Beef tallow has recently surged in popularity within skincare circles, fueled by social media trends, clean beauty advocates, and a broader cultural movement toward simpler, more traditional remedies. Many patients – especially those navigating chronic skin concerns – are drawn to routines with fewer, more recognizable ingredients. This desire reflects a deeper need for autonomy, transparency, and informed consent around what they put on their skin. As interest grows among both patients and some practitioners, clinicians are increasingly being asked to weigh in. Understanding the current landscape – what’s known and what’s not – can help frame these conversations in a way that’s evidence-informed, respectful, and empowering.

Tallow, or rendered animal fat, contains a blend of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, with a lipid profile somewhat similar to human sebum.1 This composition lends it emollient and occlusive properties that may help soften skin and prevent transepidermal water loss in certain individuals.1 Additionally, tallow contains small amounts of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, and E, which, if rendered and stored properly, can offer mild antioxidant support.2 For patients with dry or barrier-compromised skin, especially those seeking alternatives to synthetic ingredients, these features may hold appeal. 

However, enthusiasm for beef tallow should be tempered by the limited scientific evidence available. Despite its growing popularity, tallow remains largely unsupported by clinical data. There are no randomized trials or peer-reviewed studies validating its effectiveness for common dermatologic concerns such as acne, eczema, or photoaging. Additionally, while some anecdotal sources suggest sun-protective qualities, no published research confirms its use as a sunscreen. Most references in the scientific literature are either outdated or minimal, leaving significant gaps in our understanding of its efficacy and safety in modern skincare.

Safety and consistency present additional challenges. Many tallow-based products are homemade or produced in small batches without preservatives, increasing the risk of microbial contamination or mold, especially when stored in warm or humid conditions. There is no universal standard for rendering or storage, so product purity and oxidative stability can vary widely.2 This means oxidation levels, nutrient preservation, and the potential presence of contaminants may differ significantly depending on how the fat is processed and where it’s sourced. As a result, it can be difficult for clinicians to assess product safety or predict how it may perform across different skin types, particularly in individuals with sensitivities or compromised barriers.

While beef tallow offers some skin-supportive properties, its composition is not without limitations. It lacks key moisturizing and reparative components, namely ceramides, cholesterol, and humectants, that play essential roles in maintaining and restoring the skin barrier. Although its occlusive qualities may benefit individuals with severely dry or compromised skin, its relatively high oleic acid content can aggravate inflammation or contribute to pore congestion, particularly in acne-prone or sensitive individuals. In contrast, plant-based oils rich in linoleic acid such as safflower, sunflower, black cumin seed, and borage oil, are often more appropriate for these skin types due to their anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, and barrier-repair properties.3 Ultimately, while tallow may be well-tolerated by some, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and clinicians can play a key role in helping patients determine whether it suits their unique skin needs and treatment goals.

For practitioners in integrative and conventional dermatology, the rise of beef tallow offers a chance to connect with patient values rather than dismiss them. Curiosity around tallow often stems from a desire for simplicity, transparency, and greater control over what goes on the skin. By approaching these conversations with openness, offering evidence-informed guidance, and recommending safer, better-studied alternatives when appropriate, clinicians can support patient autonomy while still upholding clinical integrity.

Key Takeaways on Beef Tallow in Skincare

Potential Benefits:

• Contains saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, with a lipid profile somewhat similar to human sebum.1
• Offers emollient and occlusive properties that may help soften skin and reduce transepidermal water loss.1
• May be appealing to individuals with dry or barrier-compromised skin (eg, eczema).
• Naturally includes small amounts of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and E, which could offer mild antioxidant support if properly rendered and stored.2
• Aligns with patient interest in simple, recognizable ingredients and autonomy in personal care choices.

Considerations and Limitations:

• Limited scientific evidence and clinical trials supporting efficacy and safety for skin conditions or as a sunscreen.
• Safety concerns related to variable rendering and storage processes, which can increase the risk of microbial overgrowth, spoilage, and environmental contamination.2 
• Lacks key moisturizing components such as humectants, ceramides, and cholesterol, which are important for comprehensive skin barrier repair.
• Occlusive and relatively high in oleic acid, which may not be ideal for acne-prone or sensitive skin, potentially exacerbating inflammation or clogging pores.

1. 1. Russell MF, Sandhu M, Vail M, Haran C, Batool U, Leo J. Tallow, Rendered Animal Fat, and Its Biocompatibility With Skin: A Scoping Review. Cureus. 16(5):e60981. doi:10.7759/cureus.60981
   2. Limmatvapirat C, Limmatvapirat S, Krongrawa W, et al. Beef tallow: Extraction, physicochemical property, fatty acid composition, antioxidant activity, and formulation of lotion bars. J App Pharm Sci. 2021;11,(9):018-028. doi:10.7324/JAPS.2021.110903
   3. Wang X, Jia Y, He H. The Role of Linoleic Acid in Skin and Hair Health: A Review. Int J Mol Sci. 2024;26(1):246. doi:10.3390/ijms26010246