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Would you do anything for glowy, beautiful skin? Even slather your face in slick, oily beef fat? One of this year's biggest viral skin care trends involves using beef tallow — a.k.a. rendered cow fat — as a moisturizer.
But before you head to the grocery store — or slam your laptop shut in utter disgust — I ran this trend by dermatologists to see what they had to say about whether it's actually beneficial for skin and how to try it if you so choose.
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What is beef tallow?
Beef tallow is rendered or clarified animal fat — in this case, a cow, says Dr. Anna Chacon, a board-certified dermatologist in Miami, Florida. “Rendering animal fat makes it shelf stable and limits the growth of bacteria because the moisture is removed through evaporation.”
Removing the moisture turns the fat into a solid, almost like the texture of wax, that emulsifies when it gets warmed up. Beef tallow is full of nutrients, too. “It contains fatty acids and vitamins, like A, D, E, and K,” says Dr. Alexandra Bowles, a board-certified dermatologist at MONA Dermatology in Cincinnati.
Why are people putting beef tallow on their skin?
You’re probably thinking, why would anyone put cow fat on their face? And while that is a logical thought, this practice may have some skin benefits. “Tallow is a natural substance, and because it contains ultra-hydrating lipids, it easily absorbs into the skin while creating a strong barrier to protect the outer layer of the skin,” says Chacon.
There may also be some benefits because it contains the same fatty acids your skin naturally has. “These fatty acids, like oleic acid, help lock moisture into your skin, keeping it hydrated,” says Bowles. “As mentioned, it also contains vitamins E and A, which can potentially help with skin regeneration, reducing scarring, and soothing irritated skin.”
What are the risks of putting beef tallow on your skin?
Those with acne-prone skin may face the biggest issues if they use this fat. “Because tallow is an extremely thick, animal fat-derived moisturizer, it can be comedogenic — meaning it can clog pores,” says Chacon. “If someone has either acne-prone or oily skin, I would not recommend tallow as moisturizer.”
If you're allergic to animal proteins, specifically beef, think twice before using it. “No matter what, I always recommend patch-testing on a small area to see how your skin reacts,” says Bowles. “It’s also always a good idea to check in with your dermatologist first.”
Finally, using beef tallow may also be unsuitable for people with sensitive senses of smell. “Some may not enjoy the meaty scent,” says Chacon.
How to use beef tallow as skin care
Still want to try using beef tallow to hydrate your skin? First, pick a quality product. “I would do your research and seek out a brand that has good transparency on where they are sourcing their tallow,” says Chacon. “Be sure it’s a clean, grass-fed source.” She also notes that if ultra-moisturizing is your goal, you can find options that contain a blend of oils, such as jojoba, combined with tallow to achieve those hydration goals.
Once you have the beef tallow you want to use, it’s time to apply it. “Warm a small amount in your hands, then gently apply it to clean, slightly damp skin,” says Bowles. “You can use it as an overnight treatment, especially for dry or irritated areas.” If you find the tallow too thick, Bowles recommends mixing it with a lighter moisturizer to balance it out.
In terms of frequency, unless you have super dry skin, you should avoid using tallow daily. Start with once a week and see how that improves your skin. If you’re still noticing dryness, you can increase how often you use it from there.
What can you use to hydrate skin instead of beef tallow?
If the beef tallow trend isn't exactly your thing, there are plenty of other ways to infuse your skin with tons of hydration. If you want to go the natural route, Chacon suggests looking at plant-derived substitutes like coconut, argan or jojoba oil.
Or, look for a moisturizer or face oil formulated for dry skin. Often, these are packed with ingredients known for their hydrating and soothing capabilities — like hyaluronic acid, squalane and niacinamide. Below, I've listed a few of our favorites.
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The best super hydrating moisturizers
This Thayers barrier cream is our choice for very dry skin. Its rich and thick formula contains squalene and ceramides to hydrate and restore the skin barrier from within, according to the brand. Rodriguez tested this product during the winter and says it kept her skin from drying out throughout the day and left her face feeling smooth and well-hydrated.
This La Roche-Posay product earned a top 10 spot in our 100 best facial moisturizers roundup. It's also one of our favorite barrier creams. It has ceramides to support the skin barrier and niacinamide to soothe redness and irritation. The fragrance-free and noncomedogenic cream is available in two sizes as well as a sunscreen.
The Cetaphil face and body moisturizer claimed the number one spot in our roundup of the 100 best facial moisturizers and was the clear staff favorite for its simple, reliable and nourishing formula. The sweet almond oil and vitamin E hydrate the skin to restore the barrier and the hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic formula means that users with very sensitive skin can safely use it too, according to the brand.
This face oil from Youth to the People was recommended by a dermatologist we spoke to for our roundup of best face oils. Beyond hydrating dry skin, it also contains antioxidant ingredients found in superberries such as vitamin C and E to reduce inflammation, making it an ideal option for protecting the skin from external problems like pollution and internal conditions such as acne. NBC Select editorial projects manager Rebecca Rodriguez uses this product day and night and loves how soft and glowy it makes her skin feel.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Anna Chacon is a board-certified dermatologist in Miami, Florida.
- Dr. Alexandra Bowles is board-certified dermatologist at MONA Dermatology in Cincinnati.
Why trust NBC Select?
I'm a contributor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers beauty, home and lifestyle. For this story, I interviewed dermatologists about using beef tallow as skin care.
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