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How did we get here? You have to go back to where most unusual beauty trends start: TikTok. There you’ll find video after video crediting model and controversial content creator Nara Smith with popularizing a purported natural solution for treating 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’s making its way into some people’s skin routines.
“[It] speaks to a growing desire for natural, minimalist skin care,” 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 skin care inspired by what our ancestors used before commercial skin care existed,” agrees celebrity esthetician and brand founder Sofie Pavitt. “People are gravitating toward ‘skinimalism’ and using pure, unprocessed ingredients like tallow.”
But as with any viral skin-care trend, one must ask: Is it doing anything beneficial for our skin?
What is beef tallow supposed to do?
According to Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology, beef tallow is thought to help with 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 says. “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 says can nourish and protect the skin. It is an ingredient in balms, creams, soaps, and even SPF. Some consumers, like Smith, use pure beef tallow as the base of moisturizers.
Does beef tallow actually work?
The answer to this is a resounding no, experts told Vogue. 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 adds that beef tallow is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in skin care.
Plus, the downsides outweigh any benefits you might experience, according to experts. Dr. Tomassian says it can clog pores and actually worsen acne. Beef tallow products may also cause irritation, redness, and hypersensitivity, and if not made correctly or stored properly, they can cause a lot of damage to the skin. “There are many variables that come into play when creating beef tallow products, and if not properly purified or stored, it can spoil or be contaminated,” he says. “It also has no consistent formulation, no regulation if made in small batches, can have a strong odor, and is not supported by dermatologists or clinical studies for skin-care use.”
Other (and better) options
Experts told Vogue that there are safer alternatives to using beef tallow for your skin, no matter what concern you’re looking to treat. “I highly do not recommend [using] beef tallow,” says Pavitt. “There are way better formulations that are considered ‘clean.’”
Look to effective ingredients that are backed by science, says Dr. Tomassian, such as ceramides to repair the skin barrier, petroleum-based products like Vaseline or Aquaphor to prevent moisture loss, squalane or jojoba oil to hydrate without clogging pores, or glycerin and panthenol to help draw in moisture. If you’re struggling with acne, he says retinoids and salicylic acid are clinically proven to control excess oil production and reduce inflammation. He recommends something like Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream, which is lightweight enough to suit all skin types but still provides deep moisture. Pavitt recommends products like her new Sofie Pavitt Face Omega Rich Moisturizer or Dieux’s Instant Angel.
Dr. Garshick is also an advocate of better lifestyle habits for healthy skin. Eating a healthy diet rich in antioxidants, for example, can protect the skin from environmental aggressors. She also recommends trying to reduce stress, eschewing smoking, and drinking water to boost your skin’s hydration and health overall.
So while you may see testimonial after testimonial from your favorite content creators about how beef tallow has helped their acne, dry patches, and dull complexion, be cautious when it comes to your own skin. There is hardly a shortage of beauty products that are tested and backed by science that will probably work better for you in the long run. “We’ve come a long way with skin-care formulations,” says Pavitt. “This seems like a total step back—and not in a good way—to use something like beef tallow on the skin.”
