Beef tallow, a simple fat from cattle, is becoming a skincare favourite.
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In recent weeks, a new trend has taken TikTok by storm, giving a fresh spin to the age-old fat derived from cattle: beef tallow.
Defined online by Dr Corey L. Hartman, a board-certified dermatologist, beef tallow is the fat produced from rendering the fat surrounding a cow's organs.
The hashtag “beeftallow” has amassed over 50,000 posts, presenting a slew of viral videos that claim this rendered fat could unlock a wealth of skincare benefits.
On TikTok, influencers tout various advantages of incorporating beef tallow into skincare regimens, ranging from clearing acne and evening skin tone to combating inflammation.
Many videos promote specific tallow-based products available via the TikTok Shop, emphasising their “miracle” properties while suggesting that dermatologists might be withholding this “secret” remedy.
“While beef tallow is rich in fatty acids and offers emollient benefits, there are better-studied plant-based fats with fewer variables regarding quality and safety,” warns Dr Omer Ibrahim, a board-certified dermatologist at Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology.
He notes that the fatty acid composition of beef tallow can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the animal’s sex, breed and diet.
Additionally, unless sourced and stored properly, tallow can go rancid since it is an animal byproduct.
Despite these warnings, tallow-based skincare is on the rise in South Africa, where several brands now offer products infused with this natural fat.
From balms to butters, these items have garnered praise for their purported skincare benefits, including:
Moisturisation: Tallow's composition closely mirrors that of human sebum, aiding in effective moisturisation and moisture retention.
Skin barrier support: This rendered fat may help to repair and strengthen the skin’s natural barrier, shielding it from environmental stressors.
Nourishment: Tallow is packed with essential vitamins and fatty acids that can support skin health.
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties: Many tallow products also blend in ingredients that bolster these beneficial effects.
Online user reviews emphasise that high-quality tallow is crucial.
One individual who used it for a month recommended that the best tallow products should be organic, grass-fed, dry-rendered, non-whipped and handcrafted in small local batches, specifically avoiding petroleum-based ingredients, synthetic fragrances and parabens.
Unfortunately, very few brands satisfy all of these strict requirements.
As the trend continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether beef tallow will solidify its position in the beauty industry or fade into obscurity.
For now, the combination of social media influence and traditional beliefs surrounding natural fats has sparked a renewed interest, leading many to wonder whether this "secret" could indeed provide long-lasting benefits for the skin.
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