So you have heard about the latest skincare craze, beef tallow. Your first initial thought is probably why and is it worth it? I'm here to break it down for you, signed your esthi bestie.

What is beef tallow?

Beef tallow is rendered fat found in a cow's organs. The fat is cooked down until it becomes a liquid.

Rendering is a process of removing moisture from the fat through evaporation. This is an attempt to make the ingredient shelf stable.

Why people think* it's rad*

This ingredient is having its moment of fame because it is perceived as nourishing. It has lipids, fatty acids, and nutrients like vitamins A, D, E, and K. People believe it mimics our natural oil production and is very moisturizing.

What you might not know

There are a few reasons why I would pass on the beef tallow.

Comedogenic - the chances of beef tallow clogging your pores is very high, especially if you are acne-prone, oily, or sensitive skin types. It can trap bacteria, dead skin cells, and sebum which can lead to acne.
Harbors bacteria - if not properly processed, beef tallow can lead to contamination. It can also go bad quickly if it is exposed to air over a period of time (stored in a jar). Not to mention, this skincare ingredient is unregulated and not FDA-approved.
Not sustainable - in general, beef tallow is not sustainable sourcing. This ingredient is now experiencing a resurgence in demand.
No scientific evidence - there is no proven research that beef tallow is beneficial to the skin. When it comes down to it, I recommend always sticking to using skincare that has been through clinical trials.

If not Beef Tallow, then what?

If you are looking for an occlusive moisturizer ( a moisturizer that is a balm, like Vaseline or Aquaphor) then I would recommend Glymed's Cell Protection Balm This is a barrier repair moisturizer that shields the skin from environmental stressors and locks in moisture. It is infused with live yeast cell derivatives that promote cell renewal and collagen.

The Takeaway

Beef tallow is a fad. There is no scientific evidence that it helps improve the skin and is an ancient way of nourishing and protecting our skin. Skip this fad and keep your tallow in the kitchen.