Every few months the internet becomes obsessed with some new “it” beauty ingredient that promises new and better results. With winter and dryer, flakier skin around the corner, it’s time to do a deep dive on one of the latest viral hits: beef tallow. Fat rendered from cows, folks credit tallow with deeply hydrating their skin. But is it safe to use?
Tallow refers to rendered fat, similar to the grease that comes off meat when it cooks. “Tallow is essentially fat that is clarified and used for many purposes,” explains double board certified dermatologist Dr. Karan Lal. Beef tallow has several uses, both in and out of the kitchen.
Depending on the quality of both the beef and the rendered tallow, it has been considered a source of healthy fat, which can benefit hair, nail, and skin from the inside out. “Tallow is rich in triglycerides, specifically oleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, and linoleic acid. It also contains essential vitamins, such as vitamins A, D, K, E, and B12,” adds Dr. Lal.
Beef tallow in cosmetics isn’t a new phenomenon, either. Fat has been a traditional ingredient in candles and soap-making. When properly cleaned, tallow has a similar texture to shea butter. Because it’s essentially hardened fat, tallow does have moisturizing properties. This has led many influencers to apply tallow directly to their faces or bodies, or to seek out products that list beef tallow as a key ingredient. “Any fat or oil will help moisturize the skin because oils and fatty acids act as emollients,” concedes Dr. Lal. However, there’s a reason why it’s no dermatologist’s first choice for their patients.
Part of the drawback is how and where people are sourcing their beef tallow. Because it is not generally used topically, there are safety concerns when buying tallow online. “We have no regulation on these products and sourcing is an issue,” says Dr. Lal. While beef tallow may be sold wholesale to candle- or soap-makers, the standard for topical application is very different.
The results of topical application can be harsh. “Beef tallow’s high oleic acid content can disrupt the skin barrier, causing irritation. It also has a higher pH and we often need slightly acidic products on the skin to maintain the acid mantle. It’s also comedogenic and can clog your pores,” adds Dr. Lal.
While it may initially seem moisturizing, actually, “We have no scientific evidence to support beef tallow as moisturizer on the skin,” says Dr. Lal. For folks who are seeking a natural hydrator, however, there are some better alternatives. “As a dermatologist I would not recommend beef tallow moisturizer. If you want to use a natural oil for moisturizer opt for sunflower seed oil, grapeseed oil, or coconut oil,” continues Dr. Lal.
Because beef tallow is so rich in nutrients, it’s an easy leap to topical application. However, you would be better off ingesting beef—and applying deeply moisturizing alternatives to the skin, like Egyptian Magic All Purpose Skin Cream and La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm—than applying it to your skin.
