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Beef Tallow's Skincare Surge: Benefits and Drawbacks

Beef tallow's skincare benefits are gaining traction. But is it right for your skin? Find out before you try it.

In this image there is a meat with sauce on it in a pan.
In this image there is a meat with sauce on it in a pan.

Beef Tallow's Skincare Surge: Benefits and Drawbacks

Beef tallow, once a staple in kitchens for frying, has found an unexpected resurgence in skincare. Dr. Derrick Phillips, a consultant dermatologist, explains that its unique fatty acid profile can support the skin barrier. This trend, popularized by model and influencer Nara Smith, has seen a 326% increase in searches, with over 111,000 monthly searches in August 2025.

Nara Smith brought beef tallow to the limelight by incorporating it into her homemade facial moisturizer. The clean beauty movement has further boosted its popularity. While beef tallow can help hydrate and support the skin barrier, its benefits are not as well-researched as other ingredients like ceramides or plant oils. It may also clog pores in acne-prone or oily skin and cause irritation or allergies with poor-quality tallow.

For those concerned about fine lines and wrinkles, alternatives like Argireline, a peptide shown to reduce crow's feet depth by 30%, or other ingredients like squalane and shea butter, may be more suitable. These ingredients have been more extensively studied and offer proven benefits.

Beef tallow's skincare popularity continues to rise, with over 111,000 monthly searches in August 2025. While it can help alleviate dryness and support the skin barrier, its potential drawbacks should be considered. As always, it's essential to patch test new skincare ingredients and consult a dermatologist for personalized advice.

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