How did we get here? You have to go back to where most strange and unusual beauty trends start—TikTok, you’ll find video after video crediting model and controversial content creator Nara Smith for finding a natural solution that treats dry skin, eczema, and acne: beef tallow. A form of rendered beef fat, which is usually found around the organs of a cow, beef tallow is more commonly used in cooking. But now, it has made its way into some people’s skin routines.
“[It] speaks to a growing desire for natural, minimalist skincare,” says Chris Tomassian, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of the Dermatology Collective, of the trend. “Many people seek alternatives to synthetic ingredients found in modern products.”
“There’s a growing interest in traditional, whole-ingredient skincare inspired by what our ancestors used before commercial skincare existed,” agrees elebrity esthetician and brand founder Sofie Pavitt. “People are gravitating toward ‘skinimalism’ and using pure, unprocessed ingredients like tallow.”
But as with any viral skincare trend, one must ask: Is it doing anything beneficial for our skin?
What is beef tallow supposed to do?
According to Marisa Garshick, MD, board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology, beef tallow is thought to help dry skin and boost your natural radiance thanks to its hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties. “Tallow is rich in omega fatty acids to help support the skin barrier. For this reason, it can help moisturize and nourish the skin,” Dr. Garshick explains. “Containing linoleic acid, tallow has anti-inflammatory properties to help reduce inflammation and soothe the skin. This is why it may be considered for those with eczema or psoriasis (though [this] hasn’t been tested in these patients).”
Beef tallow also contains vitamins A, D, K, and E, which Pavitt adds can nourish and protect the skin. It is an ingredient in balms, creams, soaps, and even SPF. Some, like Smith, use pure beef tallow as a moisturizer.
Does beef tallow actually work?
The answer to this is a resounding no from all experts. Dr. Garshick explains that while beef tallow is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and essential nutrients that can be helpful to our skin’s overall health, further research is needed to determine its efficacy and—more importantly—safety. She also adds that beef tallow is not approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to be used in any skin care.
