Skin and Hair
Beef Tallow Skincare: Is Putting Animal Fat on Your Face a Good Idea?
Is beef tallow good for your skin? Tallow is fat from cows, melted down and whipped into a balm. It has become a popular "natural" skincare product, often tied to the same ancestral living trend as avoiding seed oils. Here is a fair look.
What supporters say online
Many people online say tallow:
- Is very moisturizing, especially for dry skin
- Is close to the skin's own oils, so it "belongs" on skin
- Has vitamins A, D, E, and K
- Is simple, with few ingredients
- Helped their eczema or rough patches
What dermatologists say
Cleveland Clinic says there is not enough research to support tallow in skincare. It does contain fatty acids that can moisturize and small amounts of vitamins, but it is not clear how well the skin absorbs them or if they help in a real way.
A dermatologist at MD Anderson called tallow a very strong moisturizer that could help people with super dry skin. But she said it can clog pores and cause acne, and it lacks ceramides, which help repair the skin barrier.
Scripps Health doctors say tallow may help very dry skin, but it is not a good choice for oily, acne prone, or sensitive skin, or for skin with rosacea. Many tallow products are made by small sellers and may not be tested for germs or for how long they stay fresh.
Positives
- Strong moisture. Can help very dry, rough areas.
- Few ingredients. Some people like the simple label.
Negatives
- Clogged pores and acne. This is the most common concern.
- Can irritate sensitive skin. It may worsen rosacea.
- Not well tested. Quality and safety vary by maker.
- May spoil. Pure tallow has no preservatives.
- Smell. Some people dislike it.
Bottom line
Tallow is a heavy moisturizer, not a miracle product. If you have dry body skin, it may be fine in small amounts. If you have acne, oily skin, or a skin condition, a fragrance free moisturizer is usually a better choice. Clear, calm skin looks good on camera, and The Face They See lets people of the opposite gender rank your photos for free.