We don’t always have the answers, but we have some people on speed dial who do — which is why we present to you our series FYI where we have experts explain if lip balm is actually bad, how often should you wash your hair and more.
Would you do anything for glowy, beautiful skin? Would you slather beef fat all over your face? The latest viral skin care trend has to do with using beef tallow — a.k.a. rendered cow fat — as a moisturizer.
But before you head to the grocery store — or slam your laptop shut in utter disgust — we decided to run this trend by dermatologists. Below, find out what they had to say about whether this trend is actually beneficial and how to try it if you so choose.
Related
Want more from NBC Select? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter.
What is beef tallow?
Before diving into whether or not beef tallow is a good skin care ingredient, it helps to know what it is. It’s the rendered or clarified fat of an animal — in this case, a cow, says Dr. Anna Chacon, a board-certified dermatologist in Miami, Florida. “Rendering animal fat makes it shelf stable and limits the growth of bacteria because the moisture is removed through evaporation.”
Removing the moisture turns the fat into a solid, almost the texture of wax, that emulsifies when it gets warmed up. Beef tallow is full of nutrients, too. “It contains fatty acids and vitamins, like A, D, E, and K,” says Dr. Alexandra Bowles, a board-certified dermatologist at MONA Dermatology in Cincinnati.
Why are people putting beef tallow on their skin?
You’re probably thinking, why would anyone put cow fat on their face? And while that is a logical thought, this practice may have some skin benefits. “Tallow is a natural substance, and because it contains ultra-hydrating lipids, it easily absorbs into the skin while creating a strong barrier to protect the outer layer of the skin,” says Chacon.
There may also be some benefits because it contains the same fatty acids your skin naturally has. “These fatty acids, like oleic acid, help lock moisture into your skin, keeping it hydrated,” says Bowles. “As mentioned, it also contains vitamins A and E, which can potentially help with skin regeneration, reducing scarring, and soothing irritated skin.”
What are the risks of putting beef tallow on your skin?
Now that you know the potential benefits of using beef tallow on your skin, it’s good to familiarize yourself with the possible downsides. Those with acne-prone skin may face the biggest issues if they use this fat. “Because tallow is an extremely thick, animal fat-derived moisturizer, it can be comedogenic — meaning it can clog pores,” says Chacon. “If someone has either acne-prone or oily skin, I would not recommend tallow as moisturizer.”
Those with allergies to animal proteins, specifically beef, should also think twice before using it. “No matter what, I always recommend patch-testing on a small area to see how your skin reacts,” says Bowles. “It’s also always a good idea to check in with your dermatologist first.”
Finally, using beef tallow may also be unsuitable for people with sensitive senses of smell. “Some may not enjoy the meaty scent,” says Chacon.
How to use beef tallow as skin care
Still want to try using beef tallow to hydrate your skin? First, make sure you pick a quality product. “I would do your research and seek out a brand that has good transparency on where they are sourcing their tallow,” says Chacon. “Be sure it’s a clean, grass-fed source.” She also notes that if ultra-moisturizing is your goal, you can find options that contain a blend of oils, such as jojoba, combined with tallow to achieve those hydration goals.
Once you have the beef tallow you want to use, it’s time to apply it. “Warm a small amount in your hands, then gently apply it to clean, slightly damp skin,” says Bowles. “You can use it as an overnight treatment, especially for dry or irritated areas.” If you find the tallow too thick, Bowles recommends mixing it with a lighter moisturizer to balance it out.
In terms of frequency, unless you have super dry skin, you should avoid using tallow every day. Start with once a week and see how that improves your skin. If you’re still noticing dryness, you can increase the frequency of usage from there.
What can you use to hydrate skin instead of beef tallow?
If you’re not feeling the beef tallow trend, there are several other ways to infuse a ton of hydration into your skin. If you want to go the natural route, Chacon suggests looking at plant-derived substitutes like coconut, argan or jojoba oil.
Or, look for a moisturizer or face oil formulated for dry skin. Often, these are packed with ingredients known for their hydrating and soothing capabilities — like hyaluronic acid, squalane and niacinamide. Below, we’ve listed a few of our favorites.
The best super hydrating moisturizers
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Anna Chacon is a board-certified dermatologist in Miami, Florida.
- Dr. Alexandra Bowles is board-certified dermatologist at MONA Dermatology in Cincinnati.
Why trust NBC Select?
Bethany Heitman is a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers beauty, home and lifestyle. For this story, she interviewed dermatologists about using beef tallow as skin care.
Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.
