DIY Diaper Balm (That You’ll Actually Have Time to Make)

Tallow, Jojoba, and Zinc Oxide — No Fancy Tools Required

Let’s be honest: if you’re in the thick of diaper changes, sleep deprivation, and toddler negotiations, you don’t have time to play kitchen apothecary. The good news? You can still make a gentle, effective diaper balm with simple ingredients and no infusions, double boilers, or goat-milking required.

This balm is powered by grass-fed tallow, jojoba oil, non-nano zinc oxide, and beeswax — a combo that’s moisturizing, protective, and clean enough to use on the most sensitive little hineys.

Why Tallow?

Tallow is one of the most bioavailable fats out there—meaning your skin knows exactly what to do with it. It’s loaded with vitamins A, D, E, and K, and it doesn’t just sit on top of the skin—it nourishes it.

Pair that with jojoba oil (which closely mimics your skin’s natural oils) and zinc oxide (for soothing and protection), and you’ve got a simple balm that just works.

No mystery ingredients. No petroleum. No essential oils. Just old-school ingredients with modern results.

Easy DIY Diaper Balm Recipe

This makes about 6–7 ounces of balm. Feel free to scale up or down.

You’ll need:

• 4 oz (113g) grass-fed tallow (pre-rendered or purchased)
• 2 oz (56g) jojoba oil
• 0.5 oz (14g) beeswax pellets
• 0.5 oz (14g) uncoated non-nano zinc oxide (optional but highly recommended)
• 4 oz glass jar or tins
• Small saucepan and a glass measuring cup or heat-safe bowl

Instructions:

1. Melt it down
   In a heat-safe bowl or glass measuring cup, combine the tallow, jojoba, and beeswax. Place the bowl in a saucepan of shallow water over low heat (DIY double boiler style). Stir occasionally until fully melted.
2. Add the zinc
   Once everything is melted, remove from heat. Let it cool slightly (just enough to not burn your fingers), then whisk in the zinc oxide using a stainless steel spoon. Whisk well to suspend the powder evenly.
3. Pour and cool
   Pour into clean jars or tins. Let cool at room temperature, then seal with lids.
4. Store
   Balm will last up to 6–12 months when stored in a cool, dry place.

Why I Leave Out Essential Oils

I know they’re trendy, but babies don’t need trends—they need gentle. Essential oils can irritate sensitive skin (even if they’re "diluted properly"). That’s why this balm skips them entirely.

If you want to scent yours, add a drop or two of chamomile or lavender, but always patch test first.

Want to Skip the DIY?

I’m working on something just for you.

Happy Hiney, my handcrafted tallow-based diaper balm, will be available this Friday—made with the same no-fluff formula you see above. Clean ingredients. Small batches. No essential oils. Just skincare that works.

Stay tuned! I’ll update this post with a direct link once it’s live!

Let me know in the comments if you give this recipe a try—or if you'd rather let me do the mixing for you. Either way, your baby’s bum is in good hands.