Beef Tallow for Skincare: TikTok Trend vs. Dermatologist Opinions

The latest beauty trend sweeping across TikTok has users reaching into their kitchens rather than their makeup bags. “If you can’t eat your skincare, then why are you putting it on your face?” questions beauty influencer Lauren in a viral video, as she scoops beef tallow from a jar and applies it directly to her cheek.

Beef tallow—rendered cow fat traditionally used for cooking—has emerged as social media’s newest skincare sensation. While it’s long been valued in the culinary world for creating crispy roasted potatoes and as an excellent deep-frying medium, it’s now being repurposed as a natural moisturizer and acne treatment.

The Rise of Beef Tallow in Skincare

“Trad-wife” content creator Nara Smith helped catapult this ingredient into the skincare spotlight after showcasing her homemade beef tallow moisturizer, praising its effects on her complexion. Following her endorsement, countless followers began experimenting with this kitchen staple on their skin, marveling at its allegedly transformative properties.

Proponents claim beef tallow strengthens the skin barrier while reducing inflammation, potentially helping with acne concerns. Others champion it as a “clean” alternative to chemical-laden commercial products. But as this trend gains momentum, dermatologists and skin experts express reservations about its purported benefits.

What Science Says About Beef Tallow for Skin

Nicknamed a “miracle skin product” within BeautyTok circles, beef tallow has cultivated a dedicated following among those seeking natural skincare solutions. The rendered fat contains some beneficial components: antioxidants, vitamins A, D, and K, plus essential fatty acids. These elements might provide relief for severely compromised skin barriers or skin never previously treated with conventional skincare products.

Dr. Ross Perry from Cosmedics skin clinics notes, “Beef Tallow contains fatty acids which help to hydrate the skin whilst also protecting the skin’s main barrier. As a skincare product, it can really help with skin which is overly dry, and those who suffer from dry skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.”

However, medical opinions remain divided. Dermatologist Sophie Greenberg from Tribeca Skin Center told NBC that beef tallow can potentially trigger breakouts in some individuals. “It will be greasy on your skin, but it will lock in whatever else is underneath,” Greenberg explained. “Best-case scenario, if you have really dry skin and your skin barrier needs something to occlude it, it would be helpful.” She added, “It’s not something that I’m recommending in my practice.”

Furthermore, scientific literature offers little support for this trend. The National Library of Medicine’s 2024 review titled “Tallow, Rendered Animal Fat, and Its Biocompatibility With Skin” did not substantiate the cooking ingredient’s supposed skincare benefits.

Which Skin Types Might Benefit from Beef Tallow?

Due to its high emollient content, beef tallow may be best suited for extremely dry skin types rather than acne-prone complexions.

Dermal Therapist Joanna Fleming elaborates on effective moisturizer components: “When you’re looking for a moisturizer there are three categories of ingredients to look for. These are humectants, emollients and occlusives. Humectants, such as hyaluronic acid, draw moisture into the skin. Emollients, like ceramides, help keep the skin smooth and prevent moisture loss. Then occlusives, like shea butter, help seal in moisture.”

Fleming continues, “Beef tallow is really heavy on the emollients, because it’s very rich in triglycerides [fatty lipids that are found in the blood stream]. This therefore will offer some skin moisturizing benefits — perhaps even reparative benefits if you have a little bit of an impaired barrier — but if you do have an impaired barrier I’d be worried about introducing foreign bacteria onto the skin.”

Potential Risks of Using Beef Tallow on Skin

While the current skincare discourse increasingly demonizes synthetic ingredients in favor of “natural” alternatives, experts caution against applying cooking products directly to facial skin without proper formulation.

Unlike commercially produced skincare products, beef tallow isn’t manufactured in sterile environments specifically for topical application. This creates potential concerns regarding bacterial contamination and rapid spoilage.

Dr. Perry recommends purchasing beef tallow from pharmacies rather than grocery stores if determined to try this trend. “[Beef tallow] can be used in small amounts on the face, but when you purchase a ‘beef tallow’ skin product, the likelihood is that it’s been mixed with other skin-boosting benefits,” he advised.

As a food product lacking preservatives typically found in skincare formulations, beef tallow can quickly turn rancid, especially when stored in warm, humid bathroom environments.

Dr. Akis Ntonos, founder of Aion Aesthetics and Certainly Health partner, warns, “Keep in mind that everyone’s skin reacts differently to products. It may cause additional irritation or worsen acne in others. It could give your skin an unpleasant odor!”

Fleming adds another practical consideration: “beef tallow doesn’t smell great either. So I don’t think it’s something worth trying in my opinion. Just get a moisturizer that has those three key ingredients in it — humectants, emollients and occlusives — and you’ll probably get a better result with your skin.”