If you’ve spent any time scrolling through beauty TikTok or Instagram lately, you’ve probably noticed a surprising new skincare trend: people raving about beef tallow as the next miracle moisturizer. Yes, beef tallow—as in rendered cow fat. It might sound like something out of a frontier survival guide, but this old-school ingredient is making a big comeback in the world of “clean beauty,” and not without some controversy.
Beef tallow is what it says it is: fat that’s been cooked out and refined from cattle. It’s a solid at room temperature, cream in consistency, and back in the day, it was even used to make fast-food fries extra crispy. Today, people are spooning it out of jars and putting it all over their faces, attributing everything from baby-soft skin to acne cures. The trend has taken off online, with the “beeftallow” hashtag attracting tens of thousands of posts, all riddled with before-and-afters and rave reviews.
What’s behind all the hype? Dermatologists explain that beef tallow contains fatty acids such as oleic, palmitic, stearic, and linoleic acid, which lock in moisture and shield the skin’s barrier. It also has skin-nourishing vitamins A, D, E, and K. For those who prefer more straightforward, natural regimens, it’s no wonder it’s appealing—no unknown chemicals, no lists of ingredients longer than the arm is long, just plain old animal fat.
But hold off on abandoning your favorite moisturizer until you know what the experts are saying. Sure, tallow does contain moisturizing properties, but there is minimal scientific evidence to indicate that it is superior to plant oils or contemporary skincare products. Tallow is also inherently absorbent and aids in the creation of a robust skin barrier, says Dr. Anna Chacon, a board-certified dermatologist—but perhaps not more so than what’s currently available.
One major drawback? Beef tallow is comedogenic, which means it can clog pores. If your skin is oily or acne-prone, that might be a problem. Dr. Corey L. Hartman cautions that tallow will likely cause breakouts in acne-prone skin. And Dr. Maya Thosani goes on to say that it’s a moderately comedogenic product, which means it may cause breakouts in as many as half of those who use it. Although some viral accusations, there is no clinical evidence that tallow clears acne—indeed, it could have the opposite effect.
Even those with dry skin aren’t assured a victory. Some users find that while their skin became greasy on the surface, it remained tight and dry beneath. That’s probably due to tallow functioning as an occlusive—it keeps moisture in but doesn’t introduce any of its own. Without humectants (those which draw water into the skin), it could just lock dryness beneath a thick layer of balm.
And then there are the sourcing and safety issues. As beef tallow is an animal byproduct, its quality will depend on how it’s manufactured. If not stored or processed correctly, it can become rancid or become home to bacteria. Dr. Omer Ibrahim cautions that poor sourcing can result in contamination, and some individuals may even be allergic to animal proteins. There is also some evidence that tallow may lead to irritation or heightened sensitivity to the sun in certain individuals.
And let’s be real, not everybody likes the way it smells. A few individuals think beef tallow has a too-meaty natural fragrance for regular skincare application. Although some companies perfume their products to cover up the scent, that can add another irritant risk, particularly if your skin is sensitive.
So, who might be helped by beef tallow? Dermatologists indicate that it might be useful for individuals with extremely dry, non-acne skin who require a rich, occlusive film to safeguard against water loss. But most people—particularly those with oily or break-out skin—have better, safer alternatives.
If you enjoy the sound of natural, nutrient-dense moisturizers, numerous plant-based versions provide comparable benefits without so much danger. Shea butter, mango butter, argan oil, and jojoba oil all provide fatty acids your skin devours, and they are less likely to cause pore-clogging. Most newer moisturizers blend these with humectants and ceramides to both moisturize and fortify the skin barrier.
At the end of the day, beef tallow may have nostalgic charm and a certain natural appeal, but it’s no miracle cure. If you’re curious about trying it, make sure to patch test first, buy from a reputable source, and consider checking in with a dermatologist, especially if your skin is sensitive or acne-prone. Skincare is intimate, and although social media fads rise and fall, your skin should be treated with care that is informed, gentle, and uniquely yours.
Related
