Pregnancy is a time of incredible transformation, and as your belly grows, your skin deserves a little extra love. A good belly butter can help keep skin hydrated, soft, and supported as it stretches to accommodate new life. While there are plenty of store-bought options available, making your own allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring everything that touches your skin is clean, simple, and deeply nourishing.
This homemade tallow belly butter is a game-changer for expecting mothers. It’s rich, deeply hydrating, and completely free from synthetic additives. Plus, with the addition of frankincense essential oil, this butter not only soothes dry skin but also supports elasticity and repair.
Why Tallow?
Tallow is the in thing and it has been used for centuries as a skin moisturizer. It’s packed with vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are essential for skin health. Because it closely resembles the skin’s natural oils, it absorbs beautifully without feeling greasy. It’s also incredibly gentle, making it perfect for pregnancy. Here in Michigan people use different types of tallow like beef tallow, sheep tallow and even deer tallow. All great options!
Simple, Effective Ingredients
Many commercial belly butters contain unnecessary fillers and preservatives, but this DIY version keeps it simple and natural while still delivering powerful hydration.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 cup grass-fed tallow (rich in skin-nourishing fats)
- 2 tbsp organic jojoba oil (light and hydrating)
- 1 tbsp beeswax pellets (adds firmness and helps lock in moisture)
- 1 tbsp organic shea butter (deeply nourishing for stretching skin)
- 10 drops frankincense essential oil (known for skin regeneration and elasticity)
How to Make Your Own Belly Butter
Step 1: Melt Your Base Ingredients
In a double boiler (or a heatproof glass bowl set over a pot of simmering water), gently melt the tallow, beeswax, and shea butter until fully liquid. Stir occasionally to ensure everything blends evenly.
Step 2: Add Jojoba Oil
Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the jojoba oil. Let the mixture cool for about 5–10 minutes to prevent the essential oil from breaking down in the heat.
Step 3: Add Essential Oil
Once slightly cooled, add 10 drops of frankincense essential oil and mix well.
Step 4: Let It Set (Two Ways)
- For a firmer balm: Pour directly into a glass jar and allow it to set at room temperature or in the fridge.
- For a whipped texture: Place the mixture in the fridge for about 20 minutes, then whip with a hand mixer until light and fluffy. This makes the butter extra smooth and airy.
How to Use Belly Butter
Gently massage a small amount onto your belly, hips, breasts, and any other areas prone to stretching. For best results, apply right after showering to lock in moisture.
This butter isn’t just for pregnancy! It works beautifully as an all-over body moisturizer, and even postpartum, it helps soothe and restore skin.
Why This Recipe Works
Deeply hydrating – Tallow, jojoba oil, and shea butter work together to deeply moisturize the skin.
Supports skin elasticity – Frankincense oil is known for its regenerative properties.
Locks in moisture – Beeswax provides a protective barrier without clogging pores.
Completely natural – No synthetic fragrances, preservatives, or questionable ingredients.
Making your own belly butter is a wonderful way to care for your skin naturally during pregnancy and beyond. It’s easy to make, highly effective, and a luxurious treat for your growing belly. Give it a try, and your skin will thank you and please let me know how it works our for you and what you think.
Love & Root Homebirth Midwifery and Apothecary 