Is Beef Tallow Good for Your Skin? An Honest Answer

Short answer: beef tallow is a rich, heavy moisturiser that can work well on dry skin, especially on the body. It is not a miracle ingredient. Dermatologists say there is no good evidence that it does more than moisturise, and it can clog pores on oily or acne-prone skin. Below is what is known, what is not, and how to decide whether it is worth trying.

What is beef tallow?

Tallow is beef fat that has been slowly melted down (rendered) and strained until it is clean and solid at room temperature. It is mostly made of three fatty acids: oleic acid (roughly 37–43%), palmitic acid (24–32%) and stearic acid (20–25%), with small amounts of linoleic and myristic acid.

Fatty acids like these are also part of the skin's own protective barrier, which is the idea behind tallow skincare. Tallow has been used to make soap for a very long time, so its use on skin is a revival, not a new invention.

What does tallow actually do for skin?

Tallow moisturises by sealing. It is an occlusive, which means it sits on the skin as a thin layer and slows down the water that would otherwise evaporate.

That matters because thicker products hold more water in. The American Academy of Dermatology says creams preserve more water than lotions, and ointments more still, which is why they recommend thicker products for dry skin. A tallow balm sits at the thick end of that range. It is the reason it feels so good on dry hands, elbows, shins and heels, especially through a dry Highveld winter.

What does the research say?

Less than social media suggests.

• A 2024 scoping review in the journal Cureus looked at 19 studies on tallow and skin. It found signs that tallow has moisturising properties, but most of the research was not on plain tallow applied to healthy human skin. The authors said the side effects of tallow on skin are the main gap and called for proper trials.
• Cleveland Clinic dermatology resident Dr Angela Wei puts it plainly: “There's no evidence that shows beef tallow has any additional benefits for your skin beyond being a natural moisturizer.”
• The vitamins in tallow (A, D, E and K) are present in trace amounts, and there is not enough research on whether skin absorbs them in a way that makes a difference.

So the honest claim is a modest one: tallow is a good moisturiser for the right skin. Claims that it reverses ageing, clears acne or heals eczema are not backed by good evidence, and we will not make them.

Who is tallow likely to suit?

• People with dry or very dry skin.
• Rough body areas such as hands, elbows, knees, shins and heels.
• People who prefer short, simple ingredient lists.

Who should be careful or skip it?

• Oily or acne-prone skin. Dermatologists warn that tallow can clog pores in some people. We cover this in detail in Does tallow balm clog pores?
• Sensitive skin or rosacea. Rich products and fragrance can irritate, and allergic reactions are possible.
• Skin that is healing after a peel, laser or other procedure.
• Anyone with a diagnosed skin condition. Speak to your dermatologist before changing your routine.

Tallow also gives no sun protection. You still need sunscreen.

How to try tallow safely

1. Patch test first. Rub a small amount on your inner forearm once a day for a few days and watch for redness or itching.
2. Start on the body. Hands, elbows and heels are the lowest-risk places to begin.
3. Use a small amount on damp skin. Apply after a shower while your skin is still slightly damp. A pea-sized amount goes a long way.
4. Move to the face only if your skin is dry and the body test went well. Use a thin layer at night.
5. Stop if you see breakouts, redness or itching. It simply is not the right fit for your skin.

Does the quality of the tallow matter?

Yes. Dermatologists point out that tallow products are not tested or regulated the way pharmacy moisturisers are, and that poor rendering can leave impurities behind. Look for a maker who will tell you exactly what is in the jar and how it is made, a clean and mild smell, and a jar size you will finish while it is fresh.

At SerenQ we make our tallow products in small batches from grass-fed beef tallow:

• Frankincense Whipped Tallow Balm, a rich daily moisturiser for face and body.
• Grass-Fed Tallow Soap Bar, a traditional cold-process bar. See Is tallow soap good for your skin?
• Coffee & Vanilla Tallow Body Scrub, an exfoliating scrub with a tallow base.

If you are ordering in summer, read how to store tallow balm in South African heat.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use beef tallow on my face?

Some people with dry skin do, and like it. Dermatologists generally advise against it for oily or acne-prone skin because it can clog pores. If your skin is dry, patch test, start with a thin layer at night and stop if you break out.

Does tallow balm smell like beef?

Well-rendered tallow should smell mild and clean, not strongly of beef. A strong or sour smell is a sign of poor rendering or a product that has gone off.

Is tallow better than shea butter?

There is no good evidence that one is better than the other. Both are thick moisturisers that help dry skin hold water. It comes down to how your skin responds and what you prefer. Tallow is an animal product, so it is not suitable for vegans.

Is tallow good for eczema?

That is not proven. There is early research on tallow mixtures, but no good human trials, so we cannot claim it. If you have eczema, follow the advice of your doctor or dermatologist.

Does tallow protect skin from the sun?

No. Tallow has no sun protection properties. Use a proper sunscreen.

Sources

• Cleveland Clinic: Is Beef Tallow Good for Your Skin?
• Scripps Health: Beef Tallow in Skin Care
• Russell et al. (2024), Tallow, Rendered Animal Fat, and Its Biocompatibility With Skin: A Scoping Review, Cureus
• American Academy of Dermatology: How to pick the right moisturizer for your skin
• Museum of Fine Arts Boston, CAMEO materials database: Tallow

This article is general information, not medical advice. If you have a skin condition, speak to a dermatologist or pharmacist.