IS BEEF TALLOW ALL THAT?

Skincare trends come and go (trust me I know, I tend to try them all) and lately, beef tallow has been getting a lot of attention as a natural remedy for clear skin. But before you start slathering animal fat on your face, it’s worth taking a closer look. While it might work for some, I’ve found there are more effective, lighter options out there for most skin types. Here's why beef tallow isn't my go-to recommendation for clearing skin.

While the idea of using animal fat as a skincare ingredient isn’t new—historically, it was used in various beauty rituals—today, I’m cautious about recommending it for skin, especially for clearing acne. Here’s why…

1. Pore-Clogging Potential

Beef tallow is a heavy, fatty substance. While some say its fatty acid profile closely resembles our skin’s natural oils, it’s still a thick, occlusive ingredient. For many, especially those prone to breakouts, using something so heavy can lead to clogged pores. Acne-prone skin needs products that balance moisture without blocking the skin’s natural functions, and tallow might do the opposite.

2. Risk of Irritation and Sensitivity

If you’re sourcing beef tallow, where it comes from matters. If the cattle weren’t raised on a strict grass-fed, organic diet, you risk applying fats that may contain traces of hormones, antibiotics, or other chemicals. For anyone with sensitive skin, these impurities could lead to irritation or reactions, worsening your skin condition.

3. It’s Not Universally Beneficial

The idea that something as heavy as beef tallow could suit all skin types is misleading. While some people might experience benefits, especially those with dry or compromised skin barriers, others (especially those with oily or acne-prone skin) might not have the same results. What works for one skin type can backfire for another, and tallow could be too rich for most.

4. Lack of Solid Research

While there are anecdotal reports of beef tallow working wonders for some people, there’s limited clinical evidence proving its effectiveness for treating acne or improving skin health. With so many other tried-and-true, dermatologist-backed ingredients like salicylic acid, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, beef tallow feels like a gamble rather than a guaranteed solution.

5. Better Plant-Based Options

If you’re looking for something that mimics the skin’s natural oils without the risk of clogging pores or causing breakouts, there are plenty of plant-based alternatives. Jojoba oil, for example, is much lighter and is often recommended for acne-prone skin. It hydrates without the heaviness and helps balance oil production. Rosehip oil is another excellent choice that nourishes and promotes skin regeneration without the same risks that animal fats bring.

The Bottom Line

While beef tallow might seem like an interesting, natural option for skincare, it’s not something I can confidently recommend to clear skin. The risk of clogging pores, irritation, and lack of strong scientific backing makes it too much of a wild card. When it comes to skincare, especially for acne-prone skin, sticking to proven ingredients that are lightweight, non-comedogenic, and backed by research is the safest route.

If you’re curious to experiment with tallow, try it in moderation and always patch test any new skincare before applying it all over!

As always, let me know if you have any questions - I just posted a tiktok about this so feel free to drop them in the comments here!