The latest greasy gunk trending as 'skincare miracle'

When most people think of beef tallow, they might picture French fries, pie crusts, or even candles.

What the science says

The hype around beef tallow as skincare isn't entirely baseless; beef tallow’s fatty acid profile—rich in oleic, palmitic, stearic, and linoleic acids—makes it a potent moisturizer.^[] These fatty acids, which are similar to those naturally found in the skin’s lipid barrier, can support the skin's barrier function, helping to retain moisture and maintain a smooth, supple appearance—making it an effective, albeit unconventional, emollient.

• According to a report from the Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science, qualified beef tallow with high levels of unsaturated fatty acids, strong antioxidant activity, stability, and absence of contaminants or microbiomes can be used to make lotion bars to relieve skin diseases like psoriasis and dermatitis.^[]

• One animal study published in Nutrients showed promising results for eczema when using a mixture of oils, including beef tallow. However, the multi-component nature of the formulation makes it difficult to isolate beef tallow’s specific effects.^[]

While anecdotal evidence suggests that beef tallow might soothe symptoms of inflammatory skin diseases, such as eczema or psoriasis, the scientific community remains cautious. Shlomo Widder, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon and owner of the Widder Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery Center, is critical of the claims made around beef tallow, noting, “My 24 years in practice have shown many ‘natural’ or ‘homeopathic’ treatments gain popularity despite lack of evidence.”

Moreover, there are no robust clinical trials that evaluate beef tallow alone for these conditions, compared to well-studied ingredients like ceramides or synthetic emollients.

Is beef tallow safe for the face?

Although the mono- and polyunsaturated fats in beef tallow are identical to those in the skin's outer layer, their proportion is not ideal, at least not in the tallow routinely used for cooking.^[]

T. N. Rekha Singh, MD, MBBS, a board-certified dermatologist at the Oliva Skin & Hair Clinic, tells MDLinx, “It's not a common recommendation in modern dermatology due to concerns about its comedogenic potential and the lack of extensive scientific research supporting its benefits over other established ingredients.” This comedogenic potential is due to higher levels of oleic acid in unrefined beef tallow.

Dr. Widder expresses serious reservations: "There is no credible scientific evidence to support claims that it effectively treats acne, dry skin, or other conditions.” 

Dr. Widder further emphasizes that anecdotal reports of success do not replace the need for solid evidence, noting that “risks like clogged pores, irritation, and other issues are real, especially for sensitive skin.”

Practical considerations also come into play—beef tallow may have an unpleasant odor, and unrefined forms can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions, according to Dr. Singh. And while tallow contains fats known to improve barrier function, there are far more cosmetically elegant, plant-based options that offer similar benefits without the drawbacks.

Can beef tallow replace retinol?

Internet sources also claim beef tallow can serve as an alternative to retinol due to its vitamin A content, but according to Dr. Singh, “This is more of a trend driven by social media rather than a practice grounded in dermatological science."

“Promoting beef tallow risks misleading consumers and exploiting their desire for natural solutions. The skincare industry should rely on proven scientific data, not hype for popularity and profit,” Dr. Widder says.

Counseling patients

Dr. Singh is of the opinion that skincare trends on social media "often gain traction because they promise quick, natural solutions and are endorsed by influencers or people sharing anecdotal success stories,” she says. “However, these trends can be misleading and may not be suitable for everyone. The dangers lie in the lack of personalized advice, the potential for skin damage [and] the overshadowing of more effective, scientifically backed treatments.” 

When talking to patients curious about beef tallow, be direct about its potential benefits but also its limitations and risks. While it can moisturize, it doesn’t have the robust scientific backing that supports many other ingredients widely recommended by dermatologists.

If patients are determined to try beef tallow, suggest they opt for professionally formulated products that are infused with beef tallow rather than using it straight from the cooking section of a grocery store.