Why I Switched to Lard and Calendula for Skincare (and Why You Might, Too)
I’ve tried a lot of skincare products in my day, and two things have always been true:
-
Many skincare products are complete garbage, filled with junk that penetrates the skin and wreaks havoc on the body.
-
Even "natural" skincare is often a marketing ploy, jacking up prices on drugstore-quality blends.
Dealing with eczema for years, I simply didn’t have the luxury of using low-quality products.
I was reacting to everything — feeling isolated and desperate for real relief. Everything seemed to make me flare, and nothing seemed to help.
The Power of Calendula for Skin Healing
Enter: calendula.
Calendula (also known as pot marigold) is a common annual flower known for its vibrant orange-yellow blossoms (some of ours even had a pink undertone this year!). It has been used for centuries as a powerful wound-healing herb, rich in resin that soothes and repairs damaged skin.
It became my loyal ally during my worst eczema flares — and remains a staple in my routine to this day.
Some calendula blossoms from our summer garden:
(insert image here)
Why Lard is the Ultimate Skincare Ingredient
Lard, on the other hand, took longer to earn a spot in my life.
Allergic to shea butter, I had a hard time finding truly natural lotions. I used cocoa butter for a while, but while it smelled amazing, it wasn’t nearly as absorbent or moisturizing as I needed.
Eventually, I discovered leaf lard — and everything changed.
Before you get scared, hear me out: not all lard is created equal.
-
Leaf lard (the fat that protects the kidneys) is different from back fat.
-
It’s flavorless, high-quality, and untouched by finishing diets or growth rates.
-
It’s the gold standard for both baking and skincare — especially when sourced from pasture-raised pigs on biologically appropriate diets.
Here’s the kicker: lard is the most biologically similar fat to human skin.
That’s why it absorbs beautifully, doesn’t clog pores, evens skin tone, and is hypoallergenic.
There’s even a rumor that the CEO of Revlon once joked that if people knew about lard’s powers, no one would need Revlon products.
My Lightbulb Moment
Last summer, I ran out of my usual tallow-based body oil after a bad sunburn.
In a pinch, I grabbed a jar of rendered lard — and it blew me away.
No peeling, no redness, no lingering irritation — just soothed, healthy skin.
Since then, I’ve been experimenting with lard-based skincare recipes, and today I’m sharing one that checks all the boxes: effective, great-smelling, smooth to apply.
Feel free to make it yourself — and let me know what you think!
DIY Lard and Calendula Body Butter Recipe
Ingredients:
-
⅓ cup rendered leaf lard
-
¼ cup ghee
-
1 tablespoon dried calendula petals
-
2 tablespoons unrefined coconut oil
-
2 tablespoons jojoba oil
-
2 teaspoons meadowfoam oil
-
1 teaspoon sea buckthorn seed oil
-
2 tablespoons beeswax pellets
Instructions:
-
Gently warm the lard and ghee using a double boiler (glass bowl over simmering water). Keep it liquid but do not overheat.
-
Add the calendula petals, stir gently, and infuse for 30–60 minutes over low heat.
-
Strain the mixture through a paper coffee filter to remove plant material.
-
Return strained fats to the double boiler and stir in the beeswax pellets until melted.
-
Remove from heat.
-
Using a hand mixer, blend in the coconut oil, jojoba oil, meadowfoam oil, and sea buckthorn seed oil. (Wipe down the mixer immediately after use — beeswax can clog dishwashers.)
-
Chill the mixture in the fridge, checking regularly.
-
When it starts to solidify but is still soft, whip it with the hand mixer to create a light, airy texture.
-
Scoop into your preferred container. Store away from light and heat.
-
Clean all tools with paper towels first, then wash with soap and water.
Enjoy your homemade, natural, deeply nourishing lard and calendula body butter!