Beef tallow skincare: does the moisturizer trend work?

Beef tallow is rendered (melted and strained) beef fat. It went viral as an "old-fashioned" moisturizer. It is a thick, greasy fat that can soften dry skin, but there is little research on it, and it is not right for everyone.

Quick answer: Beef tallow is a heavy fat that can seal moisture into skin, as other thick balms do. Cleveland Clinic says there is not enough research to support using it on skin, and that the risks may outweigh the benefits. It can clog pores, spoil, and homemade versions can carry germs. Petrolatum and moisturizers made for dry skin are better studied and cheaper.

What is beef tallow?

Tallow is fat from cattle, heated to separate it from other tissue. It is solid at room temperature and is made mostly of fats. It has been used for cooking, candles and soap for a long time. In skincare it is sold as a plain balm or mixed with other ingredients, and some people make it at home.

Why did it go viral?

Social media posts describe tallow as "natural" and say it "matches" the fats in your skin. That sounds convincing, but it is not supported by good evidence. Your skin barrier, the outer layer that keeps water in and irritants out, contains ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids in a balance. A moisturizer made with ceramides is designed to supply that mix. Tallow is not designed for that job.

What does the evidence say?

Cleveland Clinic's article on beef tallow for skin says there is not enough research to support putting beef tallow on your skin, and that the risks may be greater than any potential reward. It also points out that tallow is unregulated, and that pure tallow has no preservatives, so it can spoil sooner than standard moisturizers. It suggests talking to a dermatologist before trying it.

Searches for this article found no clinical trials that compare tallow with ordinary moisturizers. That means any benefit is likely the same one you would get from any thick fat: it works like an occlusive.

What can it actually do?

An occlusive is a thick layer that sits on top of skin and slows water from escaping. Petrolatum, shea butter and other balms do this. Tallow probably works in a similar way. So on very dry, rough patches of the body, it may make skin feel softer. That does not make it better than other options, and nothing shows it repairs the skin barrier or improves skin in other ways.

Downsides to know about

If you are prone to breakouts, a thick fat is a poor match. See breakouts and acne-prone skin.

Better-studied alternatives

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says ointments and creams add more moisture than lotions. It suggests looking for moisturizers with ingredients such as jojoba oil, dimethicone, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, lanolin, mineral oil, petrolatum or shea butter. Here is how they fit:

• Petrolatum: a plain, widely used occlusive, good for the driest patches.
• Ceramide moisturizers: designed to support the skin barrier, which can suit dry or sensitive skin.
• Glycerin and hyaluronic acid: humectants, which pull water into the top layer of skin.
• Squalane: a light, oil-like ingredient for people who want a lighter feel.

The NHS describes ointments as the best choice for very dry, thickened skin, and creams as lighter for daytime. Browse moisturizers and body lotions for more choices. For fragrance, the AAD advises choosing products labeled "fragrance-free," because "unscented" products can still contain ingredients that hide odors.

If you still want to try tallow

• Choose carefully. Look for a product with a clear expiry date and a preservative, and one without added fragrance or essential oils.
• Patch test first. Put a small amount on your inner arm for a few days before using it more widely.
• Start on the body. Use it on dry areas such as elbows or heels, not on the face, and not on acne-prone skin.
• Skip broken or inflamed skin, including eczema flares.
• Store it in a cool, dark place and throw it away if the smell changes.
• Stop if you notice burning, stinging, new bumps or a rash.

How to moisturize skin well

According to the AAD, apply moisturizer when your skin is still damp after a bath or shower and after washing your hands, and whenever skin feels dry. Do this several times a day if needed. These habits matter more than which fat is in the jar. For more on this, see dry body skin and very dry, itchy, eczema-prone skin.

When to see a dermatologist

• Dry, cracked or itchy skin that does not improve after trying a gentle moisturizer routine. The AAD says dry skin can be a sign of conditions such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis or kidney disease.
• A product that burns, stings or irritates your skin. The NHS says to speak to a GP, nurse or pharmacist if burning or stinging from a moisturizer does not settle after a few days, or if you get blocked or inflamed hair follicles or a facial rash that worsens acne.
• New bumps, blocked pores or worse breakouts after using a thick fat or balm.
• Cracks that bleed, look infected, or feel hot and swollen.

FAQ

Is tallow good for eczema?

There is no good evidence that it is. Eczema needs proper care, and a fragrance-free moisturizer for very dry skin is a safer starting point. Talk to a doctor or dermatologist.

Is tallow safe to use on the face?

It can clog pores in some people, so it is a risky choice if you get breakouts. If you want to try it, patch test first.

Does grass-fed tallow matter?

No studies show that it makes a difference for skin. The bigger questions are freshness and how clean the product is.

Can tallow go bad?

Yes. Cleveland Clinic notes that pure tallow without preservatives can spoil more quickly than standard moisturizers. Throw it away if it smells off.

Sources

• Beef tallow for skin (Cleveland Clinic)
• Dermatologists' tips to relieve dry skin (American Academy of Dermatology)
• Emollients (NHS)