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Beef tallow became a viral skincare ingredient when some random “influencer” was promoting it on TikTok. I am really not sure how is it that smearing beef fat into skin can become so popular. I am also not convinced that what people on social media say is true.
Despite how unusual it sounds, I keep seeing people promote beef tallow for skin. I see people on Instagram, TikTok, swear by beef tallow as the secret to their clear, glowing skin. Social media influencers also claim that beef tallow mimics the natural oils produced by your skin. Somehow that means that this natural cooking ingredient is great for skin.
Now you can buy every kind of beef tallow skincare - tallow balm, whipped tallow (no idea what difference to skin whipping would make), tallow body butter and so on.
Businesses jump on to a viral trend to make money. It is irrelevant whether beef tallow actually benefits skin. As long as people keep buying it, companies will keep making beef tallow skincare.
So I think that you deserve to know, on the basis of research, whether beef tallow has any effect on skin and what that effects is.
I want to know is beef tallow effective for skin or not.
So let's find out.
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What is beef tallow?
Beef tallow is beef fat which surrounds the organs of a cow. The fat is then cut off and clarified. And you get beef tallow. But commercial tallow can also contain fat from other animals such as pigs. Tallow does not have to be beef. Tallow can come from any animal.
History of beef tallow use
From the ancient times to this day, beef tallow is mainly used as cooking fat. Similar to goose or duck fat.
Other medieval uses of beef tallow is in soap and candle making. Tallow was used to make candles before wax became widely available.
According to my research, ancient Egyptians used beef tallow in creams and ointments because of its moisturising properties. My research did not show that ancient civilisations just applied raw beef tallow onto skin. In any case, the most common use of beef tallow in skincare is in soap making.
Going back to cooking, beef tallow or any other animal fat is not the healthiest way to cook things.
You can add it to your potatoes when making the occasional Sunday roast. But I think beef tallow in cooking should only be used occasionally because it is high in saturated fat.
I mainly use olive oil for cooking.
Beef tallow for skin
Beef tallow does contain vitamins A, D, K, E and B12, just like many animal based products. However, because of its high saturated fat content, you should limit your intake of been tallow.
Anyway, you would have to eat quite a lot of beef tallow to get enough of these vitamins.
But then lard has an ever higher content of vitamin K than beef tallow. So even its vitamin content is not that high.
Butter has a higher content of vitamin A, but I don’t see people applying butter to the face. That would be silly. But for some reason, beef tallow for skin has taken off on social media like TikTok.
There was one piece of research on the effect of beef tallow on skin prone to eczema and psoriasis. The study found that beef tallow was a good moisturiser and did help these specific skin conditions.
So perhaps, if you have very dry skin, you may consider beef tallow for skin.
Beef tallow, when processed properly, is free from harsh chemicals. But with this, you need to look out for some information on the packaging, which tells you how beef tallow is processed.
Not all beef tallow is made the same.
Beef tallow for skin: concerns
Firstly, beef tallow is not vegan or cruelty free. There are also concerns about animal welfare as with all of the meat industry.
The chemicals in animal food will be transferred into skin, unless you buy organic beef tallow. It seems that beef tallow which comes from grass fed animals is the best quality.
Research found that products containing beef tallow are harmful to fish/aquatic life. This is important because any skincare product you use will end up in the water system when washed off.
Beef tallow, when applied to skin will have the same cooking properties. This means that beef tallow will help to slowly cook your skin.
Research showed that tallow fat left an oily residue. This means if you have oily or acne-prone skin, beef tallow (being simply beef fat), can aggravate the symptoms. Beef tallow can block the pores on your skin causing more acne and blemishes.
To improve absorption of beef tallow into the skin chemicals are added. I do not know what chemicals they are and cannot guarantee that these chemicals are not toxic. This means that when buying skincare with beef tallow, you should look carefully at the ingredient list.
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To add to this, beef tallow as a skin care ingredient, is not regulated meaning there is no quality control. This also means that there is no way for you to tell whether you are buying a good quality product or not. This is very similar to CBD and the claims that CBD has lots of benefits for wellbeing.
In fact when I talk about natural skincare and haircare, the word "natural" is not regulated. This means that "natural" means a lot of different things to many different people.
To improve absorption of beef tallow into the skin chemicals are added. I do not know what chemicals they are and cannot guarantee that these chemicals are not toxic. This means that when buying skincare with beef tallow, you should look carefully at the ingredient list.
Other natural ingredients for healthy skin
Thankfully, the world of skincare is full of plant-based, eco-friendly ingredients that deliver results without compromising your values. There are ingredients for your skin, which have clear benefits. Here are some alternatives to beef tallow:
Shea Butter
Shea butter is a deeply nourishing moisturizer packed with fatty acids and vitamins. It’s perfect for dry or sensitive skin and is often ethically sourced from women’s cooperatives in Africa. Always check the packaging for an organic label.
Sustainability: Shea trees grow naturally in the wild, requiring no intensive farming.
Skin Benefits: Locks in moisture, soothes irritation, and promotes elasticity. Shea butter was and still is one of the most popular and safe skincare ingredients. You can find shea butter in most good face and body creams.
Glow from Within: Kefir Benefits for skin
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil is lightweight, non-greasy, and closely mimics the skin’s natural sebum. It’s a fantastic option for all skin types, especially oily or acne-prone.
Sustainability: Jojoba shrubs thrive in dry conditions, requiring little water.
Skin Benefits: Balances oil production, hydrates, and reduces inflammation.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a skincare classic for a reason. Its soothing, hydrating properties make it a go-to for calming irritated or sunburned skin.
Sustainability: Easy to grow at home or source organically.
Skin Benefits: Reduces redness, hydrates, and promotes healing.
Odylique Creamy Coconut Cleanser
Suitable for dry and sensitive skin, this coconut cleanser is gentle yet effective.
Coconut Oil
Rich in fatty acids, coconut oil provides deep hydration and helps maintain the skin’s natural barrier. However, it’s best suited for dry skin, as it can be comedogenic for some.
Sustainability: Look for fair-trade, organic options to ensure ethical sourcing.
Skin Benefits: Moisturizes, softens, and protects.
Odylique Prebiotic Rich Hydration Cream
Packed with plant derived collagen and nourishing raw shea butter this moisturiser is perfect for mature skin to smooth fine lines and wrinkles.
Rosehip Oil
Rosehip oil is a lightweight, nutrient-rich oil packed with vitamins and antioxidants. It’s perfect for brightening the skin and reducing fine lines.
Sustainability: Typically harvested from wild rose bushes.
Skin Benefits: Evens skin tone, boosts collagen, and fights free radicals. I regularly used rosehip oil either as a rich night moisturiser or a day cream when I feel my skin is dry. I don’t know if rosehip oil works well under makeup, but I don’t wear makeup so that helps. If you have dry skin then I think rosehip oils will work great.
I only buy organic rosehip oil because I try and avoid any chemicals in my skincare.
Hyaluronic Acid (Plant-Based)
For intense hydration, plant-based hyaluronic acid is a game-changer. It attracts and retains moisture, leaving your skin plump and dewy.
Sustainability: Derived from fermentation processes instead of animal sources.
Skin Benefits: Deep hydration and a smoother appearance.
Odylique Superfruit Concentrate
Full of antioxidant rosehip oil and inflammation reducing jojoba oil this popular serum is great for all skin types.
Conclusion: Is beef tallow for skin worth it?
Beef tallow might work for your skin, but it doesn’t work for the planet—or your cruelty-free, sustainable lifestyle. The good news? There are countless plant-based, natural ingredients that deliver the same benefits without compromising your values.
Ready to take your skincare game to the next level? Browse my collection of eco-friendly, cruelty-free moisturizers and serums—handpicked for women like you who care about their skin and the planet.
I am not convinced of any significant benefits of beef tallow for skin, especially raw beef tallow. The same way I am not looking to apply lard or butter on to my face. A lot more research needs to be done, and I’ll wait for that before I buy any skincare with beef tallow.
At the end of the day, you can try beef tallow and see if it works for you.
Personally, I will not be using beef tallow for my skin.
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Why trust The Clear Sky?
I am an educator and l am passionate about providing you with information about the beauty industry to empower you to make an informed choice when spending your money. I take time to research beauty products. I recommend beauty products that are non toxic, have natural ingredients and often plastic free.
With over a decade of personal experience using natural ingredients for skin, hair and body I also provide many beauty tips which are simple, innovative and sustainable.
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