ieExplains: Why is everyone on TikTok putting beef tallow on their skin?
Forget snail mucin, haemorrhoid cream, and nappy rash ointment — the latest skincare craze is all about beef suet. But, is there any dermatological merit to it?
Forget snail mucin, haemorrhoid cream, and nappy rash ointment — the latest skincare craze is all about beef suet. But, is there any dermatological merit to it?
The skincare trend, which a lot of us first came across when ‘trad wife’ influencer Nara Smith used it as the basis for her homemade moisturiser, apparently does wonders for the skin.
Some claim it protects the skin barrier, others say it helps with acne, with some even going as far as insisting it is “nature’s botox”. Here’s what the experts think.
Beef fat, or in other words, dripping.
To the touch, beef tallow has a thick, balmy quality not dissimilar to coconut oil. It also has a faint beefy scent.
According to armchair dermatologists on Instagram, slathering beef tallow on the face will bring forth many benefits, from tightening to acne prevention.
It’s also benefitted from the wellness space, where intrigue around “natural, chemical-free” options is growing.
What most seem to forget is that chemicals aren’t the bad guys. Water is a chemical. As is salt.
“Beef tallow is the newest viral trend in skincare, with some claiming it’s ‘nature’s botox’ but there won’t be any dermatologists I know recommending it,” says Caitriona Ryan, a consultant dermatologist.
“While tallow is rich in fatty acids and can be a decent moisturiser, it doesn’t have any of the wrinkle-relaxing effects of botox.
"Botox works by temporarily relaxing muscles to smooth dynamic lines — no topical product, including beef tallow, can do that. The bigger concern is that beef tallow is thick and highly occlusive, which means it can trap dirt, bacteria, and oil.
“For anyone with acne-prone or sensitive skin, this could be a recipe for clogged pores, breakouts, or irritation. Plus, since it’s an animal-derived product, there’s a risk of contamination if it’s not properly purified.
"Skincare trends come and go, but when it comes to real anti-ageing benefits, proven ingredients like retinoids, peptides, and antioxidants are still the gold standard. If you’re looking for effective, science-backed skincare, I’d recommend sticking to what’s been tested and trusted.”
Facialist and owner of Floraison, Dawn Hill, adds that while there is a wealth of research on the individual components of beef tallow, such as fatty acids, vitamins E and A, “further studies would be needed to establish definitive evidence regarding its effects on the skin”.
“There are so many sophisticated skincare products available on the market that have these advantages and more, while also being backed by scientific research,” she says.
“Beef tallow shares a similar molecular structure to sebum, which our bodies naturally produce.
"However, jojoba oil also has a comparable structure, but its backed by numerous studies that prove its remarkable benefits for acne-prone skin, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties.
“As I always tell my clients, if you find a product you love, you’re experiencing positive results, and it’s not compromising your skin, then of course keep using it.
"Personally, however, the idea of relying on pure rendered fat from cows to treat my skin doesn’t resonate with me.”
Milly Ahlquist, a researcher at Lush, also points to the environmental side effects of beef tallow.
“Tallow is a byproduct of the beef industry, and consequently has been marketed in some circles as a product that reduces waste.
"However, livestock farming negatively impacts the environment in a number of ways, from contributing to greenhouse gases via methane emissions to redirecting agriculture space away from crops for human consumption,” she says.
“In the United States in 2020, for example, 35% of corn was grown for animal feed compared to less than 2% for direct human consumption.
"Beef has been reported to contribute the highest level of average global greenhouse gas emissions per kilogram of food product, giving it a particularly high carbon footprint.”
The thing with any viral skincare trend is that they are never one-size-fits-all.
Beef fat might work for someone with very dry skin, but there are plenty of other options already out there (and they may even be on your bathroom shelf) that will do the same thing.
My personal preference, you ask? Leaving the beef dripping to chefs.
