Pine tar — why an old shipyard staple is now a skincare essential

Some ingredients don’t just come with a story — they come with an entire past. Pine tar is one of them. Dark, smoky, and steeped in centuries of practical use, it once lived in shipyards, barns, and workshops long before anyone thought to put it on their skin. This thick resin was essential for waterproofing ships, sealing ropes, protecting wood, and even treating animal hooves. Farmers relied on it, sailors trusted it, and craftsmen considered it indispensable.  It was as essential to daily life as soap or salt — and its value went far beyond the surface. Which makes the question irresistible: how did something so rugged and utilitarian become a skincare essential? As it turns out, its power to protect didn’t stop at wood and rope. Somewhere along the way, people discovered that the same substance used to protect ships could also soothe the most temperamental skin. And once that secret resurfaced, everything changed.

What exactly is pine tar?

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Pine tar is made through a traditional process called destructive distillation — pine wood is slowly heated in a low-oxygen environment, allowing the resins and fibers to break down into a thick, aromatic liquid. What remains is a dark, rich substance filled with natural phenols and plant acids known for their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties.

The scent is unforgettable: deep, smoky, and grounding — like a pine forest after rain. Ancient cultures used it to heal wounds, soothe irritation, and protect skin from harsh elements.

How pine tar benefits the skin

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Pine tar’s power lies in its simplicity. It doesn’t force the skin to behave differently; it simply supports its natural rhythm of healing.

• Eases eczema and psoriasis – relieves itching, flaking, and redness

• Soothes dermatitis and rashes – gently reduces irritation and dryness

• Purifies pores and scalp – helps with dandruff and acne-prone skin

• Supports wound healing – its antiseptic nature helps prevent infection

• Calms insect bites and irritation – a natural anti-itch remedy

  
  

Unlike synthetic treatments that dry or suppress, pine tar works with the skin — balancing rather than battling it.

The beauty of pine tar in skincare

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Though it sounds like something from an old herbal journal, pine tar is still used in countless traditional remedies:

• Soothing balms and salves – for dry, cracked skin or insect bites

• Scalp treatments – to calm dandruff and itchiness

• Bath soaks – for all-over relief from irritation and dryness

• Cleansing bars – like  Malina Organic Pine Tar Tallow Soap , which bring this timeless remedy into everyday care

  
  

But perhaps the most beloved use of all is soap — the daily ritual that brings pine tar’s purifying magic into your hands.

When blended into soap, pine tar transforms it into something extraordinary. It darkens the bar into a deep, smoky brown and infuses it with its forest aroma. A good pine tar soap doesn’t just cleanse — it comforts. It soothes troubled skin, supports healing, and leaves a sense of calm in its wake. It’s the kind of ingredient that makes you wonder why modern skincare ever abandoned it.

Why our soap stands apart

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At Malina, we honor the simplicity of tradition. Our Organic Pine Tar Tallow Soap blends the ancient healing power of pine tar with the nourishing richness of grass-fed tallow — one of the most skin-compatible fats in existence — and the warm, comforting aroma of pure pinyon pine essential oil.

Organic Pine Tar Tallow Soap

$19.00

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While pine tar purifies and calms inflammation, tallow replenishes what your skin truly needs: natural moisture, vitamins, and protection. Tallow is rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K, and its fatty acid profile closely mirrors our skin’s own oils, making it exceptionally gentle and restorative. The addition of pinyon pine essential oil enhances the bar with a soft, resinous forest scent and its own soothing, grounding properties.

Together, these ingredients create a bar that:

• Cleanses deeply yet leaves skin soft and balanced

• Soothes irritation and dryness

• Restores comfort and glow naturally

• Smells beautifully earthy — a true forest aroma from pine tar and pinyon pine essential oil, never synthetic fragrance

Each bar is poured by hand, cured slowly, and made in small batches — because something this timeless deserves time.

In the end

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Pine tar might be one of the oldest skincare ingredients on earth, yet it continues to outperform many modern creations. It’s proof that simplicity often holds the most wisdom. If your skin feels tired, itchy, or out of balance, Malina Organic Pine Tar Tallow Soap might be your quiet forest remedy — a simple, time-honored way to bring comfort back to your skin.