Whether you’re following TikTok trends or ancient traditions, beef tallow for skin is making a comeback in clean beauty. This time-tested, nutrient-dense moisturizer has the power to nourish and protect like few other ingredients can.
Its composition mirrors the natural oils produced by the skin, making it ideal for repairing and improving skin barrier health. Plus, it contains a wealth of fat-soluble vitamins and antioxidants. Visit https://hillviewtallow.com/ for more details.
1. Rich in Fatty Acids
In a skincare world that has grown obsessed with synthetic ingredients, it is refreshing to find products that are free of toxins. And while many clean beauty brands have jumped on the plant-based bandwagon, the ancient ingredient of beef tallow is making a comeback. The nutrient-dense moisturizer is a favorite of those who want to support ancestral lifestyles, return to natural remedies and avoid harsh chemicals.
But what makes tallow so special? The rich, saturated fat closely mirrors human sebum and deeply hydrates skin. Its lipid profile also supports the healthy skin barrier, which helps maintain a strong, blemish-free complexion. It’s full of antioxidants and fat-soluble vitamins that help keep skin smooth and supple.
It is also known to reduce inflammation and promote cell regeneration. This may explain why it has been used by those suffering from acne, eczema, psoriasis and other skin conditions. While it’s still not recommended to replace prescribed treatments, the ingredient can be a great addition to a skin care routine.
While the benefits of tallow are impressive, it hasn’t been widely studied in clinical trials. Some dermatologists have concerns about its greasy texture, potential for clogged pores in acne-prone skin and inconsistent quality across DIY and boutique product lines. But Bort says she would encourage patients to try the ingredient and see if it is beneficial for their individual needs.
Tallow is derived from cows’ fatty tissue. It is rendered over a low temperature and then mixed with other natural ingredients to create products such as creams, balms, soaps and more. It is often used in combination with oils such as coconut oil and shea butter for maximum benefit to the skin.
Using a warm, soft cloth, massage the product onto clean, slightly damp skin until fully absorbed. Bowles recommends starting with one application per week to get a feel for how your skin responds and increasing it from there.
Using a tallow-based body oil or lotion is an effective way to hydrate dry skin and protect against the sun. It can be rubbed on the hands or feet, and it’s particularly helpful in areas with drier patches of skin such as elbows or knees.
2. Soothes Irritated Skin
As a natural skin care ingredient, tallow is soothing and helps repair the outer layer of the skin. This layer acts as a barrier against harmful substances, including harsh soaps, the environment, and skin conditions like psoriasis. When the barrier is damaged, redness and irritation occur. Tallow, with its skin-like fatty acids, strengthens this wall and prevents moisture loss, which is a major cause of redness. It also soothes and moisturizes, reducing the dryness that can lead to a rash.
As an all-natural remedy, tallow has gained popularity on TikTok and Instagram among influencers and holistic skin care enthusiasts. Many of these users claim to use whipped tallow balms for skin to treat everything from acne to eczema. Despite this social media trend, dermatologists remain skeptical of beef tallow for skin. They point to the lack of clinical trials, potential for clogged pores, and variable product quality across DIY and boutique brands.
According to the 2024 study, tallow is believed to be anti-microbial and has skin-protecting properties, making it ideal for people with irritated or sensitive skin. It also has a similar texture to the skin’s natural oils, which makes it highly nourishing and moisturizing. As a result, it can be used to treat rashes, eczema, or any other skin condition that may be causing irritation.
If you’re interested in incorporating tallow into your skincare routine, be sure to choose one made from 100 percent grass-fed beef and purified for cosmetic use. Avoid tallow that is used for cooking, as it may contain residues like hormones, antibiotics, or bacteria. It’s best to apply tallow to damp skin after using a hydrating serum or lightweight moisturizer, as this will help lock in more moisture. A pea-sized amount of tallow should be enough to moisturize the entire face.
While tallow is an excellent hydration tool, it can be too heavy for some people with oily or acne-prone skin. Additionally, it can clog pores if not washed off properly. If you’re not comfortable with a heavier oil on your face, try combining it with other ingredients to create a more balanced formula. For example, you could try using a combination of tallow with shea butter or jojoba oil to provide the benefits of both without being too heavy.
3. Helps Keep Skin Hydrated
Beef tallow has recently become popular as a clean beauty trend thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, rich nutrient profile and historical use in skincare. It is free of chemicals, and its thick consistency makes it a natural moisturizer that helps keep skin hydrated. Tallow also has high doses of fat-soluble vitamins A, D and K, which help maintain healthy skin and promote elasticity.
Tallow is also a great substitute for petroleum-based products, which can leave skin feeling greasy and sticky. It is also naturally antibacterial and fungicidal, making it an effective ingredient for a healthy skincare routine. In fact, many users have reported that tallow has helped relieve their eczema and psoriasis symptoms.
However, it’s important to choose a high-quality product that is made specifically for cosmetic use. Tallow is rendered from the fat of cows, and it’s important to avoid using tallow that has been used for cooking, as it may contain impurities that could irritate the skin. It is also important to make sure that the tallow is properly purified.
Research has found that adding interesterified tallow to cosmetic emulsions helps create stable formulations. The fatty acid composition of tallow also makes it better suited for cosmetics than other fats. One study found that tallow was more effective than lard, shea butter and sunflower oil in creating a smooth and stable cream.
If you’re looking for an ultra-moisturizing product, hyaluronic acid might be a better choice than beef tallow. Hyaluronic acid has the ability to attract moisture from the environment, so it’s a great choice for those with dry skin or who are prone to breakouts. It can also be applied under makeup, so you’ll have a smooth base that won’t cause an unwanted crease.
If you want to try beef tallow, be sure to choose a quality product that is specially refined and derived from grass-fed animals. Look for a label that says “refined,” “cosmetic grade” or “skin.” Also, be sure to apply it while your skin is damp from a serum or lightweight moisturizer. The combination of the tallow and the water helps lock in more moisture.
4. Helps Prevent Acne
Tallow is the rendered fat of cows and it has recently gained popularity online as a natural remedy for skin care. However, this ingredient should be used with caution because more research is needed on its effectiveness and potential risks.
Some health influencers claim that beef tallow is an all-natural moisturizer that can help prevent acne breakouts. This oil is said to absorb quickly and lock in moisture without feeling greasy or heavy. It also supposedly has anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce acne scars and redness. However, most dermatologists are not on board with this new trend.
One concern is that tallow can potentially clog pores and lead to breakouts. Another is that it lacks preservatives, so it may introduce bacteria or fungi that could harm the skin. And finally, because tallow melts into an oil consistency when exposed to heat, it can become rancid quickly.
While there are some studies showing that tallow has moisturizing and skin-protecting effects, more research is needed before it can be recommended for use in the treatment of dermatological conditions. Additionally, the studies that have been conducted use animal models instead of human subjects. While this type of study is time-saving and efficient, it’s important to consider the results when comparing them to human results.
Despite these drawbacks, some people still swear by the benefits of this oil. Some of these claims are based on the idea that tallow is similar to sebum, the natural oil produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin. Additionally, some studies show that the fatty acids found in tallow are similar to those produced by the skin.
But most dermatologists recommend avoiding this skincare ingredient altogether, particularly in people with sensitive skin or other medical conditions. The lack of standardization in tallow’s sourcing and recommended use opens the door for other possible safety concerns, such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow disease). If you do decide to try it, make sure you choose high-quality tallow that is specifically labeled for cosmetic usage. If you’re interested in incorporating it into your routine, try using it on top of a lightweight moisturizer or serum to lock in hydration.