Move Over Snail Mucin, Beef Tallow is TikTok's Latest Skincare Obsession
What's the beef?
'Beef tallow is a type of fat obtained from the fatty tissue of cows, typically from areas around the kidneys or loins known as suet,' explains Dr Madhuri Agarwal, founder and medical director, YAVANA Aesthetics. 'After processing, it becomes a solid, creamy fat rich in saturated fatty acids and vitamins A, D, E, and K.' What makes it popular is its fatty acid profile, which is rather similar to human sebum, which is suggested to help support the skin barrier, reduce dryness, and aid in skin healing.
This now viral skincare ingredient, however, isn't a recent discovery. According to the founder and medical director at Epione Medical Corporation and Hollywood's go-to cosmetic dermatologist, Dr Simon Ourian, beef tallow dates back to ancient civilisations. 'They were onto something, but they also didn't have access to the dermatologic science we have today,' he says.
The skin benefits
Just like snail mucin, beef tallow is perceived as a 'natural' ingredient that can aid in treating the skin, and that's what makes it popular even today. 'People are drawn to it for its simplicity and nostalgic appeal — it's unprocessed, rich, and feels natural,' Dr Ourian states.
Think of it as a whole-fat moisturiser, adds Dr Agarwal. Rich in palmitic, stearic, and oleic acid, as well as linoleic acid, it is said to deeply hydrate, repair the skin barrier, and reduce irritation, particularly for dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin.
Safe for all?
…not without limitations! While beef tallow is beneficial for individuals with dry or reactive skin, there are potential risks and side effects for others. 'It's very occlusive,' warns Dr Ourian. 'This means that it can clog pores, especially in those with oily or acne-prone skin.' Its non-comedogenic nature can even exacerbate skin conditions such as acne or folliculitis — quite contrary to the acne-reducing properties TikTok seems to be promoting.
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