Print article Using beef tallow for skin has become a huge wellness trend in 2025 and looks to continue into 2026. Proponents of beef tallow point to its anti-inflammatory properties and high doses of fat-soluble vitamins including A, D, E and K, which benefit bone and skin, but dermatologists caution some folks from joining the trend.
What is Beef Tallow?
Tallow is a whiteish substance that is made from fatty tissue that surrounds the organs of ruminant animals, like cows, buffalo, sheep, goats and deer.
Beef tallow is commonly made from cows and typically used for cooking at high temperatures. Tallow also has many nonfood uses and can be an ingredient in candles, soaps and topical skincare —
Like other solid cooking fats such as butter and coconut oil, beef tallow is made up primarily of saturated fat. What sets beef tallow apart from other cooking fats — and has it currently trending in the wellness community — is its unique fat profile.
Since the composition of beef tallow is similar to natural oils produced by skin, it can be used as a moisturizer and is gentle on sensitive skin. CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) has anti-inflammatory benefits that help lock in moisture and reduce oxidation, which, along with the fat-soluble vitamins in beef tallow, may improve skin’s elasticity and overall healthy appearance when applied topically.
However, dermatologist say there is potential complications of putting beef tallow on the skin, and caution against it in people with acne or oily skin, broken skin or allergic conditions such as eczema, where it could cause clogged pores or allergic reactions.
If you have conditions that warrant a fat restricted diet or specific skin conditions or allergies, always consult your healthcare team to make sure this new trend works for your specific needs.
beef tallow benefits
