Beef Tallow: Why We’re Avoiding the TikTok Trend

Yes, you read that right—beef tallow. This unexpected skincare trend has been doing the rounds on TikTok for the past six months, thanks to Nara Smith, who first popularised the ingredient back in May. The trad-wife influencer uses beef tallow as the base ingredient for her homemade moisturiser, which her husband, Lucky Blue Smith, was seen making in a TikTok video that quickly went viral, amassing 29.9 million views to date.

So what is beef tallow? 

It’s purified beef fat, obtained by slowly melting and rendering raw fat. Advocates claim it offers several skincare benefits, such as hydration, protection against free radical damage, reduced inflammation, and increased collagen production.

Does it live up to the hype? 

Experts remain sceptical. While it may provide some benefits, it also carries notable risks. We spoke with Daniel Isaacs, Chief Product Officer and Co-Founder at Medik8, who explained the potential downsides of introducing beef tallow into your skincare routine.

“Using beef tallow on the skin can carry several risks due to its composition and origin,” Isaacs explains. “While beef tallow contains fats that may have emollient properties, it is not formulated for skincare and may not be suitable for all skin types.” He notes that individuals with oily, sensitive, or acne-prone skin should approach this trend with caution. Even those with normal, dry, or dehydrated skin should be mindful of its potential side effects.

Risks of Beef Tallow in Skincare

Clogged Pores and Breakouts

According to Isaacs, beef tallow is occlusive, meaning it forms a barrier on the skin. For those with oily or acne-prone skin, this barrier can trap excess oil, dirt, and dead skin cells, potentially clogging pores and triggering breakouts.

Irritation and Sensitivities

As a natural, animal-derived product, beef tallow may not be refined or purified to the same standards as professional skincare products. “This can lead to irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema,” says Isaacs.

Bacterial Contamination

“If beef tallow is not properly rendered or stored, it can harbour bacteria or other impurities, posing a risk of infection,” Isaacs warns. Unlike professionally formulated skincare products, beef tallow lacks preservatives and sterility checks to ensure safety and stability.

Unbalanced Composition

While beef tallow contains fatty acids like stearic acid, its composition isn’t tailored to meet the skin’s needs. Isaacs points out that it lacks the balance of active ingredients found in professional moisturisers, which are designed to hydrate, protect, and enhance the skin barrier without adverse effects.

Alternatives

For those seeking the skincare benefits of beef tallow without the risks, Isaacs suggests exploring non-comedogenic options. “Ceramide-based or hyaluronic acid-based moisturisers are excellent alternatives,” he explains. “These ingredients are scientifically proven to support and repair the skin barrier while being gentle, safe, and suitable for all skin types.”

Continue scrolling to discover our favourite beef tallow alternatives.