Beef Tallow: Should It Be Added To Your Skincare Routine?

Many have heard of the famous beef tallow on TikTok, with countless influencers promoting it as a must-have for clear skin. On social media, it is easy to fall for products we don’t know about, especially if a favorite influencer is endorsing it. Before you buy, VALLEY breaks down whether beef tallow is actually good or bad for your skin.

Beef tallow is derived from the fatty tissue of animals, typically cows, and is used in cooking, soap and skincare products. Rich in vitamins A, D, E and K, as well as fatty acids like oleic, palmitic, stearic and linoleic, it is valued in skincare for its ability to support the skin barrier and hydration. However, as processed cow fat, it raises questions about whether it is safe to apply to the face.

Daisy Jones, a Vogue web writer, tried using beef tallow for a week to see if it would improve her skin. Instead of achieving a glowy, clear complexion, she experienced breakouts, and her skin worsened. “The thing with any viral skincare trend is that a one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn’t exist,” Jones said. She emphasized that everyone has different skin types, which is why one product can’t be guaranteed to work for everyone.

Many of the people posting about beef tallow on TikTok are getting paid to do it, which can lead to biased claims about their benefits. According to Women’s Health Magazine, dermatologists’ studies show that using beef tallow irritates the skin and clogs pores, increasing the risk of photosensitivity.

While beef tallow has gained significant attention since the start of the year, dermatologists recommend exploring other alternatives better suited for your skin. Skincare is not one-size-fits-all, and what works for one person may not work for another. If you choose to try beef tallow, start with a patch test to see how your skin reacts before applying it more widely.

Ultimately, it comes down to whether you are willing to test it for yourself to see what works best for you. With so many other skincare products available, it’s worth considering safer alternatives backed by research to start with. Now that you are aware of both the benefits and controversies, you can decide whether to jump on this beef tallow trend or not.

Have you ever tried beef tallow? Let us know on X @VALLEYmag with your experience!