Beef Tallow for Skin: What Dermatologists Really Think About the Trend
In the ever-changing world of skincare, a new, somewhat surprising star has emerged on TikTok: beef tallow. This old-school cooking fat is being touted as a simple, natural solution to various skin woes.
But does it really work?
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by complicated skincare routines, expensive creams, and countless serums, you might have found yourself intrigued by the beef tallow craze sweeping social media. Influencers are raving about beef tallow — rendered beef fat stripped of moisture and solids — as a low-cost, natural fix for acne, dryness, and even scarring.
This trend isn’t tiny. The hashtag #beeftallow on TikTok has over 3,000 posts, while #beeftallowskincare has racked up more than 1,300.
Fans claim that this humble fat works wonders, but what do dermatologists say about applying cooking fat to your face?
Why Are People Turning to Beef Tallow?
One popular TikToker, @thrivewithcandice, with 23,000 followers, summed up a key reason for the shift.
She said, “Our skin naturally produces oils and sebum, yet every night we strip it away with harsh cleansers.”
She switched to a simple routine: dry brushing, rinsing with warm water, and applying beef tallow serum.
She claims this routine, combined with good sleep, nutrition, exercise, and sunshine, cleared up her red, acne-prone skin and made it smooth.
Her January 2024 video on this approach went viral, gathering over 7 million views.
But dermatologists urge caution. While the idea of a simpler, natural skincare routine is appealing, beef tallow isn’t without controversy.
Many experts worry about the safety, effectiveness, and hygiene of smearing animal fat on your skin.
What Do Experts Say About Beef Tallow as Skincare?
Dr. Caren Campbell, a board-certified dermatologist in San Francisco, says she wouldn’t recommend animal-derived oils like beef tallow first.
Contamination risks, odor, and vegan consumers’ concerns make it less than ideal. “Novelty trends grab attention, but proven, safe ingredients remain best,” she advises.
Similarly, Jenny Liu, a dermatologist in Minneapolis, doesn’t support DIY skincare or the idea that natural always means better. “Natural ingredients aren’t automatically safer or more effective,” she explains.
These concerns raise the question: what’s actually in beef tallow that makes people think it benefits skin?
The Nutrient Breakdown: What’s in Beef Tallow?
TikTok enthusiasts highlight beef tallow’s nutrient profile. They say it contains fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K, plus omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, all important for skin health.
One user, @santacruzmedicinals, points out that it mimics the skin’s natural oils.
Another influencer, @maggieroseadvocate, praises it for its rich vitamin content, emphasizing that “our ancestors used it for good reasons.” These claims aren’t entirely baseless.
Dr. Joshua Zeichner, a dermatologist and associate professor at Mount Sinai Hospital, says beef tallow contains fats similar to those in our skin’s outer layer.
Applying it can soften dry skin and help lock in moisture. “It provides emollient and hydration benefits,” he confirms.
Benjamin Knight Fuchs, a registered pharmacist and skincare chemist, adds that beef tallow’s cholesterol and fat-soluble vitamins could offer some benefit.
For instance, vitamin A (retinol) is key in combating acne, psoriasis, and aging signs. Omega fatty acids are also known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
But There’s a Catch
While beef tallow contains vitamins good for skin, that doesn’t guarantee it’s absorbed safely or effectively. “There’s little research to back beef tallow as a skincare champion,” Fuchs says.
Unlike pure retinol products, beef tallow isn’t engineered to penetrate skin cells or neutralize free radicals—the harmful molecules that accelerate aging.
Dr. Campbell emphasizes that tallow and retinol are not interchangeable.
“Anyone knowledgeable about skin chemistry knows tallow doesn’t perform like retinol,” says Fuchs bluntly.
Also, the argument that beef tallow is better because it’s “natural” and traditional falls flat. Many plant oils like olive, coconut, and sunflower are natural and better studied.
Fuchs notes, “Just because something is natural doesn’t make it safe — even cow manure is natural.”
Are There Risks to Using Beef Tallow on Skin?
Yes. Beef tallow isn’t regulated as a skincare product by the FDA, meaning it can be contaminated or cause allergic reactions.
Dr. Liu warns that oils can act as occlusives—forming a barrier to prevent moisture loss—but aren’t as effective as petrolatum and may irritate sensitive skin or cause reactions.
Using pure beef tallow from a grocery store can clog pores due to its oleic acid content. Dermatologist Zeichner advises against using it as an acne treatment.
Instead, he recommends proven ingredients like benzoyl peroxide.
If you want to try beef tallow, look for products formulated specifically for skincare. Campbell suggests choosing “non-comedogenic” labels, though these claims aren’t regulated by the FDA.
Currently, evidence supporting beef tallow’s superiority over other oils is thin.
One mouse study hinted that multiple oils including tallow might help eczema, but it’s unclear which oil was effective, and animal results don’t always translate to humans.
The Bottom Line
Beef tallow is simply rendered beef fat, traditionally used for frying or making soaps and candles. Now, social media is pushing it as a skincare alternative, claiming it helps with acne, dryness, and scarring.
However, dermatologists caution that there’s no solid scientific evidence supporting its use as a safe or superior moisturizer. There are potential risks like irritation, contamination, and clogged pores.
Plus, it lacks the precision of modern skincare ingredients.
If you’re curious about beef tallow, it’s best to be cautious. Consider well-formulated skincare products with tested ingredients instead of homemade tallow straight from the kitchen.
Always patch-test any new product and consult your dermatologist, especially if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Why Do We Crave Simplicity in Skincare?
The appeal of beef tallow partly comes from frustration with complex routines filled with dozens of products.
Many feel that stripping skin oils with cleansers then layering many serums and moisturizers is overkill.
It’s true our skin naturally produces oils that protect and hydrate. Over-cleansing and harsh chemicals can disrupt this balance. But simpler doesn’t always mean better or safer.
Scientists and dermatologists are constantly innovating to create gentle, effective products that respect skin’s biology. These often outperform old remedies like animal fats or kitchen oils.
What Are the Alternatives?
If you want to try a simple, natural routine, there are safer, better-studied options.
Plant-based oils such as jojoba, squalane, or rosehip are popular in skincare for their moisturizing and antioxidant properties.
Products containing proven ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide support the skin barrier and hydrate without risking clogging pores or irritation.
Retinol and its derivatives remain the gold standard for anti-aging and acne treatment, with decades of research proving their effectiveness and safety when used properly.
The Final Word
Beef tallow is an interesting, historic substance with some skin benefits due to its fat content. However, it is not a miracle skincare cure.
Modern dermatology favors products with clinical evidence and safety records.
If you’re drawn to this trend, remember: social media hype doesn’t replace science. Always prioritize your skin’s health with researched ingredients and professional advice. Your skin will thank you.