Unlock the Power of Beef Tallow for Your Skin
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Time to read 7 min
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.
Additional Beef Tallow Benefits For Your Skin
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
Beef Tallow For Pregnant Women
Influencer and Hulu reality TV star Mikayla Matthews, recently used the Barrett Recovery beef tallow body balm in one of her videos after her most recent pregnancy in the hospital. Beef tallow is a great alternative to other moisturizers that have additives and fillers that could be potentially harmful during pregnancy. Its important to look at the ingredients when choosing your beef tallow products.
Here’s why it’s beneficial:
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Deep Moisturization:
Beef tallow is made up of fatty acids that closely resemble the oils our skin naturally produces. This allows it to absorb easily and provide deep, lasting hydration, helping prevent dryness, itching, and tightness that often come with stretching skin during pregnancy. -
Supports Skin Elasticity:
It’s rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K — all essential for maintaining skin strength and elasticity. These nutrients help the skin stay supple, which may reduce the appearance of stretch marks and support healthy repair as the belly grows. -
Non-toxic & Natural:
Unlike many commercial lotions that contain synthetic fragrances or preservatives, pure beef tallow is 100% natural. That makes it a gentle, low-risk choice for pregnant moms who want to avoid unnecessary chemicals while keeping their skin nourished. -
Soothes Irritated Skin:
The natural anti-inflammatory properties of tallow can calm sensitive or itchy areas, which are common during pregnancy as the skin stretches and hormones fluctuate.
In short, beef tallow acts like food for your skin, providing the same kind of nutrient-dense nourishment you’d look for in your diet during pregnancy, but applied topically.
@mikaylamatthews The first shower after giving birth is magical hahahah🙏🏼✨🧼 but I seriously can’t believe she’s here, I AM SO HAPPY🥲 #mom #pregnant #postpartum #laboranddelivery #gurwm ♬ Simply The Best - Billianne
How to apply your beef tallow body butter
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Start with clean, dry skin.
For best results, apply after a shower or bath when your skin is clean and slightly warm — this helps lock in moisture and allows the butter to absorb more effectively. -
Scoop out a small amount.
A little goes a long way! Use clean, dry fingers or a small spatula to take out a small amount of balm from the jar. -
Warm it between your hands.
Rub your palms together to melt the balm into a smooth, silky oil. This activates the natural fats and makes it easier to spread evenly over the skin. -
Massage gently into the skin.
Apply using circular motions, focusing on dry areas like elbows, knees, and heels. For expecting moms, gently massage over the belly, hips, and thighs to support elasticity and hydration. -
Let it absorb before dressing.
Give the butter a few minutes to soak in fully. The result is deeply nourished, soft, and supple skin that feels hydrated all day.
FAQ's About Beef Tallow
Is beef tallow 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 beef tallow products to start with?
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.
How often should I use beef tallow on my skin?
Most products can be used daily, or at least multiple times a week to experience optimal results.
How should I apply the beef tallow body butter?
Apply a small amount to your hands and warm up the balm. This will allow it get a thin creamy consistency. The, gently massage it in where needed. A little goes a long way! It can be used daily on the body, hands, feet, and even as a belly balm during pregnancy for deep hydration and nourishment.
Can I use beef tallow body butter on my face?
Yes, you can, especially if your skin tends to be dry or sensitive. Apply a very small amount, as a little goes a long way. It’s great as a nighttime moisturizer or spot treatment for dry patches.
Is beef tallow body butter eco-friendly?
Yes! Beef tallow is a natural byproduct that helps reduce waste from the food industry. When sourced from grass-fed, sustainably raised cattle, it’s a renewable, biodegradable ingredient that aligns with eco-conscious and zero-waste lifestyles.
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.
