Experts Weigh In: Is Beef Tallow the Secret to Flawless Skin or Just Another Viral Hype?
In a world where skincare routines increasingly resemble a butcher’s shopping list, beef tallow—yes, rendered beef fat—has emerged as the latest TikTok-endorsed miracle worker. Influencers are slathering it on their faces, claiming it’s the key to clear, glowing skin. But before you raid your kitchen for a jar of animal fat, dermatologists are here to rain on this greasy parade.
Dr. Rebeca Teplitz, a board-certified dermatologist, acknowledges that beef tallow can create a moisturizing barrier akin to Vaseline, which might help with dryness. However, she warns that its comedogenic properties—meaning it can clog pores—could lead to breakouts, effectively turning your quest for perfection into a pimple party. “Despite social media users showcasing positive effects, I would not recommend patients use beef tallow as a moisturizing agent,” she says, delivering a verdict that’s as clear as a freshly exfoliated complexion.
Instead of embracing this carnivorous skincare trend, Dr. Teplitz suggests sticking to oil-free, noncomedogenic moisturizers. Ingredients like niacinamide, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin are far more likely to hydrate your skin without the risk of turning your face into a greasy frying pan.
But let’s not ignore the elephant—or rather, the cow—in the room. TikTokers like Nara Smith and @superglowingg have been raving about their “flawless” and “glowy” results after using beef tallow. Yet, as dermatologist Connie Yang points out, “Natural is not always better. Things like poison ivy are natural—does not mean it’s good for your skin.” Touché, Dr. Yang.
This trend is just the latest in a long line of questionable beauty hacks, from period blood face masks to glazed donut nails. While the allure of “natural” alternatives is understandable, it’s worth remembering that not everything that comes from nature is a gift to your skin. Sometimes, science—and a good dermatologist—knows best.
So, before you start smearing beef fat on your face, consider this: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. And if it smells like a steak, it probably shouldn’t be on your face.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and E! Online, NBC News
Image Credit: Title: Untitled, Author: No author info, License: [‘cc_attribute’, ‘cc_nonderived’, ‘cc_publicdomain’]
