Of all the skincare trends TikTok has graced us with, one of the weirdest and most unlikely is that telling us to put beef tallow—or beef fat—on our faces.
In essence, this trend claims that beef fat that has been rendered can be used instead of moisturiser. This, according to its advocates, helps make skin glow, reduce acne, and even give the skin a boost of vitamins A, D, E and K.
Rendering in this case involves taking raw fat and boiling it in water until all the moisture within has evaporated, thus making it more stable and extending its shelf life. This type of fat is often used in cooking, as well as for making candles, soaps, and a number of skincare products. So, as such, it seems like the trend makes sense.
Even so, beef tallow on its own may not be the miracle cure it purports to be. For example, research has shown that it is a comedogenic product, meaning that it actually clogs pores—which means it’s particularly bad for those with normal or oily skin. More worryingly, the oleic acid found within can actually harm your skin barrier. Oh, and it may make your skin more sensitive to UV rays.
But, it’s not all doom and gloom. According to Dr Hannah Kopelman, a dermatologist who spoke to Healthline, beef tallow could actually benefit those who have extremely dry skin or eczema-prone skin, if used sparingly. She suggests using it on any areas of the body where the dryness or eczema manifests, and starting with small amounts to see how you fare.
Ultimately, the trend is neither correct nor incorrect. What’s clear is that it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation and that you should definitely speak to a dermatologist before trying any trend, even one based on a product that is 100% natural.