What Dermatologists Think About the Beef Tallow Skin Care Trend
Written by: Mia Barnes
If you’ve scrolled through TikTok recently, you’ve probably stumbled upon various influencers and everyday beauty enthusiasts using beef tallow for skin care. Yes, you read that right — beef tallow, as in rendered fat from cows, is having a moment in the beauty world. From claims of intense hydration to promises of a glowing complexion, this old-school product seems to be a modern-day miracle.
Is this “secret ingredient” worth the hype, or is it another fad destined for the skin care graveyard? More importantly, what do dermatologists have to say about slathering this on your face?
What Is Beef Tallow, and Why Is It Trending?
Beef tallow is a rendered form of lard, which comes from the areas around a cow’s kidneys and loins. While that may sound more like something your grandmother would use to cook a Sunday roast, it’s gaining traction in skin care for its unique composition.
Beef tallow contains triglycerides like oleic and stearic acids, which are vital elements for maintaining skin health. These fatty acids provide intense moisturization, protect your skin barrier and have anti-inflammatory properties.
Historically, tallow was a staple in everything from soap-making to recipes due to its versatile applications and long shelf life. Today, it’s finding its way into skin care routines due to the demand for products without synthetic additives. However, wanting a more youthful, radiant complexion is another driver.
With the aging population representing up 42% of dermatological patients, people are looking for innovative ways to turn back the clock. Skinfluencers market this nutrient-rich ingredient as a natural way to smooth fine lines and support a healthy glow, making it appealing to those wanting to maintain their vibrant appearance.
The Claims Behind Beef Tallow for Skin Care
Countless TikTok users rave about beef tallow as the ultimate skin care hack. Content creators use it on their faces, crediting it for everything from softening dry patches to dewy-looking skin.
Users also tout its anti-inflammatory properties, saying it soothes irritation and redness while supporting the skin barrier. Many people say it helps them with eczema, rosacea and other dryness-related issues.
There’s some science to back up these claims. A study revealed that beef tallow can boost skin hydration by 47.2% within 180 minutes of application, locking moisture in for hours.
Still, as much as TikTok loves a buzzworthy skin care remedy, it’s worth investigating whether tallow is the godsend ingredient some make it out to be.
What Do Dermatologists Say About Beef Tallow?
While beef tallow has found its way into many people’s skin care routines, dermatologists urge caution before jumping on the trend. Dr. Anil Sharma notes that while tallow’s natural lipid composition can mimic the skin’s oils, there are significant drawbacks.
One top concern is its comedogenic nature, which could clog pores and exacerbate acne. Dermatologists also point out that beef tallow’s high oleic acid content is beneficial for hydration, though it may weaken the skin barrier and increase moisture loss and heightened sensitivity.
Additionally, studies have shown that highly concentrated beef tallow can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Dr. Greeta Yadav highlights that these potential downsides can irritate your skin and increase your chances of photosensitivity.
With that in mind, this ingredient could benefit you if you deal with extremely dry skin. Its essential fatty acids and antioxidants may relieve chronic dryness or irritation, but the risks may outweigh the benefits for acne-prone or oily skin types.
Ultimately, dermatologists agree that it may be a solution for some, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all ingredient. Understanding your skin type and consulting with a professional can help you decide if this trend is worth exploring.
Using Beef Tallow for Skin Care
If you’re curious about incorporating beef tallow into your skin care regimen, dermatologists recommend taking a cautious and strategic approach. Here are some expert tips to get started.
Start small: Apply a tiny dab of beef tallow on a clean test area like your elbows or knees, then evaluate how your skin reacts.
Focus on dry areas: Beef tallow works best on eczema-prone skin. Use it sparingly on areas like hands, elbows or knees where you need moisture retention most.
Use cotton gloves for added hydration: If applying to dry hands, wear cotton gloves overnight to lock in moisture and avoid mess.
Limit frequency: Start using it only once or twice per week. Overuse can lead to clogged pores or overly oily skin.
Wash off in the morning: After applying overnight, gently wash off the tallow before beginning your usual skin care routine to prevent buildup.
Avoid acne-prone areas: Skip beef tallow on oily or acne-prone areas to minimize the risk of breakouts. Other beauty products offer better results for the 50 million Americans who suffer from this skin condition.
Should You Join the Beef Tallow Skin Care Trend?
Ultimately, whether beef tallow belongs in your skincare routine depends on your skin type, goals and comfort level. While it offers potential benefits, the drawbacks may outweigh them.
As with any skincare trend, approach conservatively and always listen to your body. Beef tallow may work wonders for some, but it’s not an FDA-approved ingredient. Therefore, other more traditional or plant-based moisturizers may be a better fit.