Would You Use Beef Tallow on Your Skin? Here’s What Experts Say
Hearing the words “beef tallow” might remind you of a farm or something fancy you can order while you’re out at dinner. But simply put, beef tallow is a fancy way of saying “animal fat.” Lately, it’s been completely taking over wellness TikTok, and those who have tried it swear by its skincare benefits so much, they can’t gate-keep it any longer.
Influencer Hannah Bronfman even touted its benefits in an Instagram Reel posted in March, and claims she slathers it on her face every night before she goes to sleep. So what is beef tallow and how can you take advantage of its skincare benefits? Here’s everything we know about the new skincare trend.
What Is Beef Tallow?
Beef tallow is essentially just beef or animal fat. That means, yes, you can actually cook with it. It’s made by cooking down beef fat into a liquid that later hardens into a butter-like texture that comes in jars. Historically, it’s been used for candle making, cooking, and even soapmaking.
Some skincare professionals are selling shelf-stable versions of the product with the intended use of applying to the face for skincare purposes, just like how Bronfman uses it.
What Does It Smell Like?
According to Bronfman, beef tallow doesn’t smell like much, but some users have reported that it has a slightly sour smell. The scent would depend on the batch and other ingredients that went into the particular beef tallow product.
Is Beef Tallow Good for Your Skin?
Like many newly discovered skincare trends, it depends on who you ask. Those who have discovered and used beef tallow swear by its benefits, while some dermatologists warn that it could be unsafe because this product is not regulated or approved by the FDA for use as a skincare product. That means you can never be too sure what you get in a jar that’s labeled “beef tallow.”
Depending on how the beef is sourced and sterilized, some experts warn that you could run the risk of mad cow disease or other contaminants entering your skincare product.
What Are the Benefits of Beef Tallow for Your Skin?
The reason that beef tallow is considered a skincare product in the first place has everything to do with the fatty acids and rich vitamins that are naturally occurring in animal fat. Most notably, it contains omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A, D, E, and K. Because it’s non-comedogenic, it won’t clog pores or be the culprit of acne for most people who try it.
However, experts say beef tallow is also high in oleic acid (similar to olive oil), which has been known to disrupt the skin barrier and cause issues like dermatitis after continuous use.
Any Downside?
The reasons most dermatologists won’t recommend beef tallow as a skincare product is because of the lack of regulation. You should never add anything to your skincare routine without consulting with your dermatologist, and because beef tallow is not regulated by the FDA, you can never be sure exactly what you’re slathering onto your face when you use it. Instead, stick to derm-approved products and skincare products that are regulated for topical use on the skin.
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