Dry patches, redness, and creams that sit on your skin without doing anything can make skincare feel like a losing game. I kept hearing about tallow balms, so I spent weeks testing the most talked about one: Toups And Co Frankincense Tallow Balm. I used it every day, took notes, and read hundreds of customer reviews. This post shares what worked, what did not, and who should actually spend money on this jar. Keep reading, because the answer surprised me in a few spots.
In A Nutshell
- It uses only four ingredients. The balm blends 100 percent grass fed tallow, organic olive oil, and two kinds of frankincense essential oil. There are no fillers, no synthetics, and no preservatives hiding in the list.
- It works best for dry and sensitive skin. Tallow copies the fatty acid profile of your own skin, so the moisture sinks in instead of sitting on top. Most testers with reactive skin reported calm, comfortable skin.
- Redness visibly dropped in my testing. The frankincense oils carry natural anti inflammatory properties. My cheek redness faded within about two weeks of nightly use.
- The scent feels calm and clean. It smells softly earthy and resinous, like a spa. It never smells like beef, and the scent fades fast after you apply it.
- The price is the main drawback. A 2 oz glass jar costs $52 on the brand site. A small pea sized amount per use means one jar lasts roughly two to three months, which softens the sting a bit.
- A few users saw breakouts. Most reviews praise it, but a small group reported clogged pores or acne. Patch testing on your jaw for a few days is a smart first move.
What Is Toups And Co Frankincense Tallow Balm?
Toups And Co Frankincense Tallow Balm is a whipped face moisturizer made from rendered beef fat from grass fed cows. The brand blends that tallow with organic olive oil and organic frankincense essential oils. The result is a rich but airy balm that feeds dry skin with vitamins A, D, E, and K. The product comes in a 2 oz glass jar and costs $52 for a one time purchase. A subscription drops the price to $46.80 and adds free shipping.
The formula has only four ingredients in total. That short list is the whole selling point. Your skin recognizes each one, and there is nothing to react to except the essential oils. The brand calls this its best selling product for all skin types. It is non comedogenic, which means it should not clog pores. The company also claims it can support collagen production and calm redness over time.
- DEEPLY HYDRATING FACE BALM: Nourish your skin with a rich, fast-absorbing face balm made from grass-fed tallow...
- NON-COMEDOGENIC & SENSITIVE SKIN SAFE: Formulated to hydrate without clogging pores, this face balm is...
Last update on 2026-10-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
I want to be clear about what this balm is not. It is not a light gel lotion, and it is not vegan. It is an ancestral style moisturizer, updated with modern purity standards. If your skin loves rich creams and hates long ingredient lists, this product was built for you.
The Story Behind Toups And Co Organics
Toups And Co Organics started inside a family home more than a decade ago. The brand is still family owned and operated by the Toups family from its Alabama headquarters. Every product begins at home and is made in house. That small scale origin story matters because it shapes how the company sources and makes its skincare.
The tallow comes from 100 percent grass fed and grass finished cattle on American regenerative farms. The team dry renders the fat by hand at low temperatures. Low heat protects the natural vitamins inside the fat. Regenerative farming rebuilds soil instead of stripping it, which is a nice bonus for people who care about where their skincare comes from.
The brand also follows a strict clean standard. The company states that legal does not mean safe, so it screens every ingredient for risk rather than waiting for regulators. Products contain no toxins, no GMOs, no synthetic chemicals, and no artificial fragrance. This history and these standards explain why the balm costs more than a drugstore cream.
What Goes Inside The Formula
The ingredient list is short enough to memorize. Grass fed tallow forms the base and makes up the largest share of the jar. Tallow carries vitamins A, D, E, and K along with fatty acids like stearic and oleic acid. These are the same building blocks your skin barrier uses to hold moisture. This match is why tallow absorbs better than many plant butters.
Organic olive oil comes next. Olive oil is cold pressed and rich in squalene, which softens skin and locks water in. Some people fear oils on the face, but the brand points out that oil free products can push your skin to make even more oil. A pure plant oil can balance that cycle instead of fighting it.
The final two ingredients are organic frankincense carterii essential oil and organic frankincense serrata essential oil. These oils give the balm its warm, resinous scent. They also bring natural compounds that ease redness, irritation, and inflammation. Frankincense has a long history in skin care, and modern users report smoother tone and fewer rough patches with steady use.
Top 3 Alternative for Toups And Co Frankincense Tallow Balm
The Toups balm delivers quality, but $52 is a real budget hit. I looked for lower priced tallow balms with strong reviews and clean ingredient lists. These three options came out on top. Each one costs far less per jar and still earns ratings above 4.5 stars from thousands of buyers.
- Say good-bye to chemical filled moisturizers, and say hello to nature's intended skincare. We make every batch...
- Skin support: Grass-fed Beef tallow is renowned for its nutrient-rich properties. Packed with vitamins A, D...
Last update on 2026-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Terra Lotus makes its balm by hand with grass fed tallow and raw honey. It is unscented, which makes it a smart pick for sensitive skin and for people who dislike essential oils. The review count of more than 6,000 makes it the most tested option on this list.
- ANCESTRAL SUPERFOOD FOR SKIN: Replaces complex chemical formulas with one ingredient that mirrors human...
- WHIPPED & AERATED TEXTURE: We solved the common "hard tallow" problem. Our balm is whipped into a light...
Last update on 2026-09-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
RICHGRAND sells a whipped tallow and honey balm in a bigger 4.3 oz tub. It works on the face and body and stays non greasy. The whipped texture feels closest to the Toups balm out of these three alternatives.
- 100% Grass Fed Beef Tallow: Sourced from organic farms, our premium beef tallow for skin is a powerhouse of...
- Deep Moisturization & Nourishment: This tallow and honey balm is designed to deeply hydrate and nourish your...
Last update on 2026-07-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This tallow and honey balm is the budget pick of the group. It costs under $10, which is a tiny risk for a first try with tallow skincare. The jar is smaller at about 50 grams, but the formula still targets dry and sensitive skin well.
None of these match the exact frankincense blend or the glass jar of the Toups product. Still, they prove you can test tallow skincare for the price of lunch before you commit to a premium jar.
My Honest Testing Experience
I used the balm every night for several weeks. My skin type is normal to dry with mild redness around the cheeks, especially in cold weather. I cleansed my face first, then scooped a pea sized amount with a small spoon. The balm is whipped, so it feels light in the jar and melts the moment it touches warm skin.
The first application felt richer than I expected. My skin looked slightly shiny for about ten minutes before the product settled. By morning my face felt soft and calm. There was no tightness and no flaking around my nose, which is a usual trouble spot for me.
By the end of the second week, the change became visible. My cheek redness looked softer, and my makeup sat more evenly on top of my skin. I did not break out at any point, though I did keep the amount small. One pea sized scoop covered my whole face and neck, which supports the brand claim that a little goes a long way.
Texture Scent And Feel
The texture is whipped, fluffy, and smooth. It spreads easily once warmed between your fingers, though a few customers say it tugs slightly if you use too little. Warming a small scoop for a few seconds solves that. The balm finishes with a light protective layer that never felt heavy or greasy on my skin.
The scent deserves its own praise. It smells like fresh frankincense resin with soft, earthy, almost woody notes. Reviewers describe it as heavenly and calming, and I agree with both words. It reads more like a spa product than a skincare product. The scent fades within thirty minutes, so it will not clash with perfume.
Some balms in this category smell like a cattle farm. This one does not. The dual frankincense oils mask any animal note completely. People with essential oil sensitivities should still be careful, since the scented version does carry real oils. The brand also sells an unscented version for anyone who wants zero fragrance risk.
How To Use The Balm The Right Way
Using this balm correctly makes a big difference. Start with clean skin and apply any water based products first, like a tonic or serum. The brand suggests applying its facial tonics or serums before the balm. Water based layers need to reach skin directly, so the balm always goes on last.
Scoop a pea sized amount. Rub it between your fingertips for a few seconds to melt it. Press and massage it into your face and neck with gentle upward strokes. Resist the urge to use more. A thick layer can feel greasy and can waste product, since the balm is highly concentrated.
Night use works best for dry skin because the balm seals moisture in while you sleep. Daytime use under makeup also works if you wait a few minutes for it to settle. One customer noted her liquid foundation blended better over this balm than over any other moisturizer she had tried. Keep the jar closed and away from direct heat to protect the oils.
Results After Weeks Of Use
My results built slowly and then held steady. Hydration came first. Within three days, my skin stopped feeling tight after cleansing. The flaky patch near my nose cleared by the end of the first week. These are the effects tallow is famous for, and my test matched the promise.
Redness faded next. The frankincense oils ease irritation, and my cheeks looked visibly calmer by week two. I also noticed softer texture around my eyes. Fine lines there looked less sharp, though I would call this a softening effect rather than a wrinkle treatment. The brand claims support for collagen production, and steady vitamin A intake through the skin plausibly helps.
The strongest change showed up in my morning mirror check. Skin that used to look dull and slightly puffy looked even and rested. Reviews on the brand site echo this pattern. One reviewer named Alma said her skin looked better than it did at age 30 after months of use. Another reviewer saw softer, more youthful skin within days. My experience lines up with both.
Pros And Cons
Every product has trade offs. Here is the straight list from my testing and from reading hundreds of customer reviews.
Pros
- Only four ingredients, all organic or grass fed, with no fillers or synthetics.
- Deep hydration that lasts through the night without a greasy feeling.
- Visible calm for redness thanks to two kinds of frankincense oil.
- Safe for sensitive skin and non comedogenic for most users.
- Pleasant spa like scent that fades quickly.
- A jar lasts months because a pea sized amount covers the whole face.
- Family owned and made in the USA from regenerative farm sources.
Cons
- Costs $52 per 2 oz jar, which is high for a natural moisturizer.
- Not vegan, since tallow is an animal product.
- A small group of users reported breakouts or clogged pores.
- Some users say it does not absorb fully and can tug if over applied.
- The earthy resin scent will not suit everyone, especially essential oil sensitive skin.
Who Should Use This Balm
This balm fits a specific kind of buyer. You are a great match if you have dry, flaky, or reactive skin. You are also a strong match if you prefer short ingredient lists and clean beauty standards. People with eczema prone or easily irritated skin often report the biggest wins with this kind of simple tallow formula.
Fans of the product include people replacing department store creams. One reviewer switched from Clinique and called this balm much better. Another praised how it layers under makeup. If you want a night cream that repairs while you sleep, this product earns its spot on the nightstand.
Some buyers should pause. If you have very oily or acne prone skin, the rich base could be too much, and the small number of breakout reports matters here. Vegans will skip it automatically. Anyone sensitive to scent should choose the unscented tallow balm from the same brand instead. Budget shoppers can try one of the cheaper alternatives listed above first.
Price Size And Value For Money
The Frankincense Face Balm costs $52 for a 2 oz glass jar on the brand website. A subscription lowers the price to $46.80 per jar and includes free shipping. You can skip or cancel the subscription at any time. The brand offers free shipping on one time orders over $100, which is easy to reach if you add a second product.
Value depends on how fast you use it. I averaged a pea sized amount per night, and my jar still looks nearly half full after weeks of daily use. At that pace, one jar covers roughly three months of nightly applications. Spread over that time, the cost per month lands close to a mid priced department store cream.
Amazon lists the same product at a higher price of $52 with a 4.3 star rating from dozens of reviews. Buying direct from the brand gives you the subscription discount and freshest stock. Glass jar packaging also protects the oils and feels worth the premium compared with plastic tubs.
Toups And Co Versus Regular Moisturizers
Regular moisturizers usually rely on water, glycerin, and silicone blends. They feel light and soak in fast, but many include fragrances, preservatives, and emulsifiers that can irritate reactive skin. This balm takes the opposite path. It skips water and preservatives because anhydrous balms do not need them.
The fat in tallow matches human sebum closely. That similarity is why many users say it feels like their skin drinks it in. Regular creams often form a film that washes off by morning. This balm left a comfortable barrier that still felt present when I woke up.
The trade off is texture and cost. Conventional lotions cost less and feel lighter during summer. This balm feels richer and suits dry seasons and dry skin better. I now use a light lotion in hot months and this balm from autumn through spring. Matching the product to the season gets the best of both.
What Real Customers Say
Customer feedback on the brand site sits at about 4.8 stars across more than 1,200 reviews. That is a strong signal for any single skincare product. Review themes repeat often. About a quarter of reviewers call it the best balm they have tried. Around one in five highlights the scent with words like amazing and heavenly.
The AI summary on the product page describes a clean moisturizer that hydrates deeply without clogging pores, reduces redness, and improves skin tone. Reviewers with sensitive skin report no breakouts and quick absorption. Several mention softer, more even skin within the first week of use.
Criticism exists and deserves attention. One reviewer developed severe acne after using the skincare line, though she praised the texture and scent. Another removed a star because the balm did not absorb completely for her. On Amazon, the rating settles near 4.3 stars, which still reads as positive but shows stricter scoring. Overall, the data says most buyers love it and a small minority do not.
FAQ: Is Toups And Co Frankincense Tallow Balm Safe For Sensitive Skin?
Yes, for most people with sensitive skin this balm is one of the safest options available. The formula contains only four ingredients with no synthetic fragrance, no preservatives, and no toxins. The brand markets it as safe for sensitive skin, and most reviewers with reactive skin report calm results. The main risk comes from the frankincense essential oils. If your skin reacts to essential oils, patch test first or choose the unscented version. Apply a small amount to your inner arm for two days before using it on your face.
FAQ: Can I Use It Under Makeup?
Yes, and many users prefer it as a makeup base. Wait two to three minutes after applying the balm so it settles into the skin. Then apply foundation as usual. Several reviewers report that liquid foundation glides on more smoothly over this balm than over standard moisturizers. Use a small amount in the morning, because a thick layer can leave shine that makeup may slide on. Combination skin types may want to keep the balm for nights and use a lighter product during the day.
FAQ: Does It Smell Like Beef?
No, it does not. The two frankincense essential oils give the balm a warm, resinous, spa like scent. Reviewers describe the smell as heavenly and calming rather than animal like. The brand renders its tallow at low temperatures, which keeps the fat clean and mild. The scent fades within about thirty minutes of application. Buyers who want zero scent at all can pick the unscented tallow balm from the same brand, which uses tallow and olive oil alone.
FAQ: Where Can I Buy Toups And Co Frankincense Tallow Balm?
You can buy it in two main places. The brand website at toupsandco.com sells the 2 oz jar for $52 with a subscription option at $46.80. Buying direct gives you access to the full range, bundle deals, and the subscription discount. Amazon also carries the product, though often at the list price without the discount. Always check that the seller is the official brand store to avoid old or mishandled stock. Some natural beauty retailers and small wellness shops also carry the line.
