Nara Smith swears by beef tallow for eczema — but what do dermatologists say?

How far would you go to achieve clear skin? Well, it seems that TikTok users are game to try just about anything, including the newest unconventional skincare craze; beef tallow. 

Recently, model and influencer, Nara Smith and her fellow entertainer husband, Lucky Blue Smith, took to TikTok to share how their homemade beef tallow moisturiser helped with the former’s dry skin and eczema. 

Beef tallow skincare quickly took over TikTok when users shared positive results from using it as a moisturiser for clearer skin. Those with acne lauded its ability to calm flare-ups while individuals with dry skin were amazed at how bouncy and plump their complexion appeared after a short period of use.  

For the uninitiated, beef tallow is rendered beef fat, meaning it has been melted down to remove impurities and achieve a shelf-stable state. While beef tallow might be more recognised as an alternative cooking oil, its use in skincare is actually nothing new; it has a long history as a key ingredient in salves and soaps.

But before you start slathering on the beef tallow, see what Dr Angeline Yong, a dermatologist with over 15 years of medical practice, has to say about this viral skincare trend. 

Does beef tallow actually work?

According to Dr Yong, who runs Angeline Yong Dermatology, beef tallow can potentially nourish and moisturise the skin thanks to some of its naturally occurring ingredients.

Rich in fatty acids, beef tallow helps hydrate the skin, strengthen its natural barrier, and improve skin texture. Its composition is similar to natural oils produced by the skin, making it well-suited for skincare and theoretically, less likely to cause irritation. 

Packed with vitamins A, D, E, and K — each with antioxidant properties — beef tallow could also help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals.

Moreover, beef tallow is considered to be less comedogenic, which means it’s less likely to clog pores compared to some other oils and skincare ingredients. 

On TikTok, beef tallow has earned a reputation of being an affordable, natural cure-all and is often suggested as a replacement for mass-produced moisturisers due to these benefits.

Beef tallow sounds too good to be true. What about potential downsides? 

Dr Yong says that while beef tallow is generally well-tolerated by many skin types and is less likely to cause pore blockages, as with all skincare products, individual reactions can vary.

For those with very oily or acne-prone skin, the richness of beef tallow could potentially lead to clogged pores or breakouts.

After two weeks of using beef tallow, user @livwithacne, who has acne-prone skin, reported that she was experiencing breakouts and clogged pores. 

She had been looking for a cheaper alternative to her clinical moisturiser and was swayed to try beef tallow after seeing positive reviews of it being an affordable, natural remedy.

However, after experiencing these side effects, she says that she would definitely not recommend anyone to try beef tallow as skincare.

Similarly, user @exploringholistically shared that her skin became inflamed and developed little red bumps after using beef tallow for just three days. 

So, should I be using beef tallow in my skincare routine?

Beef tallow would probably be more beneficial for those with drier or sensitive skin given its richness and moisturising potential.

Like with all other skincare products, the decision to use beef tallow in your skincare routine should depend on your skin type, preferences, and specific skin concerns you want to address, says Dr Yong.

Ultimately, before incorporating beef tallow into your skincare routine, Dr Yong urges you to conduct a patch test on a small area of skin and check to see if you have any adverse reactions or sensitivity.

Even if you aren’t allergic to beef, your skin might react differently to beef tallow itself.

What type of beef tallow is good or safe to use on skin?

If you’ve done the patch test and are still keen on trying out this skincare trend for yourself, note that not all beef tallow is made equal. When it comes to selecting beef tallow for skin use, Dr Yong says it is essential to prioritise high-quality, pure, and minimally processed options. 

Most importantly, you should keep a look out for certifications or labels indicating that the product is suitable for skincare or cosmetic use.

Pure tallow would probably be your best option for skincare since they don’t contain additives, preservatives or artificial fragrances. For some, these extra ingredients could contain allergens or irritants that might trigger skin sensitivities or allergic reactions. 

Opt for beef tallow that’s derived from grass-fed, organic cattle to ensure that the product is free from pesticides, antibiotics or synthetic hormones.

Lastly, ensure that the tallow comes in an air-tight container and has a smooth, creamy texture that is easy to apply and absorbs into the skin without leaving a greasy residue. 

The bottom line

While there’s merit in using beef tallow moisturiser when your skin is in need of intense hydration, the potential risks — such as having an allergic reaction or breaking out from beef tallow — doesn’t quite justify its use. 

In fact, Dr Yong believes that there are many products on the market, certified safe for skin use, that can do what beef tallow purports to do and may yield better results.

She says, “Personally I wouldn’t use beef tallow as skincare as I prefer clinical and pharmaceutical or cosmetic grade products that have been researched and carefully formulated.”

For now, maybe it’s best to leave the beef tallow in the kitchen and stick to tried and tested products we can trust.