Is Beef Tallow the Secret to Glowing Skin? What Dermatologists Really Think

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Would you do anything for glowy, beautiful skin? Would you slather beef fat all over your face? The latest viral skin care trend involves using beef tallow for skin — 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 — I ran this trend by dermatologists to see what they had to say about whether it's actually beneficial for skin and how to try it if you so choose.

What is beef tallow?

Here's the thing about beef tallow — it's not as scary as it sounds. Beef tallow is rendered or clarified animal fat — in this case, from 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."

Think of it this way: removing the moisture turns the fat into a solid, almost like the texture of wax, that melts beautifully when it gets warmed up. And here's where it gets interesting — beef tallow is packed with nutrients. "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's totally logical, this practice actually has some serious skin benefits that might surprise you.

"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.

But here's what really caught my attention: beef tallow contains the same fatty acids your skin naturally produces. "These fatty acids, like oleic acid, help lock moisture into your skin, keeping it hydrated," explains Bowles. "It also contains vitamins A and E, which can potentially help with skin regeneration, reducing scarring, and soothing irritated skin."

It's like giving your skin exactly what it's already familiar with — no wonder people are seeing such amazing results!

What are the risks of putting beef tallow on your skin?

Now, let's keep it real here. Those with extremely oily skin might want to think twice. It's always better to clean wipe the oily skin, dry it and then apply a beef tallow skin balm.

Also, if you're allergic to animal proteins, specifically beef, this trend definitely isn't for you. "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."

And let's be honest — using pure beef tallow might not be the best choice if you have a sensitive nose. "Some may not enjoy the meaty scent," admits Chacon. But professionally formulated skin balms made from beef tallow take care of this by combining it with ingredients like cocoa butter, olive oil and botanical extracts. This means no more meaty smell!

How to use beef tallow as skin care

Still curious about trying a beef tallow moisturizer? I don't blame you — the results people are sharing are pretty impressive. First things first: quality matters big time.

"I would do your research and seek out a brand that has good transparency on where they are sourcing their tallow," advises Chacon. "Be sure it's a clean, grass-fed source."

If you're looking for an ultra-moisturizing experience, she suggests finding products that blend nourishing oils with tallow to really amp up those hydration goals. Products like INSHA's Tallow Glow combine the power of grass-fed beef tallow with other carefully selected ingredients for that perfect balance of moisture and skin nutrition.

For those wanting full-body hydration, INSHA's BT Body Butter offers the same tallow benefits with cocoa butter for an indulgent, spa-like experience that melts into your skin.

Ready to apply? "Warm a small amount in your hands, then gently apply it to clean, slightly damp skin," suggests Bowles. "You can use it as an overnight treatment, especially for dry or irritated areas."

Pro tip: The beauty of formulated tallow products is that they're already at the perfect consistency — no mixing required!

Here's something important — unless you have super dry skin, you don't need to use tallow products every day. Start with a few times a week and see how your skin responds. If you're still dealing with dryness, you can gradually increase how often you use it.

What's better than plain beef tallow for skin?

Here's the thing — while pure beef tallow has benefits, formulated beef tallow products are game-changers. Instead of dealing with the strong smell and thick texture of plain tallow, products like INSHA's Tallow Glow offer:

• Grass-fed beef tallow for maximum nutrient content
• No overwhelming scent thanks to careful formulation
• Perfect consistency that absorbs beautifully
• Additional skin-loving ingredients for enhanced benefits

If you're looking for sun protection, INSHA's Expose Block combines beef tallow with zinc oxide for natural, chemical-free sun protection that nourishes while it protects.

What can you use to hydrate skin instead of beef tallow?

Look, I get it — beef tallow isn't for everyone. If you're not feeling this trend, there are tons of other ways to give your skin that deep hydration it's craving.

Want to stick with natural options? Chacon suggests looking at plant-derived alternatives like coconut, argan, or jojoba oil. These can give you similar moisturizing benefits without the, well, cow factor.

Or you could go for a moisturizer or face oil specifically formulated for dry skin. These are usually packed with ingredients that are total hydration heroes — think hyaluronic acid, squalane, and niacinamide.

The bottom line on beef tallow for skin

The best beef tallow for skin is one that's sourced from grass-fed cattle and professionally formulated for optimal benefits. Whether you're team beef tallow or prefer sticking with plant-based options, the most important thing is finding what works for your unique skin.

If you're curious about trying beef tallow, look for reputable brands that prioritize quality sourcing and thoughtful formulation. Products like INSHA's tallow-based skincare line offer all the benefits of this ancestral ingredient in modern, pleasant-to-use formulations.

And remember — when in doubt, always check with your dermatologist first. Your skin will thank you for it!