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According to the experts, the beef tallow beauty trend is part of a wider movement towards "natural" skincare alternatives that dispense with harsh chemicals.
Beef tallow is a byproduct that comes when you melt and clarify the fatty tissue from cows. It is solid at room temperature and is popular as a cooking fat.
That's right, beef tallow, a byproduct of cow fat that used to belong in the kitchen, is now making its way into skin care routines.
In recent months, beef tallow has been all the rage among beauty influencers, who have really bought into its touted skin care benefits.
The proponents of beef tallow claim that it works wonders on the skin and can help to treat common skin conditions ranging from dry skin to acne.
Products containing the ingredient have flooded the skin care market, and some people are even making their own at home.
All over TikTok, influencers are touting the benefits of a new skin care product - beef tallow. Traditionally, this by-product of beef has been the reserve of chefs, who continue to use it to fry off steaks and triple-cook chips.
Increasingly, however, beef tallow is being used in skin care products. And some people swear by it, citing the ingredients moisturizing and hydrating properties.
Curious? Check out this gallery to find out more.
From a sustainability perspective, this is no bad thing, since beef tallow is a byproduct that tends to go to waste. Giving it a purpose fits well into the aim of using the whole animal.
Conversely, if demand for beef tallow goes up too much, this could increase livestock production. This of course goes against the aims of sustainability.
Spreading these fats on the skin in the form of beef tallow could help reinforce the skin’s protective layer, trap moisture, and soften the skin.
Additionally, beef tallow is known to contain small amounts of fat-soluble vitamins, like vitamins A, D, E, and K.
When applied to the skin in the form of beef tallow, these vitamins may offer antioxidant or skin-supporting benefits.
In theory, therefore, beef tallow may be able to replenish the skin’s external barrier, reduce water loss, and even calm inflammation.
The main cause for concern is the lack of clinical evidence: in 2025, there are still significant gaps in the research looking at beef tallow as a skin care product.
When it comes to the claims that beef tallow is a miracle product, however, dermatologists are less convinced.
In terms of the skin care benefits of beef tallow, its proponents claim that it is a nourishing source of both vitamins and fatty acids.
Admittedly, there is some early research that suggests beef tallow may have some therapeutic benefits for certain skin conditions.
However, the short- and long-term side effects of the product in this context are still unknown.
Dermatologists are keen to reinforce the idea that while beef tallow may seem harmless because it’s "natural," that does not mean it’s without risk.
Indeed, if the product is not properly sourced or processed, there could be a risk of pathogen or pesticide contamination.
Moreover, it is still unclear what composition of beef tallow and other ingredients is best when it comes to optimizing the hydrating and moisturizing properties of the product.
Furthermore, there appear to be some skin types that do not take well to being caked in animal fat.
Some people with acne-prone skin or skin sensitive to animal-derived products, for example, have reported breakouts and allergic reactions.
If you are keen to try beef tallow as a skin care product, the recommendation from dermatologists is to proceed with caution.
Start by using a small amount of the product on a small area of skin and don’t forget to monitor the results.
Wherever possible, it is also important to try and source your beef tallow product responsibly.
Last but not least, if you have a particular skin condition that you need to treat, bear in mind that there are better, verified options out there.
If you have eczema, psoriasis, or acne, for example, there are regulated products on the market that are specifically designed to treat these conditions.
Sources: (Verywell Health) (National Geographic)
See also: Sensitive skin: causes, care, and when to seek help
Exploring the potential skin care benefits of beef tallow
Is it really a miracle worker?
HEALTH Fat
All over TikTok, influencers are touting the benefits of a new skin care product—beef tallow. Traditionally, this fatty by-product of beef has been the reserve of chefs, who continue to use it to fry off steaks and triple-cook fries.
Increasingly, however, beef tallow is being used in skin care products. And some people swear by it, citing the ingredient's moisturizing and hydrating properties.
Curious about the benefits beef tallow might offer your skin? Check out this gallery to find out more.