- About The Brand -
Plantiful Apothecary
Tallow llc
Ingredient Commitment
At Plantiful Apothecary, our commitment to purity runs deep. We believe that skincare should come straight from the earth using clean, honest, and responsibly sourced ingredients. That’s why we source only the highest-quality, 100% grass-fed and finished tallow from trusted farms whose regenerative practices honor both the animal and the land. Every botanical oil, herb, and ingredient we use is carefully selected for its integrity and purpose—never synthetic, never diluted. From field to face, we craft each product with transparency and care, ensuring that what nourishes your skin also nurtures the planet.
Why Organic Oils?
We choose to use only pure essential oils—never synthetic fragrance oils—because your skin and body deserve the real thing. Essential oils are more than just scent; they’re potent botanical extracts that carry the therapeutic properties of the plants they come from. They support skin health, calm inflammation, and offer natural antimicrobial and mood-boosting benefits. Fragrance oils, on the other hand, are synthetic blends made to mimic scent without offering any true nourishment—and can often irritate sensitive skin. By using only pure essential oils, we ensure that every aroma in our products contributes to holistic wellness, not just a pleasant smell.
Plantiful Apothecary's Story
We are Plantiful Apothecary—formerly known as Tallow (tallowskinbalm.com). As our product line has grown and evolved, so has our vision. We chose to rebrand in order to better reflect the full spectrum of what we offer. While tallow remains a core and beloved ingredient in many of our formulations, we now also craft a variety of plant-based and non-tallow products that align with our holistic approach to wellness.
Our new name embraces all of our offerings, present and future, including planned lines for kitchen, laundry, bath, and refillable home goods. We wanted a name that would grow with us, one that invites customers into a broader world of natural living. Rest assured, every product that contains tallow will still be marked with our original tallow logo for easy recognition, because we know how important trust and transparency are.
Plantiful Apothecary may be a new name, but our story began long before the rebrand.
I launched my business back in 2018, following years of curiosity, research, and hands-on experimentation with soap making and natural skincare. The journey began in earnest in 2013 when I became a mother. Like many new parents, I became hyper-aware of what I was putting on my baby’s skin—and mine. I kept asking myself: “If I wouldn’t eat it, why would I put it on my child?” Time after time, products claiming to be “natural” proved to be anything but.
That led me to create my own. The very first balm came to life thanks to a farmer friend with extra suet and a child struggling with eczema. I had read about the benefits of tallow—rendered beef fat for soothing and healing irritated skin. I gave it a try. The results were incredible, and what started as a kitchen experiment quickly grew into a full-blown business powered by word of mouth and real results.
With a background in the hard sciences, I love bridging the natural world with safe, effective formulation. Every product I make is created with purpose—designed to not only be nourishing and clean but also a joy to use. Tallow may be an old-world ingredient, but it carries wisdom that modern skincare has often forgotten. I use only high-quality, ethically sourced tallow from farms that practice regenerative and humane agriculture, honoring the whole animal and minimizing waste in the process.
Plantiful Apothecary reflects a lifestyle rooted in simplicity, sustainability, and connection to the earth, to our communities, and to each other. What began as a labor of love for my family has become a trusted resource for people with sensitive skin, ingredient sensitivities, and those seeking truly natural alternatives. Whether you’ve been with us from the beginning or are just discovering us now, I’m so grateful you’re here, and excited for everything we’re growing into next.
Plantiful Apothecary
& Tallow LLC
Owner: Meredith Sharp
Meet the Team
Frequently
Asked
Questions
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About Beef Tallow Products & Ingredients
Where is Tallow Plantiful Apothecary based out of?
Indianapolis, IN
Tallow Plantiful Apothecary is located in Indianapolis, Indiana. All of the products are made by us in small batches and packaged by hand. We source our 100% grass-fed beef tallow from local farms that meet our sourcing standards.
What is tallow, and why is it used in your products?
What is Tallow
Tallow is a special kind of fat sourced from around the kidney of a cow and is also called “leaf fat.” When it comes from a 100% grass-fed cow, it has the same vitamin spectrum as our own skin and can be used on a variety of skin ailments. Humans have used tallow for various skin needs for over 20,000 years and we are proud to continue this ancient tradition and make it accessible to you.
How often should I use tallow balm on my skin?
Why does the look and feel of tallow balm sometimes differ?
Tallow Balms
Recommended application depends largely on the ailment of the user. All tallow balms are suitable for daily use and can be applied multiple times daily. To treat severely dry skin, burns, rashes, and abrasions, frequent application of at least three to four times a day is recommended. For treating fine lines, wrinkles, or mildly dry skin, applying once or twice daily is sufficient. Our Magnesium Glide-On is to be used as needed when muscles are sore or cramping. Do not apply this product to broken skin as the magnesium content may cause a burning sensation.
What’s the expected shelf life of your tallow products?
Tallow Shelf Life
Our Tallow skin balms have a shelf life of one year. Glide-ons and lip balms are good to use for up to two years, as beeswax is a natural preservative.
Skin balm vs. glide-on: what makes them different?
Skin Balms VS Glide-on
Tallow skin balms have a tallow and oil base, are creamy at room temperature, and rub into the skin almost like a lotion. Glide-ons have the same tallow and oil base, but beeswax is added to transform it into a solid form at room temperature. These glide-ons melt into skin when used, and can easily be applied on the go and to large areas of skin. Because of the added beeswax, glide-ons may have a slightly lower concentration of infused oils than the skin balms. These products may have a light beeswax scent.
Tallow Balm
When creating tallow-based products, there are a myriad of variables to consider. Tallow varies in color and consistency due to breed and age of the cow, the farm’s region which can impact the cow’s diet, and more. Additionally, as we infuse plant matter into our oils, that can change the color of our products. Some balms might be smoother, firmer, creamier, silkier, or grainier depending on the type of tallow used. Occasionally, you may even find it’s a bit runny if it's left in a warmer room. These are all normal variations that happen and there is nothing wrong with your tallow-based product.
Are your tallow products heat-sensitive? How do I fix them if they melt?
Tallow Products Heat
While we recommend keeping our products at an ambient room temperature (68-72℉), should your product be exposed to heat, you can put it in the fridge for about 30 minutes until it sets up to a solid form. In fact, some of our customers keep their balms in the fridge year round to preserve peak freshness.
Tallow based products are temperature sensitive and they can melt in the heat and freeze in the cold. Should you have any issues during shipping, please contact us. We try to be very careful with shipping in temperature extremes, but if things go awry, we are always happy to help
Is it normal to see an air bubble or separation in the balm jar?
Tallow Jars
This visual illusion has to do with how the product cures in the jar and not at all with there being any air in the tallow balm. Also, imperfections in the glass jar can create this optical illusion as well.
ABOUT OILS & ESSENTIAL OILS
Do your products include infused oils?
Do you use essential oils in your products?
Indused Oils
Yes! Many of our formulas are crafted with high-quality, organic or non-GMO oils that we infuse with medicinal herbs. Whenever possible, we use plants that are organically grown, foraged, or cultivated by us on our own property. While we’re not USDA certified organic, we grow in organic soil, use organic worm castings, and avoid all chemical sprays to keep our infusions clean and natural.
How much essential oil is used in your tallow balms?
Balm Oils
Our balms contain a gentle dilution of 1–3% essential oils, depending on the formula and intended use. This concentration is safe for everyday use and in line with aromatherapy guidelines.
Essential Oils
We do! Most of our products are made with premium, primarily organic essential oils. That said, we also offer unscented versions for anyone with sensitivities, allergies, or simply a preference for fragrance-free skincare.
Why isn’t the scent stronger?
Balm Fragrance
We keep our essential oil levels intentionally light to prioritize skin safety and minimize the risk of irritation. Stronger scents often mean overuse of essential oils, which can cause reactions. Our goal isn’t to mimic synthetic perfumes — many of which are known endocrine disruptors — but to offer products that nourish and support skin health, safely.
ABOUT OUR TALLOW SOAPS
What’s tallow soap like?
Tallow Soap
Our tallow-based soap is rich, moisturizing, and gentle on the skin. It lathers well — though not overly foamy — and doesn’t contain harsh detergents or unnecessary additives. Many of our customers describe it as a spa-like experience that leaves their skin feeling clean, soft, and nourished.
I found a small orange speck in my unscented calendula soap — is that normal?
Calendula Soaps
Totally normal! Our calendula-infused oil may occasionally carry tiny bits of calendula petals into the final product, even after straining. It’s just a little extra plant magic — nothing harmful, just a sign that your soap is full of real herbal goodness.
Why does the Pink Salt Soap look shinier than the others?
Pink Salt Soap
That sparkle is the natural result of mineral-rich pink salt. In our Chickweed & Pink Salt Soap, the salt gives it a slightly different texture and finish after curing — often with a bit of shimmer. It’s just part of what makes that bar unique!
HEALTH & SAFETY
What if I have a breakout after using a balm?
Are your balms safe for children?
Breakouts are rare, but some people experience what’s called a “skin purge” or healing reaction when switching to more natural skincare. If you're sensitive to plants, essential oils, or coconut oil, try applying a small amount to a non-facial area first. We also offer essential-oil-free options that are better suited for sensitive or reactive skin.
Can I use tallow products during pregnancy?
Many of our tallow-based products are safe for pregnancy, especially the unscented versions. However, we always recommend speaking with your healthcare provider to be sure, especially if using products with essential oils.
For little ones, we suggest using our essential-oil-free formulas, like our Comfrey Balm or Unscented Tallow Balm. Young children can be sensitive to essential oils, and their skin is more delicate, so simpler is usually better.
Do your products contain common allergens?
Our tallow products are free from major allergens like gluten, dairy, soy, eggs, shellfish, and nuts. Some products do contain coconut oil, so please check the ingredients if you have a coconut sensitivity, and always consult with your doctor if you’re unsure.
Where to Find Tallow
Plantiful Apothecary Products
Online- Here or at TallowSkinBalm.com
In Retail Stores in Central Indiana and NOW in Ohio...
Our Main Store: Country Line Collective
13170 Harrell Pkwy, Noblesville IN 46060
& Also-
Georgetown Market ....................4375 Georgetown Road, Indianapolis
Good Earth ....................................6350 Guilford Avenue, Indianapolis
Holistic Integration........................8902 N Meridian St., Unit 101 Indianapolis
Mercantile 37..................................25625 IN-37, Noblesville
At the Farmers Market Year Round
Catch Us at the Broad Ripple Farmers Market Every Saturday!
--May–October:
Find us outdoors at 6001 N. Rural Street, Indianapolis, from 8 AM to 12 PM
(Note: October hours shift to 9 AM–12 PM starting Oct. 9)
--November–April:
Join us indoors at Broad Ripple Middle School
1115 Broad Ripple Ave., Indianapolis | 9 AM to 12 PM
Now at the Westfield Winter Farmers Market Every Saturday January 17th - March 28th
West Fork Whiskey Co | 9:00am - 12:00pm
Have questions about our vending schedule? Email us at tallowbalmindy@gmail.com
Tallow Plantiful Apothecary
International Shipping
Thank you for stopping by!
We’re truly grateful for the support we receive from our customers around the world. It’s been our pleasure to serve so many of you across borders and continents.
At this time, we’ve had to make the tough decision to pause international shipping due to ongoing changes in global tariffs and shipping regulations. We're keeping a close eye on the situation and hope to resume international orders as soon as we can ensure a smoother and more reliable process.
We sincerely appreciate your understanding and patience, and we look forward to serving you again in the future.