Beef Tallow, Yes or No?
- Genelle Holub
- Jun 12
- 6 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
In recent years, beef tallow has become a hot topic in the skincare community. I've had a few people ask me about it so I did some digging and what I found may surprise you. Some might argue it’s a natural and trendy option for moisturizing, but estheticians often advise against its use. This blog post will explore why beef tallow may not be the best choice for your skincare routine, despite its popularity. Read on to find out what I uncovered.
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The Rise of Beef Tallow in Skincare
Beef tallow is rendered fat derived from cattle, and it’s been used for centuries in cooking and skincare. I personally will not use it for cooking or on my skin because I cannot stand the thought of using anyone's fat on my skin or inside my body. Recently, it has gained traction as a "natural" alternative to conventional moisturizers. Many people are attracted by the idea of using simple, whole-food ingredients on their skin. It resonates with the clean beauty movement, leading to a romanticized view of beef tallow as a skin-perfecting panacea. But is it really that romantic?
However, while it may seem appealing to use something sourced from nature, the efficacy of beef tallow in skincare remains questionable. In a world increasingly focused on science-backed solutions, relying solely on a trend can lead to quality disappointment—especially when it comes to our skin.
What An Esthetician Knows
As Estheticians are skincare professionals trained to provide advice and treatments that promote healthy skin. Find one of knowledge that is based on scientific principles and a deep understanding of skin biology. My education is from scientific principles based on years of experience on your skin and working side by side with chemists developing products. When estheticians are asked about beef tallow, many express concerns about its lack of essential ingredients required for effective skincare.
One of the primary reasons estheticians may not recommend beef tallow is its inability to penetrate the skin as effectively as ingredients like pumpkin seed oil and linoleic acid. Find the research here: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11193910/#sec3 read it's conclusion to understand the findings.
While it does contain fatty acids and some vitamins, these components do not necessarily reach the deeper layers of the skin where some of the most significant benefits occur. It is found in many studies that plant based products offer better penetration than beef tallow. Beef tallow is effective on the upper layers of the skin to coat the skin but not really providing anything beyond that. Studies have found it is not reef safe and detrimental to the environment and is obviously not vegan.
The skin has a complex barrier, and for any product to be effective, it must possess certain characteristics that allow it to permeate this barrier. Carrier oils "carry" ingredients into the deeper layers of the skin so all ingredients together can do their job while penetrating the deeper layers of the skin. Beef tallow isn't anywhere near this quality.
The “All-Natural” Fallacy
Beef tallow may carry the label of "all-natural," but it’s essential to remember that not all natural products are created equal. Just because a product is derived from animal fat does not mean it will provide the moisturization and care your skin needs.
When using products on your skin, you want to ensure that they are not only natural but also effective while not having side effects or hurt our environment. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, vitamins and antioxidants found in professional-grade products are scientifically formulated to penetrate and work harmoniously with your skin and all the skin mechanisms. These ingredients are designed for high performance and can provide hydration, help us ageless, and improve overall skin texture. They do many things!
While the allure of beef tallow lies in its natural origin, it's crucial to evaluate if it meets the actual needs of your skin. The effectiveness of a product should not be compromised for the sake of simplicity or trendiness.
Balancing Act: Ingredients Matter
The importance of well-balanced formulations cannot be overstated. Skincare products that include a combination of different ingredients are generally more effective than those that primarily focus on one ingredient from a simple, single source. Beef tallow lacks the variety of ingredients needed for skin health and rejuvenation. And do you know where it was made? Keep reading to find out.
For example, many effective moisturizers contain a mix of humectants, emollients, and occlusives—all of which help lock in moisture but serve distinct functions. A humectant like glycerin attracts water from the environment into your skin, while an occlusive agent like petrolatum seals that moisture in. Beef tallow does not offer this variety; it's predominantly an occlusive agent and lacks the functionality of more comprehensive skincare formulations.
Skin Types and Beef Tallow
Another consideration is skin type. Different skin types require different care. For oily or acne-prone skin, beef tallow can be a problematic choice. The heavy nature of tallow can clog pores, leading to breakouts and further irritation. People with dry skin may benefit from its occlusive properties but would still be better off using products designed specifically for their skin type.
It's high saturation of saturated fats might not be ideal for all skin types and could disrupt the skin's natural pH balance, potentially irritating the skin barrier. Below is what was found:
"The fourth objective was to analyze the side effects of tallow. This objective resulted in the largest number of discrepancies between papers. Some papers argued that tallow resulted in no irritation to the skin and eyes, others reported that it causes severe irritation, and some only classified either the skin or eyes as having a reaction." https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11193910/#sec3
Additionally, those who are sensitive may react poorly to animal fats due to allergies or intolerances. Estheticians often assess individual skin needs before recommending a product, ensuring personalized care. This tailored approach is far more beneficial than a one-size-fits-all solution like beef tallow. If you see a Certified Nutrition Esthetician they are likely to rattle off why animal fats aren't the best choice for your skin or gut health.
The Science-Backed Approach
For beef tallow, there is a lack of scientific evidence. When it comes to skincare, science beside nature should always come first. Many manufacturers invest significantly in research to develop effective, skin-friendly products that have undergone clinical testing. These products are often formulated with the right ratios of active ingredients to ensure they deliver results.
While anecdotal evidence and historical use support its use, according to dermatologists, there's a limited amount of robust scientific studies demonstrating its effectiveness for skin health according to dermatologists.
For example, hyaluronic acid is known for its incredible ability to hold moisture and promote elasticity in the skin. Similarly, retinoids are backed by scientific evidence demonstrating their effectiveness in reducing fine lines and promoting cell turnover. These products provide proven benefits that beef tallow cannot claim.
At Face It Skin, each ingredient is pre-tested for effectiveness and carefully combined with other ingredients to ensure maximum penetration for optimal skin matrix results. Beef tallow is not an ingredient we would use.
Beef tallow may have a place in traditional practices, it is not a sustainable or scientifically-backed skincare solution. Professional-grade products with balanced formulations are always a better option when aiming for healthy, radiant skin.
By making educated decisions about what to put on your skin, you can pave the way for a healthier, more effective skincare routine. Remember, just because something is trendy does not mean it’s right for you. Always consult a professional and prioritize science-based solutions.
Prioritizing Healthy Skin Choices
Ultimately, the key to maintaining healthy skin lies in understanding its unique needs and choosing products that meet those needs effectively. While beef tallow may be gaining recognition in some circles, it’s essential to take a step back and evaluate its actual benefits— or lack thereof.
Where Does It Come From?
Several clients have shown me their jars (they all look alike), so I did some research by asking my manufacturer and following their lead, looking up the brand and tracing it from there. It is fat found underneath the skin and near the organs of a ruminant animal—typically a cow. This is not cruelty-free or vegan. In one jar a client brought to me, I found it is mass-produced in China without labels, then it is shipped to the US for a person/business to slap a label on the processed fat content.
When exploring skincare options, consider resources that put science, quality and efficacy for your skin first. Experienced Estheticians can guide you through the myriad of options available, ensuring that you find the perfect products tailored to your individual skin concerns. Whether that means potent serums, customized moisturizers, or effective exfoliants, the right choices can make all the difference.
In conclusion be mindful of trends and take the time to investigate what's behind skincare products before you give in to the latest fad. Your skin deserves better than a questionable trend; it deserves products that are effective, balanced, and scientifically formulated and tested.
Genelle Holub
Makeup Artist, Certified Nutrition Esthetician
Founder of Face It Skin
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