, a body butter to soothe skin after a day outside, and a fragrance-free everyday butter — all handmade in Belgium.
Frequently asked questions
What is non-nano zinc oxide and why does it matter?
Non-nano zinc oxide uses particles large enough that they aren't absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream, which many people prefer over chemical UV filters, and it's considered gentler on marine ecosystems. It's a mineral that reflects UV at the skin's surface.
Is this balm safe for babies and children?
Yes — it's approved for babies, with no synthetic chemicals, essential oils or fragrance, so it suits very sensitive young skin. Always patch-test first, and keep infants under 6 months out of direct sun.
Will it clog my pores or cause breakouts?
No. We deliberately formulated it without comedogenic oils. Jojoba and raspberry seed oil are both non-comedogenic and closely mimic skin's own sebum, and properly purified tallow is low on the comedogenic scale. Many acne-prone customers use it daily.
How does tallow benefit skin in the sun?
Your skin makes vitamin D when exposed to UVB. Tallow's fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K nourish and support the skin barrier, helping skin stay hydrated and comfortable while you're outside.
Can I rely on this balm alone in strong sun?
No — because it has no tested SPF number, don't treat it as your only defence in strong or prolonged sun. Use it as gentle everyday care, and for real sun protection add a hat, shade, a tested SPF and sensible timing. Reapply after swimming or sweating.
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.
