Want Dewy Skin? Forget the Beef Tallow Trend
Dewy, glowing skin is often considered the ultimate sign of healthy, vibrant skin. It's no wonder that we all crave that radiant, refreshed look. While skincare science continues to evolve, social media trends often muddy the waters. One such trend making the rounds is the use of beef tallow in skincare. But is it really the miracle product some claim it to be?
As a skin health expert and the founder of a Nashville med spa, I’ve been following the buzz around this trend closely. Let’s break down the facts behind beef tallow and what you should consider before including it in your skincare routine.
What is Beef Tallow?
Beef tallow is rendered animal fat, typically made from the parts of the cow that are not sold as meat. It’s produced by melting down the fat and separating it from proteins, water, and impurities.
Tallow is often promoted as an eco-friendly byproduct of the meat industry. In reality, the sales of rendered animal fat actually support the meat industry, which is anything but eco-friendly.
Why is Beef Tallow for Skin Trending?
Social media, particularly TikTok, has played a significant role in elevating the popularity of beef tallow in skincare. The claims are bold: it’s a natural, moisturizing, and even anti-aging wonder. But do these claims hold up?
TikTok influencers and beauty enthusiasts have been quick to tout the benefits of beef tallow, often claiming it helps promote a dewy, glowing complexion. The hype centers around the idea that tallow contains fats and vitamins that are beneficial for skin hydration and smoothness.
Tallow does contain a mix of saturated fats, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and some vitamins like A (retinol), known to support skin health. But just because something contains vitamins that are good for the skin doesn’t mean it’s made in a way that the skin barrier can absorb safely — or is made better than well-studied and regulated products.
Is Tallow Good for Your Skin?
While beef tallow contains fatty acids and vitamins that are found in our skin’s natural outer layer, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best product for healthy skin.
Experts are skeptical about its effectiveness, particularly in comparison to well-established skincare ingredients. Dr. Ava Shamban, a board-certified dermatologist, points out that there’s little clinical or scientific evidence supporting the use of beef tallow in skincare. She agrees that many other, better-studied products are available that are formulated specifically for various skin types and conditions.
Moreover, beef tallow is not FDA-approved for topical use, and this lack of regulation can pose risks, such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy, aka mad cow disease. Without proper sourcing, consistency, and quality control, the product you’re using may not be as safe or effective as other skincare options. The risk of irritation, allergic reactions, or contamination is higher when using unregulated ingredients like tallow, especially if it's sourced from unreliable or non-sustainable producers.
Is Tallow More “Natural”?
Many proponents of beef tallow claim that it's a “natural” alternative to synthetic products. While tallow is undoubtedly a natural substance, it doesn’t always translate to being better for your skin. Ethical and environmental issues also arise when considering the production and sourcing of beef tallow. The meat industry, which beef tallow supports, has a significant environmental impact, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation.
Additionally, “grass-fed” and “handmade” labels often used on tallow skincare products don’t necessarily guarantee ethical sourcing. Most beef tallow comes from factory farms, not small homesteads, meaning your skincare product could be supporting industrial agriculture.
If you're looking for natural alternatives, plenty of plant-based skincare products provide similar benefits without the environmental and ethical concerns tied to animal byproducts. Ingredients like jojoba oil, squalane, and shea butter are plant-based and sustainable and have been extensively studied for their skincare benefits.
What is a Better Approach?
While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution in skincare, there are far better options for achieving healthy, dewy skin that are both effective and well-researched. FDA-approved or medical-grade products provide reliable, proven results. These formulations are specifically crafted to meet your skin’s needs and undergo rigorous testing for safety and efficacy.
At my Nashville Med Spa, we proudly offer ZO Skin Health, a trusted leader in medical-grade skincare. Backed by science and driven by innovation, ZO Skin Health is recommended by dermatologists and skincare experts worldwide. These expertly formulated products deliver real, transformative results, making them a cornerstone of advanced skincare.
If you’re unsure which products or treatments are right for you, I always recommend consulting with a certified dermatologist or skin health expert. Not all aestheticians or doctors specialize in skin health, so be sure to check their credentials and certifications before seeking advice.
Conclusion: Don’t Fall for the Hype
Beef tallow might seem like an affordable, natural alternative, but the reality is that there are far more effective and safer options for skincare. While tallow may offer some temporary skincare benefits, such as hydration, it’s not a substitute for scientifically-backed ingredients like retinol, hyaluronic acid, or vitamin C, which have proven, lasting results.
If you’re looking for healthy skin, it's important to find the right products for your skin type and needs. Skincare isn’t one-size-fits-all, and working with an expert will ensure you’re on the path to the healthiest skin possible.
Remember, your skin deserves the best. Always prioritize science-backed, FDA-approved treatments over trendy, unproven products.
