Beef Tallow For Skin: Pros and Cons
If you’ve been on TikTok at all, chances are that you’ve heard of beef tallow for use on your skin. While the idea of putting animal fat on your face might seem strange at first, it’s actually not too farfetched, and has been shown to have notable benefits for many.
Below we’ll explore the benefits and potential drawbacks of using beef tallow in your skincare routine, as well as how to use beef tallow on your skin. Let’s dive in!
Benefits of Beef Tallow For Skin
Provision of Essential Fat-Soluble Vitamins
Beef tallow naturally contains vitamins A, D, E, and K, which play crucial roles in your skin health. Vitamin A promotes cell turnover and collagen production, while vitamin E provides antioxidant protection against environmental damage. This natural vitamin complex in beef tallow makes it a powerhouse for skin nourishment.
Skin Barrier Nourishment
Beef tallow contains a high percentage of saturated and monounsaturated fats that closely mirror the makeup of our skin's natural oils, allowing for better absorption and integration with our skin barrier. This similarity means your skin is more likely to readily accept and utilize the nutrients rather than reject them as foreign substances.
Support for Dry and Sensitive Skin
The dense, nutrient-rich composition of beef tallow helps createa a protective barrier on your skin that locks in moisture without feeling greasy or heavy. Unlike some other synthetic moisturizers, beef tallow is a natural ingredient that helps repair the skin barrier while providing long-lasting hydration, making it particularly beneficial for conditions like eczema or extremely dry skin.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
The natural fatty acids in beef tallow, particularly palmitic acid and stearic acid, have anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe irritated skin and reduce redness. This makes beef tallow and especially good ingredient for people wiht sensitive or reactive skin types.
Potential Cons of Beef Tallow For Skin
Reactivity with Skin
While beef tallow is a natural ingredient, and generally touted as being gentle enough for sensitive skin, it is rendered from beef fat and therefore can be comedogenic (i.e, it can clog pores and lead to breakouts). Therefore it is suggested to patch test it with your skin before using it too heavily.
Ethical concerns
As an animal-derived product, beef tallow isn't suitable for vegans or those who prefer plant-based skincare. Additionally, the environmental impact of cattle farming remains a concern for many environmentally conscious consumers.
Issues with Accessibility
High-quality beef tallow from grass-fed cattle can be expensive and difficult to source. The quality of the tallow depends heavily on how the cattle were raised, meaning not all tallow products are created equal. While making it at home is possible, the process is time-consuming and requires specific knowledge about proper techniques.
Scent issues
Raw beef tallow has a distinct animal fat smell that some people find unpleasant. While this can be masked with essential oils or natural fragrances, the base scent might still be a dealbreaker to some with sensitive noses.
Storage and stability challenges
Beef tallow products require proper storage to prevent them from going rancid, and they may have a shorter shelf life compared to conventional skincare products. They typically need to be kept in a cool, dark place and used within a specific timeframe to maintain their beneficial properties, making it harder to keep them on hand.
How to Use Beef Tallow On Your Skin
If you do choose to try out beef tallow on your skin, below are some basic steps to incorporate it into your skincare routine.
At night, cleanse your face thoroughly with your regular cleanser and pat dry
If using any treatment products (like serums), apply these first
Take a small amount of tallow (pea-sized) and warm it between your fingertips until it softens
Gently massage the tallow into your skin, focusing on dry areas. Consider using a lighter hand around the T-zone if you're prone to oiliness
Let it absorb for 1-2 minutes before continuing with the rest of your routine
Note: If the tallow feels too heavy, try mixing it with a few drops of a lightweight oil (like jojoba).