Both tallow and cacao butter can be beneficial for eczema, but they work differently and some people may respond better to one than the other.
Tallow for Eczema
Generally excellent for eczema:
Very similar to human sebum, so it's well-tolerated by sensitive skin
Rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K which support skin barrier repair
Contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) which has anti-inflammatory properties
Non-comedogenic and rarely causes reactions
Absorbs well without sitting on the surface
Many people with eczema report significant improvement with tallow-based products
Why it works: Eczema is fundamentally a skin barrier problem. Tallow helps rebuild that barrier with fats that your skin recognizes and can incorporate into its own structure.
Cacao Butter for Eczema
Can be helpful but more variable:
Excellent occlusive that locks in moisture (crucial for eczema)
Rich in fatty acids and antioxidants
Anti-inflammatory properties
However: Some people with eczema find it too heavy or occlusive, potentially trapping irritants against the skin
Can occasionally cause sensitivity in some individuals (though this is relatively rare)
Works best when applied to damp skin after bathing to seal in moisture
The key consideration: Cacao butter is richer and heavier. For some eczema sufferers, this is perfect—they need that intensive barrier. For others, especially if they're prone to heat-related flares, the heaviness can be uncomfortable.
For me, tallow butter would likely be the better first choice for someone with eczema because:
It's lighter and less likely to feel overwhelming
The vanilla-coffee infusion is gentle (no essential oils that could irritate)
Can be used multiple times daily without feeling heavy
Your Mama's Belly Butter with cacao could be excellent for nighttime eczema care or for particularly dry patches, especially because:
The combination of butters provides intensive barrier repair
Squalane adds moisture without heaviness
No fragrance at all, means no irritation risk
The beeswax helps seal everything in
Tallow vs. Cacao Butter for Eczema: A Mother's Guide to Healing Sensitive Skin
Understanding Eczema: It's All About the Barrier
Eczema is fundamentally a skin barrier problem.
Your skin has a protective barrier made of lipids (fats) that sit between your skin cells like mortar between bricks. This barrier keeps moisture in and irritants out. When you have eczema, this barrier is compromised—either because your body doesn't produce enough of these protective lipids, or because inflammation keeps breaking down the ones you do have.
The result? Your skin loses water rapidly (that tight, itchy feeling), and irritants can penetrate more easily (triggering inflammation and making things worse). It's a vicious cycle: barrier breakdown leads to inflammation, which causes more barrier breakdown.
This is why understanding how moisturizers work—specifically occlusives and emollients—is so important for managing eczema:
Occlusives create a physical seal over your skin that prevents water from evaporating (like putting a lid on a pot)
Emollients fill in the cracks between skin cells and help rebuild the lipid barrier (like repairing the mortar between bricks)
The best eczema care uses both mechanisms to break that vicious cycle.
Why Animal Fats Work So Well for Eczema
When I first heard about using tallow (rendered animal fat) for eczema, I was skeptical. It sounded too simple, too old-fashioned. But then I looked at the science.
Tallow's fatty acid profile is remarkably similar to human sebum—the natural oils our skin produces. When you apply tallow to eczema-prone skin, you're essentially giving your skin the building blocks it needs to repair its own barrier, in a form your body immediately recognizes and knows how to use.
For comparison, many plant-based oils and butters are wonderful moisturizers, but their fatty acid profiles are quite different from human skin. They can still work—many people with eczema do great with shea butter or coconut oil—but tallow has a unique advantage because it's so biomimetically similar to what our skin already makes.
Tallow Butter: Your Daily Eczema Defense
Our grass-fed tallow butter has become the go-to product in our household, especially for my sons' sensitive skin. Here's why it's particularly excellent for eczema:
The Science Behind Why It Works
Fatty Acid Composition: Tallow contains palmitic acid, stearic acid, and oleic acid in ratios very similar to human skin lipids. This means:
Your skin can actually incorporate these fats into its own barrier structure
It's recognized as "self" rather than foreign, minimizing reaction risk
It provides both emollient (smoothing, gap-filling) and mild occlusive (water-retaining) benefits
Vitamins for Healing: Grass-fed tallow is rich in:
Vitamin A: Supports skin cell turnover and barrier repair
Vitamin D: Has anti-inflammatory properties and supports immune function in the skin
Vitamin E: Antioxidant that protects against further damage
Vitamin K: Supports healing and reduces inflammation
Anti-Inflammatory Compounds: Grass-fed tallow contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which has documented anti-inflammatory effects.
Why Tallow is Ideal for Daily Use
Quick Absorption: Unlike heavier butters that sit on the skin's surface, tallow absorbs relatively quickly. For eczema-prone skin, this is important because:
You can reapply multiple times a day without buildup
It doesn't trap heat against the skin (which can trigger flares)
It feels comfortable under clothing
Kids tolerate it better—no greasy residue that bothers them
Non-Comedogenic: Tallow is unlikely to clog pores, which matters even for eczema. Sometimes eczema and acne coexist (especially in teens or pregnancy), and heavy occlusives can make acne worse. Tallow strikes a balance.
Gentle Enough for Flares: During active eczema flares, skin is especially reactive. Tallow's similarity to human sebum makes it one of the least likely natural ingredients to cause additional irritation.
Versatile Application: You can use tallow butter:
Multiple times throughout the day
On face and body
On babies and children (we use it on our 2 and 4-year-old)
During active flares or as prevention
Under clothing without worry
Our Tallow Butter Formula
The vanilla-coffee infusion in our tallow butter was carefully chosen with sensitive skin in mind:
No essential oils: Even "gentle" essential oils like lavender can trigger eczema flares or hormone disruption in children
Real vanilla beans: Provide a subtle, comforting scent without irritation risk
Coffee beans: Add minimal caffeine (1/500th of a cup of coffee) that may actually help with circulation, plus antioxidants—but not enough to cause any stimulant effect
Cold-infused for 6 weeks: This gentle extraction method preserves beneficial compounds without heat damage
Cacao Butter: Intensive Overnight Repair
While tallow is perfect for daily use, there are times when eczema-prone skin needs something more intensive—and that's where cacao butter shines.
The Science Behind Cacao Butter for Eczema
Superior Occlusive Properties: Cacao butter is one of the most effective natural occlusives available. It creates a substantial barrier on the skin's surface that:
Dramatically reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL)
Keeps moisture trapped in the skin for hours
Protects against environmental irritants
Gives severely compromised barriers time to heal
Fatty Acid Profile: While different from tallow, cacao butter's fats (primarily oleic, stearic, and palmitic acids) are still beneficial:
Highly stable (resists oxidation that can irritate skin)
Deeply moisturizing
Supports lipid barrier structure
Antioxidants and Polyphenols: Cacao butter contains compounds that:
Reduce inflammation
Protect against oxidative stress
Support skin healing
Natural Anti-Inflammatory: Studies show cacao butter has inherent anti-inflammatory properties helpful for conditions like eczema.
When to Choose Cacao Butter Over Tallow
Nighttime Treatment: The heavier texture of cacao butter is perfect for overnight application because:
You won't be moving around or wearing clothes over it
Your skin has 6-8 hours of uninterrupted healing time
The intensive occlusion can repair significant barrier damage while you sleep
You wake up with noticeably softer, more hydrated skin
Severe Dry Patches: When eczema creates very rough, thick patches (sometimes called lichenification), the richer texture of cacao butter can:
Penetrate stubborn dry areas
Allow for therapeutic massage that increases circulation
Provide the intensive moisture these areas desperately need
Winter or Low-Humidity Environments: When the air is very dry (heated homes in winter, air-conditioned spaces), eczema often worsens because the skin loses water even faster. The heavy occlusive power of cacao butter provides:
Maximum protection against moisture loss
A buffer against harsh environmental conditions
Extended relief that lasts through the night
Post-Bath Sealing: The absolute best time to apply cacao butter is immediately after a lukewarm bath, while skin is still damp:
You trap water underneath the occlusive layer
This mimics the "soak and seal" method dermatologists recommend
The moisture penetrates deeply while the butter locks it in
Our Mama's Belly Butter for Eczema
While formulated for pregnancy, the ingredients in our cacao-based belly butter make it excellent for nighttime eczema care:
Cacao Butter: Provides that intensive occlusive barrier Mango Butter & Shea Butter: Add additional fatty acids and vitamins Squalane Oil (sugar cane-derived): Mimics skin's natural sebum, adding moisture without heaviness Jojoba & Apricot Oils: Emollients that smooth and repair Coconut Oil: Antimicrobial properties (helpful since eczema-compromised skin is prone to infection) Lanolin: Another powerful occlusive that's very similar to human skin lipids Vitamin E: Antioxidant and healing support Beeswax: Helps create that protective seal
Zero fragrance: The natural cacao scent is warm and comforting but contains no added fragrances that could irritate.
The Strategy: Combining Both for Maximum Benefit
After years of managing my sons' sensitive skin, here's the approach that works best:
Daily Maintenance Routine
Morning:
Apply tallow butter to damp skin after bathing
Reapply to any dry patches as needed throughout the day
Light enough to use before getting dressed
Daytime:
Keep tallow butter handy for quick applications
Apply after handwashing (a major eczema trigger)
Use on face without worry about greasiness
Evening:
Lukewarm bath (not hot—hot water strips protective oils)
Pat skin nearly dry but leave slightly damp
Apply cacao butter (Mama's Belly Butter) generously to problem areas
For face, tallow might still be better unless very dry
Let it absorb for a few minutes before pajamas
During Flares
When eczema acts up despite your best efforts:
Identify and remove triggers (new detergent? food? stress?)
Increase frequency: Apply tallow butter 4-6 times daily
Night intensive: Use cacao butter every night without fail
Wet wrap therapy (under dermatologist guidance): Apply cacao butter, cover with damp layer, then dry layer—the occlusion is incredibly healing
Stay consistent: Barrier repair takes time, usually 2-4 weeks of dedicated care
For Different Body Areas
Face: Usually tallow, as it absorbs quickly and won't interfere with daily activities
Hands: Tallow during the day (you wash hands frequently and need something you can reapply). Cacao butter at night, even wearing cotton gloves to bed for maximum benefit.
Body: Tallow for areas that bend (elbows, knees) where heavy products can feel uncomfortable. Cacao butter for larger surface areas like legs, back, or very dry patches.
Children: Start with tallow everywhere—it's gentler and kids tolerate the lighter feel better. Reserve cacao butter for bedtime on particularly stubborn patches.
Why Animal-Based Fats Often Outperform Plant-Based for Eczema
I want to address this directly because it surprised me too: while many plant-based butters and oils help with eczema, animal-based fats (tallow, lanolin) often work better. Here's why:
Biomimicry: Human skin lipids are animal lipids. Our skin barrier is built from:
Ceramides
Cholesterol
Free fatty acids
Tallow and lanolin contain similar ratios of these components. They're not just sitting on top of your skin—your body can actually use them to rebuild the barrier from within.
Molecular Structure: The saturation levels and chain lengths of fatty acids in tallow closely match human sebum. This affects:
How deeply they penetrate
How quickly they're absorbed
Whether they cause irritation
How effective they are at barrier repair
Traditional Wisdom: Before the modern skincare industry, people used animal fats for skin conditions for thousands of years across cultures. They worked then, and they work now.
That said, some people do wonderfully with plant-based options (shea butter, coconut oil, etc.), and if that's working for you, that's perfect! I'm simply sharing what the research shows and what I've experienced with my own family.
What About Common Eczema Triggers?
Both our tallow butter and Mama's Belly Butter are formulated to avoid common eczema triggers:
No synthetic fragrances: These are major irritants and can contain hormone disruptors No essential oils: Even "natural" oils like lavender, tea tree, or peppermint can trigger flares No parabens or phthalates: Preservatives that can irritate sensitive skin No artificial colors or dyes: Unnecessary and potentially irritating Minimal ingredients: Shorter ingredient lists mean fewer opportunities for reactions
The scents come only from natural ingredients (vanilla and coffee in the tallow, cacao in the belly butter) that are gentle and non-irritating.
Safety for Children and Pregnancy
As a mother to young boys with sensitive skin, and having been pregnant twice, safety is non-negotiable for me.
For Children: Both products are safe from infancy onward. Tallow has been used on babies for generations. The minimal coffee in our tallow butter contains 1/500th the caffeine of a cup of coffee (less than decaf), absorbed topically—completely safe even for toddlers.
During Pregnancy: Pregnancy often triggers or worsens eczema due to hormonal changes and immune system shifts. Both products are:
Free from retinoids (vitamin A derivatives to avoid during pregnancy)
Free from essential oils that might be concerning
Made with ingredients that are safe for your growing baby
Soothing for the intense itchiness that can come with a stretching belly
Postpartum and Nursing: Both are safe while breastfeeding. In fact, some mothers use tallow butter on cracked nipples (just wipe clean before nursing).
A Personal Note on Eczema Management
Living with eczema—whether yours or your child's—can be emotionally exhausting. There's the physical discomfort, sure, but also the constant vigilance, the fear of flares, the self-consciousness about appearance.
I want you to know: you're not alone, and you're not failing if your eczema isn't "cured." Eczema is a chronic condition for many people. The goal isn't perfection—it's management, comfort, and reducing flares.
What I've learned through managing my sons' sensitive skin:
Consistency matters more than perfection: Applying tallow butter twice a day every day is better than applying cacao butter once a week Your skin will talk to you: Pay attention to what helps and what doesn't Food matters: For us, reducing sugar and eliminating inflammatory oils (like canola) made a noticeable difference Stress is a trigger: For children and adults alike—prioritize sleep and stress management The right products reduce the burden: When you trust what you're putting on your skin, that's one less thing to worry about
For myself, I use tallow butter on my hands (constantly dry from washing) and Mama's Belly Butter on my legs at night. My skin has never been healthier.
An Invitation to Try Something Different
If you've been struggling with eczema—yours or your child's—and you're tired of products full of ingredients you can't pronounce, I invite you to try a different approach.
Our tallow butter and Mama's Belly Butter represent what I believe skincare should be: simple, safe, effective, and made with ingredients you can trust. Not because marketing says so, but because the science and generations of traditional use back it up.
My husband Marcus and I started Rational Body here in Danville because we wanted to make feeling great every day simpler and safer for families like ours. We live just a few blocks away and visit most weekends on our bikes with our sons. We're building this business with a clear mission: healthier options for families who are ready to make changes but need support and community to make it sustainable.
Whether you're dealing with eczema, pregnancy skin changes, or just want cleaner options for your family, we're here. We'd love to connect you with other local families making similar choices, share our list of trusted local food sources, and build a community where these lifestyle changes feel less overwhelming and more empowering.
Because at the end of the day, eczema management isn't just about the right butter—though that helps tremendously. It's about a holistic approach to health that includes what we eat, what we put on our skin, and having a supportive community around us.
Want to learn more about our tallow butter and Mama's Belly Butter, or connect with other families focused on healthier living? Visit us at Rational Body in Danville, or reach out to join our growing community. Your skin—and your family—deserve ingredients you can trust.
