There’s no denying that beef tallow—rendered, purified fat—is having a serious moment, particularly as a moisturizer. #beeftallow has garnered more than 131,000 videos on TikTok, as well as the endorsement of several content creators, like Nara Smith. So what’s the deal? And is it actually good for your skin?

I spoke to a dermatologist and sought out a firsthand account of its impact on your skin by someone well-versed on the topic: Ebey Sorenson, a 37-year-old apartment homesteader and mom of three boys, ages 7 to 11. Based in San Diego, Sorenson documents life in her kitchen and the community garden on her Instagram, and runs an online shop showcasing her creations. She’s been whipping up homemade tallow moisturizer for two years now, and below, she recounts her experience. I’ve offered both perspectives, backed up by research I’ve found, to give you a well-rounded picture of the trend.

Ebey Sorenson, as told to Marissa Wu

I first discovered beef tallow when I started following multiple homesteading accounts on Instagram. There were a few content creators who made their own skincare products, and beef tallow was one of those items that people seemed to rave about.

I was intrigued because I was approaching my late thirties and started noticing way more fine lines on my eyes, forehead and smile area. I kept hearing about how great tallow is for different skin conditions and for reducing fine lines naturally. I’m the type of person who eats organic, cooks most of our food from scratch and am very thoughtful about the ingredients I use on my body. I’m not the type of person who would start doing fillers and Botox as I age, but I did want a little leg up to slow down the aging process my skin was going through. I decided to jump on board, and I purchased my first face tallow from a homesteader in Idaho in June of 2023.

The Results, Pros and Cons

I started using the face tallow I purchased once a day, and it definitely nourished my skin. Unfortunately, it did feel like I was slathering stinky beef fat on my face that was quite greasy.

After I purchased my first face tallow, I learned that it was not grass-fed. (Editor’s note: According to the Mayo Clinic, grass-fed beef tallow has a better nutrient profile, but there’s little regulation/official oversight and recommendations as to whether grass- or grain- fed beef is better.)

I wasn't completely satisfied with my experience, so I started doing some research. Sadly, most of the brands that were selling products [I was interested in] were way out of my price range. I decided to purchase all the ingredients I would need to make an elevated face tallow myself, and I sold the extra jars I made on Instagram for a price that seemed fair and would cover my costs.

A Foray into Homemade Tallow Moisturizer

Since using my homemade tallow, my skin feels silky smooth, I have slightly less visible fine lines and less pore congestion. My friend Deanna exclusively used my face tallow on her face scar. She started using it within two weeks of the injury, once the blood had cleared, and started noticing a difference after about four weeks. In total, it took her scar about four months to heal.

The face tallow that I make contains grass-fed beef tallow, organic olive oil infused with calendula I grow in a community garden, beeswax to lock in moisture, essential oils that support fine line reduction and give my product a pleasant smell. I find it an affordable skin care option, as a 2-ounce jar lasts about three months. My husband uses it on his hands because they are super dry. I usually have a hard time finding my jar because he’s taken it!

Dr. Dara Spearman, board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Radiant Dermatology, as told to Marissa Wu

As with other natural skincare products, beef tallow has risen to cult-like status. Originally popular in natural and ancestral health communities, now secondary to social media marketing and influencers, it has become more mainstream. Scientific literature for the use of tallow in skin is limited, although some properties of tallow indicate its usefulness in skincare.

I don’t tend to recommend the use of tallow, as we have plenty of other moisturizers available, both plant-based and synthetic, that are safe and achieve the goal of improving skin barrier and hydration.

However, it would likely be best for someone with dry, dehydrated or mature skin, those living in dry or cold climates as well as those who are avoiding synthetic chemicals or preservatives. (Editor’s Note: Dr. Spearman also notes that tallow is moderately comedogenic and can exacerbate acne, which is worth considering before trying it. For those concerned about whether this affects heart health, she explains that tallow is composed of triglycerides and fatty acid, which aren’t absorbed but rather stay on the skin’s surface.)

Since there are no regulations governing how or where tallow is sourced, the risk of contamination is concerning. With so many other moisturizers available, the potential benefits of compatibility don’t justify the risks, in my opinion.

Beef tallow is undeniably buzzy, but before diving in, do your research. While, as Sorenson proves, not everyone will be sensitive, it can clog pores. There’s also not a ton of scientific literature on the subject, though the Mayo Clinic does report that beef tallow has a similar composition to natural oils produced by the skin. It has anti-inflammatory, moisture-locking capabilities that may help with skin elasticity. Ultimately, should you try it, heed by every beauty editors’ golden rule: Patch test first.

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