Unlock the Power of Beef Tallow for Your Skin

People will go to great lengths for dewy skin, but this viral beauty trend stretches the limits of how far we’ll go on the quest to achieve it, like turning to an unlikely source for hydration. From lip balms to moisturizers — and even french fries! But more on that later — beef fat is the latest super ingredient skincare enthusiasts and influencers can’t stop raving about. Unlike modern synthetic ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, this trend is a return to some of the oldest remedies in beauty history: animal-based skin treatments. 

Ancient cultures were known for using animal byproducts like milk, eggs, and rendered beef, known as beef tallow, to hydrate and protect their skin. Animal fat in particular is one of the oldest emollients humans have consistently turned to. Cleopatra, who one could consider the "OG skinfluencer", is rumored to have used it in her luxury treatments. Continue reading for a breakdown of the numerous benefits of beef tallow and how to best incorporate it into your routine. 

What is beef tallow?

Beef tallow is fat rendered from bovine meat by slowly evaporating it until it's purified. Although the name brings immediate culinary connotations, it has many uses outside of being McDonald’s old secret for savory french fries — the famous chain once swore by it until switching over to vegetable oil in an attempt to reduce saturated fats. Although excessive saturated fats aren’t ideal for a well-rounded diet, they are still beneficial to our bodies, especially topically. In fact, ancient Egyptians used beef tallow to protect their skin from the harsh African climate while Europeans in the Middle Ages used it to nourish their skin during cold winters and Babylonians and Mesopotamians used it for its anti-inflammatory properties in salves. After a slight decline in use due to synthetic ingredients growing in popularity, beef tallow is experiencing a resurgence through TikTok trends boasting its numerous benefits. 

What are the benefits?

Because of its fatty nature, tallow balms are great for hydration, gaining praise from beauty influencers like Hannah Bronfman. “The way my skin loves this product is just a fact,” Bronfman told Refinery 29. “My skin soaks it right up, it had great slip for when I want to use a gua sha tool or cupping after, and I never had any breakouts while using it.” 

While this is just one person’s testimony, beef fat has proven hydrating properties, mainly due to the similarity in composition to our skin barrier. Our bodies need fatty acids, cholesterol, and other lipids for optimal skin health, but we can only produce so much on our own so using topical treatments rich in fatty acids like oleic, palmitic, and linoleic acid helps support the skin barrier. Other benefits include:

• Promotes a healthier, youthful appearance
• Smooths and softens skin
• Reinforces the skin barrier, making it less permeable 
• Anti-inflammatory properties
• Contains a full spectrum of antioxidants and fat-soluble vitamins 

Is it safe to use topically? 

As skin care products with natural ingredients continue to grow in popularity, beef tallow is an excellent topical treatment. It’s safe to use topically for most skin types, dermatologists warn people with excessively oily or sensitive skin to use it in moderation as it may play a role in clogging pores as it is highly comedogenic. 

Does beef tallow help with eczema and dry skin?

While people with oily skin may seek other treatments, beef tallow is excellent for dry skin. However, there is insufficient research proving its benefits for eczema, but there is some evidence of anti-inflammatory properties that could help the condition, and emollients in general can aid symptoms. There is one study linking beef tallow’s benefits to soothing dermatitis and psoriasis, but more research is still necessary. Patients with any dermatological condition should speak to their doctor before using new skin products. 

Do rendered beef products smell?

Since tallow is an animal byproduct, there is a distinct smell to many of the balms and salves and it isn’t fragrance-free. Many report it having a mild smell and some reviews state that since our skin absorbs it so fast, the scent dissipates quickly. Those worried about the smell may opt for products that contain essential oils or other scented ingredients. 

What are the best products to get started with? How often should I use beef tallow skincare products?

Most products can be used daily, or at least multiple times a week to experience optimal results. The most popular products for newbies include tallow lip balm and body butter. Barrett Recovery’s lip balm is great for everyday use, providing long-lasting hydration and care for even the most dry, chapped lips. Along with beef tallow, the balm includes a blend of other natural ingredients like cocoa butter, olive oil, vitamin, and shea butter for deep skin healing, making it a great option for jumping on the benefits of animal-based skin care.

The Final Verdict

As skincare trends come and go, the resurgence of beef tallow proves that sometimes the best beauty secrets are the ones rooted in history. With its ability to deeply nourish, reinforce the skin barrier, and provide essential nutrients, it's no surprise that this age-old ingredient is making a comeback.

Whether you're looking to hydrate dry skin, soothe inflammation, or simply explore a more natural approach to skincare, beef tallow is a powerhouse ingredient worth considering. So, if you’re ready to embrace a centuries-old beauty ritual, don’t be afraid to give this time-tested remedy a try—your skin just might thank you.