Abstract: An animal hide tanning composition is comprised by weight of minor proportions of borax and alum blended together with an emulsifying agent in a carrier containing water and water-emulsive oils. In the method of preparing the composition, the sequence of blending is extremely important to achieve desired consistency and assure complete dissolution of the active ingredients while retaining the preservative qualities thereof. If a bactericide and parasiticide are to be included, they may be added during the initial blending step. The emulsifying agent acts as a stabilizer to maintain the composition in a readily usable physical state while the addition of a bactericide and parasiticide prevent decay of the tanned hide otherwise resulting from organisms which may be present in the hide.