What Is Beef Tallow Actually Good For?

The tradwives of TikTok have superhuman trend-setting abilities. They’ve revived 1950s-style fashion and have made whipping up complicated recipes and even everyday household goods from scratch—like cough syrup and Coca-Cola—cool again. Now, beef tallow is a staple in their skincare routines and on their plates.

Over the last month, TikTok has exploded with videos of people applying beef tallow as a moisturizer, claiming that it heals skin conditions from acne to dryness to hyperpigmentation. In other clips, users share how they make their own tallow to cook with as a substitute for more conventional sautéing fats like olive oil and butter.

You might be wondering: What makes it so special? Registered dietitians and dermatologists help us get to the greasy bottom of it all below.

What Is Beef Tallow?

Beef tallow is the product produced after removing fatty tissues from cow meat and melting them down, a process that’s also called rendering. Once rendered, any solids are strained from the liquid, and the remaining liquid is tallow, explains Trista Best, a registered dietitian at Balance One, a supplement company. “The fat generally used is found around the loins or the kidneys of the cow,” she adds.

Once the tallow cools down, it solidifies into a butter or margarine-like texture. “It’s been used for centuries in traditional cooking methods and even in non-food products like candles and skincare,” explains Katherine Metzelaar, a registered dietitian and owner at Bravespace Nutrition, a nutrition therapy service. In the beauty world, much of the buzz around tallow stems from its alleged success in treating stubborn skin problems.

From an environmental and ethical standpoint, consuming or using tallow comes with the baggage of the beef industry, which is responsible for 3.7 percent of annual greenhouse gas emissions nationally, per the United States Department of Agriculture. (But if you’re down to eat beef, tallow shouldn’t raise any concerns.)

TikTokers Are Adding Beef Tallow to Their Skincare Routines

According to a 2024 review that analyzed the scientific data on tallow’s benefits,  the big draw to tallow is that it’s biocompatible with human skin, meaning it’s made up of lipids and fatty acids that mimic the composition of the epidermis. There are dozens of before-and-after videos of alleged complexion transformations with nothing but a beef tallow balm to thank—but dermatologists aren’t jumping on the train just yet. “While it does show some potential for hydration, the research is limited and inconclusive,” says Dr. Viktoryia Kazlosukaya, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.

Dermatologists Say Beef Tallow Can Be a Good Moisturizer

The hydration perk comes from its store of fatty acids like stearic acid and oleic acid, which help restore and strengthen the skin barrier and lock in existing moisture, explains dermatologist Hannah Kopelman.

“From a moisturizing perspective, it can work for some people, especially those with very dry or compromised skin,” Kopelman explains. “However, when it comes to clearing acne and scars, I’m skeptical. Acne scars are deeper issues caused by skin damage and collagen loss, and while a good moisturizer can improve the overall look of the skin, tallow isn’t going to regenerate collagen or repair scars,” she says.

But Beef Tallow Might Clog Your Pores

Because tallow is quite heavy and occlusive, meaning it acts as a protective, impermeable shield, it can also trap oils, sweat, and bacteria on the skin, Kopelman adds. “For someone with acne-prone or oily skin, this could lead to clogged pores and even more breakouts,” she adds. “Another concern is hygiene—if the tallow isn’t processed properly, it could introduce contaminants or bacteria.” She notes that it also has the potential to cause allergic reactions in those with sensitive skin.

The review mentioned earlier was inconclusive about other potential side effects of using beef tallow cosmetically. Some studies conducted on animals found it to cause eye and skin irritation. There is also concern about other ingredients brands could put into beef tallow skincare. “What’s marketed as ‘beef tallow’ may actually be a mix of fats from various animals,” says Dr. Kazlosukaya.

And that’s why, for now, you may not find many derms joining the chorus on this one. “I approach these trends with caution. There are already so many wonderful moisturizers available,” says Dr. Kazlosukaya. “Unlike tallow, these products are backed by extensive research, ensuring their safety and efficacy.”

Kopelman adds: “While tallow’s properties may warrant further investigation, this should happen in controlled lab settings where its physical properties and safety can be thoroughly evaluated. For now, it’s too early—and too risky—to start slathering animal fat on your skin.”

Is Adding Beef Tallow to Your Diet a Good Idea?

“Beef tallow is rich in healthy fats but also contains less healthy saturated fats,” explains Best. It contains fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and K, too, “but those levels depend a lot on the diet and quality of the animal,” adds Metzelaar.

The Saturated Fat Content Can Be an Issue

In comparison, olive oil, for example, contains more heart-healthy unsaturated fats, Best says. “Too much saturated fat can impact cholesterol and heart health negatively. And while the science around saturated fat is evolving, eating too much of it while not balancing other nutrients in your diet could still pose risks for some individuals,” says Metzelaar.

It’s Great for Cooking Veggies and Frying

The real pro of using beef tallow in the kitchen is its high smoke point, which makes it versatile and ideal for frying or roasting vegetables compared to more delicate oils, Metzelaar says. It has a rich, savory flavor, which may not always gel well with sweet notes but can be used as a substitute for butter or shortening in recipes like pie crusts because it creates a flaky, tender texture, she adds.

Metzelaar says that you can also use it to fry eggs, sear meats, or make french fries, but that it’s best to eat tallow in moderation. “Ultimately, it’s another tool in your cooking arsenal,” she says. “Whether it’s the right fit for you depends on your preferences and how it fits into your overall diet,” she says.