Beef tallow skin care is trending on TikTok, with influencers claiming it delivers intense hydration, firmer skin, and a “clean” alternative to synthetic ingredients. But is this animal fat really the miracle moisturizer it’s made out to be?
Before you slather beef tallow on your face and body, here’s what you need to know about the potential dangers and smarter alternatives for healthy, glowing skin.
What is Beef Tallow?
Beef tallow is rendered fat from a cow, typically melted down and then cooled until solid. High in saturated fat, it’s been traditionally used in cooking, especially for frying at high temperatures.
Recently, it’s been promoted as a natural skin care ingredient, praised for its similarity to the oils in human skin. But here’s the catch: beef tallow is unregulated for cosmetic use and not approved by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for topical application.
Why TikTok Loves It
Beef tallow’s popularity stems from a growing demand for “natural” skin care alternatives. TikTok creators tout it as deeply moisturizing, saying it mimics the skin’s natural oils and reduces the need for preservatives or synthetic chemicals. Some even suggest leaving it on overnight as an intensive mask.
But just because something is “natural” doesn’t mean it’s safe — or effective.
The Research: Risks You Shouldn’t Ignore
Despite the hype, beef tallow can clog pores and cause serious skin issues. Here’s what early research and dermatologists are warning about:
- comedogenic: Blocks pores, leading to blackheads, acne, and breakouts.
- greasy residue: Sits on skin’s surface, attracting dirt and bacteria.
- allergic reactions: Can trigger rashes, redness, and irritation.
- sun sensitivity: May increase your skin’s risk of sunburn.
Even more concerning, environmental studies have found that beef tallow can be harmful to aquatic life, disrupting microbiota and causing malformations in fish. If it’s harmful to delicate ecosystems, it may not be the safest choice for your skin, especially over long-term use.
Better, Safer Skin Care Alternatives
Yes, beef tallow may offer moisture, but science shows better options are available, including natural plant-based ingredients like:
- pumpkin seed oil: Rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids.
- linoleic acid: Helps restore the skin barrier and deeply hydrates.
These ingredients are not only more effective, but also less likely to clog pores or harm the environment.
The Pure Haven Difference: Clean Ingredients, Real Results
At Pure Haven, we’re about setting high standards, not chasing trends. Our skin care products are made with only the purest, safest ingredients, formulated and manufactured in our USDA Certified Organic facility. We control the entire process to ensure every product is non-toxic, effective, and safe for you and your family.
Looking for a glow without the grease?
Start with our refresh and clear up skin care collections, perfect for clean, hydrated, radiant skin without the risks of beef tallow. Enhance your routine with powerful support products like:
For all-over hydration in safe scents, try our:
Think Before You Tallow
Before jumping on the next TikTok skin care trend, do your research. Beef tallow may be natural, but it’s not without risk. For truly effective, non-toxic skin care that delivers results without compromise, trust Pure Haven.
Your skin — and the planet — deserve better.
Sources:
Bahou, C. (28 Mar 2025). What to Know About Beef Tallow for Skin: Benefits, risks, and more. Medical News Today.
Mansuri, A. (2 April 2025). What You Need to Know About Beef Tallow for Skin. HealthLine.
Russell, L. M.S. RDN LD. (20 June 2024). What is beef tallow? Is it good for me? – Mayo Clinic Press.
Russell MF, Sandhu M, Vail M, Haran C, Batool U, Leo J. (24 May 2024). Tallow, Rendered Animal Fat, and Its Biocompatibility With Skin: A Scoping Review – PMC. National Library of Medicine.
Wu, M. (19 August 2025). Is Beef Tallow Good for Skin? Here’s How the TikTok-Famous Trend Affects You After 2 Years.