Search
Close this search box.

Sign in/Register

What Is The Beef Tallow Skincare Trend and Does It Work?

By Cover Media via Reuters

What Is The Beef Tallow Skincare Trend and Does It Work?
Beef tallow may be gentle on the skin but it could also clog your pores.

Skincare trends are constantly circulating on TikTok, but they aren’t always credible.

In recent weeks, TikTok has been flooded with videos of people adding beef tallow or beef fat to their skincare routines in the hope that it will improve the health of their skin.

Kimberley Medd, Head of Clinic at Face The Future, has revealed whether this trend actually works.

“TikTok may have cottoned onto beef tallow, a type of rendered fat primarily from cows, but it has been traditionally used in skincare for centuries, particularly in cultures that value natural, animal-derived ingredients,” Kimberley says.

The skin expert goes on to explain that beef tallow is “rich in fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K”, which are thought to nourish the skin and support its barrier function.

She continues, “Because tallow is high in fatty acids, it mimics the natural lipids found in human skin, making it easily absorbable and hydrating, especially for people with very dry skin.”

Tallow also tends to be gentle on the skin, which may be why more and more people are jumping on the trend.

However, Kimberley warns that there is no concrete evidence to suggest that tallow will improve your skin health.

“Despite its traditional use, beef tallow is not well-studied in scientific skincare research, and it lacks concrete evidence to confirm its long-term efficacy or safety for skin improvement,” she states.

“Tallow’s primary benefits are hydration and mild nourishment, but it doesn’t offer targeted, proven treatment for common skin concerns like ageing, acne, or uneven texture.”

In addition, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, tallow may clog your pores, as animal fats can be particularly rich.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE

Print Recipe

BECOME A MiNDFOOD SUBSCRIBER TODAY

Let us keep you up to date with our weekly MiNDFOOD e-newsletters which include the weekly menu plan, health and news updates or tempt your taste buds with the MiNDFOOD Daily Recipe.