Beef tallow – the term has been popping up everywhere in 2024 but what exactly is it? And why is it suddenly in all your skincare products? Loaded with nutrients and said to nourish and soften the skin, and even help reduce wrinkles, we do a deep dive on what it actually is, how it can benefit your skincare routine, and our favourite products that incorporate this natural ingredient.
What is beef tallow in skincare?
Beef tallow is the rendered fat from beef, or beef fat that has been slowly melted to be purified. It’s no new concept. In fact, it dates back to the ancient times when it was used for treating wounds and healing the skin. Tallow is also often used in cooking for roasting, frying and searing vegetables and steaks.
According to Geeta Yadav, MD, dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology, beef tallow’s rise in popularity is because of documented skin benefits. However in saying that, while Sandy Skotnicki, MD, dermatologist and co-host of the Skin To It podcast doesn’t see the harm in using beef tallow on the skin, she states there are better alternatives.
“There are several great papers on the use of natural oils for skin repair, barrier repair, and anti-inflammatory action, including squalane, sunflower seed oil, and virgin coconut oil,” she adds. “These have been studied—beef tallow has not been.”
While it may be stating the obvious, it’s also important to remember that skin care products with beef tallow are not vegan or vegetarian-friendly. Keep this in mind when deciding if it’s right for you if you follow a meat-free lifestyle.
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How do you make tallow skincare?
There are a number of homemade recipes for making your own tallow skin care at home. Depending on which recipe you choose, you may need beef tallow, olive oil, essential oils, and require a hand mixer and a clean jar. Begin by melting the beef tallow over a gentle heat before adding the oils. Once the mixture has cooled slightly, mix until it resembles buttercream. It can then be stored into jars to use as a tallow balm for the face and body.
What are the benefits of beef tallow in skincare?
Promising a dewy glow and a clearer complexion, many social media users have jumped on board the beef tallow train and claim it to provide plenty of benefits to the skin. Some of these include:
Hydrates the skin
The fatty properties of beef tallow can help to nourish dry skin and strengthen the skin barrier by locking in moisture. According to Dr. Yadav, beef tallow is naturally rich in fatty acids, including oleic, palmitic, stearic and linoleic acid.
“Our skin needs fatty acids, since they help support the skin barrier, helping to moisturise and balance the skin while promoting a healthier, smoother, and more youthful appearance,” she says.
Protection from free radicals
Beef tallow contains a number of antioxidant vitamins including A, D, E and K. These are known to fight free radicals aka damaged skin cells caused by indicators like pollution, exposure to the sun and toxins, resulting in a more youthful complexion.
Soothes dermatitis or psoriasis symptoms
“There are also studies that show these properties of beef tallow can help soothe dermatitis and psoriasis, though further research is needed,” says Dr. Yadav. According to a 2017 study, participants who used a concoction of beef tallow and walnut oil to their skin found it helped with these skin conditions thanks to the tallow’s moisturising properties.
Some claim it has helped to clear up eczema or even nappy rash on babies.
Fights inflammation
Those same vitamins that protect from free radicals are also known to have anti-inflammatory properties which can assist when your skin feels inflamed or irritated to strengthen your barrier. It can even treat minor cuts, scratches and scrapes.
The best beef tallow skincare products
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