Beef tallow, the rendered fat from beef, is currently gaining popularity as a skin care product. Social media users commend its moisturizing properties and ability to strengthen the skin barrier. However, there may also be risks, like clogged pores and irritation.

Beef tallow comes from the fatty tissue surrounding cows’ organs. It is solid, white, or yellow at room temperature and is heated and clarified to remove impurities. People use it in cooking, skin care, candles, soaps, cleaning, and lubricants.

Beef tallow was previously a popular animal fat for frying food, but its high saturated fat content meant it was replaced with seed oils such as canola, corn, and sunflower.

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Beef tallow is a naturally derived solid fat from animals such as cows. It has recently become popular as a viral skin care trend, but it has long been a popular ingredient in cooking, soaps, and biofuel products.

Beef tallow is rich in triglycerides, which the body uses for energy when necessary, and stored in fat cells and vitamins. These include:

Many of these fats and essential vitamins are found in skin care products, such as shea butter, and have beneficial effects on the skin.

The body uses fats to provide the skin with all the necessary nutrients and building blocks for cells, supporting a healthy skin barrier and moisturizing it. Fatty compounds, or lipids, are essential for a healthy skin barrier.

People should aim to provide their skin with fatty compounds since the body only produces a finite amount, which is why many think beef tallow is a beneficial skin care addition.

A 2024 study using tallow alongside carrier oils such as pumpkin and walnut found that it could benefit the skin by acting as a vehicle for bringing other medications into the skin barrier and beyond. However, always use a patch test to test any oils on the skin in case of an allergic reaction.

Other ways the study found tallow worked for skin included:

  • providing moisturizing benefits
  • increasing skin hydration
  • working as a disinfectant
MEDICAL PERSPECTIVE

“Beef tallow may exacerbate acne as it is comedogenic, which means it can block pores and cause acne. There is a lack of scientific evidence and concern for causing contact irritation as well.

I always recommend discussing skin care advice with your dermatologist before trying anything new, especially when coming from nonexperts.”

— Amanda Caldwell, MSN, APRN-C

Quotes represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

Beef tallow is made by cooking or simmering beef fat, or the fatty tissue surrounding cows’ organs, over a low temperature.

Once finished cooking, it is strained through a filter to remove any solids and allowed to cool and solidify. Many skin care companies add beef tallow to products with other natural ingredients, making it into creams, balms, and soaps.

The same 2024 study as above found that beef tallow had various benefits for the skin, including moisturizing, hydrating, and anti-microbial properties, meaning it could prevent bacteria from damaging skin.

The study involved 78 participants who used a topical emulsion with tallow as the main ingredient. The emulsion was found to help particular skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, which both benefit significantly from moisturizing.

The composition also closely resembles human skin, with some claiming it may improve its elasticity.

However, further research on the benefits of beef tallow for skin is limited. The FDA does not regulate beef tallow as a skin care product.

The effects of using beef tallow as skin care is limited, and most evidence is anecdotal. Some possible risk factors of beef tallow could include:

  • clogging pores
  • irritation
  • damaging acne-prone skin
  • sensitizing the skin

Some people may be drawn to beef tallow for skin because it is claimed to be an “all-natural,” unprocessed product.

It is important to use FDA-regulated skin care products to avoid damaging the skin barrier or further skin-related issues. Always speak with a doctor or dermatologist before trying something on the skin for which there is little scientific evidence of the benefits and risks.

Many people can find beef tallow skin care products in shops or online. They also may attempt to use their beef tallow by rendering fat.

Be sure to use a pea-sized amount on the skin to test it for any reactions beforehand.

Beef tallow comes from the rendered fat of cows, which is heated and clarified. Some recent studies claim it has moisturizing and hydrating properties and has also gained popularity as an all-natural remedy for skin care.

However, there is not enough scientific research on the benefits and risks of using beef tallow on the skin. It may cause issues such as clogging pores and irritation. Always consult a doctor or dermatologist before trying beef tallow on the skin.