The Latest Beauty Hack Is Beef Fat -Here's What You Need to Know

Why Dermatologists Are Sounding the Alarm on Tallow-Based Beauty

In the ever-evolving world of skincare, there’s always something new being hailed as the next miracle cure for dry skin, fine lines, or that elusive “natural glow.” Lately, the internet’s newest obsession doesn’t come in a sleek bottle or from a luxury brand—it comes from your butcher. That’s right: people are slathering beef fat—also known as beef tallow—on their faces.

If your first thought is “Wait, what?” you’re not alone. But scroll through certain corners of the internet and you’ll find creators passionately promoting beef tallow as a “natural” moisturizer, claiming it gives them clear, radiant skin. Comments like “Beef tallow is blowing up right now, and dermatologists don’t want you to know about it” or “lowkey skin is popping off” have helped fuel its popularity over the past year.

Why Are People Doing This?

At the heart of the trend is a belief that beef tallow mimics our skin’s natural oils and can deeply hydrate. Some even claim it heals acne and reduces inflammation. You’ll see people using it straight from the jar—either pure or whipped with honey or essential oils—and applying it as they would a face cream or balm.

It’s not hard to see the appeal. We live in a time when people are craving simplicity and turning toward “natural” ingredients they already trust in the kitchen. From coconut oil to honey to yogurt, we’ve seen a long list of edible items turned into DIY skincare. So when beef tallow entered the chat, it was welcomed by a crowd eager for alternatives to big-name moisturizers.

But... Is It Actually Good for Your Skin?

Dermatologists have a different take: just because it’s natural doesn’t mean it’s beneficial—or even safe—for your skin.

“I do not recommend beef tallow as a skincare ingredient. It’s simply an animal fat—nothing magical or particularly beneficial about it for your skin,” says Dr. Heather Rogers, MD, a procedural dermatologist. “It’s messy, smelly, can clog pores, and goes rancid easily, especially without preservatives… It [also] attracts flies.”

Not exactly the glow-up people are hoping for.

Dr. Anthony Rossi, MD, dermatologist and founder of Dr. Rossi Skincare, agrees. He describes tallow as “quite comedogenic—acne forming—because of how occlusive it is. If you want to induce acne, this will do it, regardless of if you are past your acne-puberty phase.”

Even products marketed specifically as tallow-based skincare aren’t in the clear. Experts warn that many aren’t tested for safety or stability and could easily spoil or grow bacteria. “Many of the products available online—[on] TikTok shop or Amazon—are not tested for real production,” adds Rossi. “Without a preservative system, they can grow bacteria or fungus.”

On top of that, to mask the naturally strong smell of beef fat, some products are mixed with fragrance—another red flag for skin sensitivity. “Fragrance is a top [cause] of allergic reactions,” notes Rogers.

When ‘Edible’ Doesn’t Mean ‘Skin-Safe’

This isn’t the first time we’ve seen food make its way into the bathroom cabinet. Olive oil, coconut oil, honey, yogurt, and even mayonnaise have all had their 15 minutes of fame in the beauty world. The logic seems simple: if it’s safe to eat, it must be safe for your face.

But dermatologists say otherwise. Food-grade ingredients may be familiar, but they’re not always formulated for skin. They’re often unstable, pore-clogging, or irritating—especially when applied in their raw form.

If your skin is dry or irritated, the solution isn’t likely sitting in your fridge. It’s probably something with clinical backing, third-party testing, and yes—developed by people who understand dermatology. Rogers and Rossi both emphasize the importance of using products that have been medically tested and verified. “If you want to get serious about your skin,” Rossi says, “see a board-certified dermatologist.”

Bottom Line?

Beef fat may make your fries taste amazing, but it’s not doing your pores any favors. Before you go swapping your moisturizer for what’s essentially cooking oil, consider this your reminder: just because something is trending doesn’t mean it’s safe—or smart—for your skin.

Now, if you’ll excuse us, we’ll be keeping our beef tallow in the kitchen where it belongs.