Beef Tallow for Skin: What the Research Says About This Traditional Skincare Ingredient

If you've spent any time exploring natural skincare, you've likely come across beef tallow. An ancestral ingredient used in homemade soaps and balms, beef tallow has made a comeback as people search for simple, nourishing skincare products with minimal ingredients.

But is beef tallow actually good for your skin?

A growing body of research suggests that beef tallow has several characteristics that make it an effective moisturizer. While scientists agree that more human clinical studies are needed, current evidence helps explain why many people enjoy using OWN SKIN CO's beef tallow skincare to support healthy-looking skin.

What Is Beef Tallow?

Beef tallow is a purified fat that is carefully rendered from beef suet, the nutrient-rich fat surrounding the kidneys. Ours is properly rendered, once rendered it becomes a smooth, shelf-stable moisturizer that has been used in skincare for centuries! 

Today, we're bringing back what has worked in the past. We use grass-fed beef tallow because it contains a unique blend of fatty acids that closely resemble those found in healthy human skin.

Why Is Beef Tallow Good for Skin?

One of the most interesting discoveries from recent scientific research is that beef tallow contains many of the same fatty acids naturally present in the skin's protective barrier.

These include:

• Oleic acid
• Palmitic acid
• Stearic acid
• Linoleic acid
• Palmitoleic acid (in smaller amounts)

These lipids play important roles in maintaining the skin barrier, supporting skin hydration, and helping the skin retain moisture.

Because of this composition, researchers believe beef tallow has strong potential as a natural moisturizer.

Beef Tallow Helps Moisturize Dry Skin

A recent scientific review found that beef tallow functions as an emollient.

Emollients help soften the skin by creating a protective layer that reduces transepidermal water loss—the gradual loss of moisture from the skin throughout the day.

For people with dry or dehydrated skin, using an beef tallow as an emollient can leave the skin feeling smoother, softer, and more comfortable.

Many people choose OWN SKIN Co's beef tallow as an alternative to synthetic moisturizers because it contains only naturally occurring fats without added fillers.

Beef Tallow Has Similarities to Human Sebum

Sebum is the natural oil your skin produces to protect itself.

Researchers have noted that beef tallow's fatty acid profile shares similarities with human sebum. While this doesn't prove that tallow is better than other moisturizers, it may help explain why many users find it absorbs well and feels compatible with their skin.

This similarity is one reason beef tallow has become increasingly popular in natural skincare routines.

Traditional Use of Beef Tallow in Skincare

Long before modern skincare products existed, rendered animal fats were commonly used in:

• Moisturizing balms
• Hand creams
• Soaps
• Healing ointments
• Protective skin salves

Across many cultures, these products helped protect skin exposed to harsh weather and dry environments.

Today's tallow skincare products continue this tradition using carefully rendered, cosmetic-quality beef tallow.

What Does the Scientific Research Say?

A 2024 scoping review published in a peer-reviewed medical journal examined the available research on topical beef tallow.

The authors found several reasons why beef tallow may be beneficial for skin:

• It contains fatty acids naturally found in healthy skin.
• It functions as an effective emollient that may help reduce moisture loss.
• Its lipid composition is compatible with the skin barrier.
• It has a long history of traditional topical use.

However, the review also emphasized an important point:

There are currently very few high-quality clinical studies in humans evaluating topical beef tallow.

Can Beef Tallow Treat Eczema or Acne?

This is where it's important to separate personal experience from scientific evidence.

Many people report positive experiences using beef tallow on dry or sensitive skin. However, current research has not yet established that beef tallow can treat conditions such as:

• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Acne
• Rosacea

More clinical studies are needed before these therapeutic claims can be supported by scientific evidence.

However, many of our customers have found amazing success to treat their skin topically with our tallow skincare. We suggest our Better Balm for areas of skin that need a little bit extra! 

How to Choose a High-Quality Beef Tallow Skincare Product

Not all tallow products are created equal. That is why our products are:

• Made with high-quality rendered grass fed AND finished beef tallow
• Minimally processed, made by hand
• Free from unnecessary fillers and harsh chemicals
• Formulated and made by us in Mission, BC, Canada
• Clearly labelled with all of our natural ingredients

Some of our formulations also combine beef tallow with nourishing oils and botanical extracts to create a lighter texture while maintaining moisturizing properties, hello Tallow Serum!

Is Beef Tallow Right for Your Skin?

Every person's skin is different, and no moisturizer works perfectly for everyone.

However, if you're looking for a simple moisturizer made with traditional ingredients, our beef tallow skincare may be worth considering. Its naturally occurring fatty acids, emollient properties, and compatibility with the skin barrier make it an interesting option for people seeking a more natural skincare routine.

As research continues, scientists hope to better understand how topical beef tallow compares with other moisturizers and whether it may have additional benefits for specific skin concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is beef tallow good for your skin?

Current research suggests that beef tallow contains fatty acids naturally found in healthy skin and functions as an emollient that helps reduce moisture loss. More clinical research is needed to determine its effectiveness for specific skin conditions. Most people rely on the lived-experience of current tallow users, OWN SKIN CO's customer reviews are a great place to start. Canadian tallow skincare trusted by thousands! 

Does beef tallow clog pores?

There is limited scientific research specifically evaluating beef tallow's comedogenicity. Tallow is considered low on the comedogenic scale, however, Individual skin types vary, so it's best to patch test any new skincare product.

Can you use beef tallow on your face?

Many people use beef tallow as a facial moisturizer (OWN Skin Co's tallow whip is a great place to start). If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, start with a patch test and monitor how your skin responds.

Is beef tallow better than plant oils?

No high-quality studies currently show that beef tallow is superior to plant-based moisturizers. Different ingredients work well for different skin types and preferences.

Final Thoughts

Interest in beef tallow skincare has grown rapidly, and it's easy to see why. Its rich blend of naturally occurring fatty acids, emollient properties, and long history of traditional use make it an appealing ingredient for those seeking a simple, nourishing moisturizer.

While current scientific evidence supports its role as an effective moisturizer, more clinical studies are needed to determine whether beef tallow offers additional benefits beyond supporting the skin's natural barrier and hydration.

As with any skincare product, paying attention to your skin's individual needs are the best ways to find what works for you.

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Scientific Reference

Tallow, Rendered Animal Fat, and Its Biocompatibility With Skin: A Scoping Review. Published in 2024 in a peer-reviewed medical journal and available through the U.S. National Library of Medicine's PubMed Central database.

This review concluded that beef tallow contains skin-compatible fatty acids and functions as an emollient, while noting that additional human clinical research is needed to evaluate its effectiveness for specific skin conditions.