Here’s how the viral cooking ingredient is actually affecting your skin, according to the latest TikTok skincare trends.
TikTok skincare trends have been demonstrating various effects, and this ingredient is no exception…
If you’ve been an avid user of beauty TikTok lately, you’ve probably heard that beef tallow is the latest in TikTok skincare trends.
Beef tallow is rendered cow fat. It’s typically used in cooking, such as deep frying and roasting, and is classically employed to make potatoes ultra-crispy.
While many may have it in the cupboard ready for Christmas, TikTok uses this pantry staple in a wholly different way as part of the new wave of TikTok skincare trends.
Nara Smith’s beef tallow moisturizer gained popularity on TikTok after she claimed it improved her skin significantly. This is just one example of how TikTok can popularize skincare trends involving natural ingredients.
People claim that beef tallow protects the skin barrier and, due to its anti-inflammatory properties, may also help with acne, underscoring the buzz around TikTok skincare trends.
The organic beauty movement sparks debate over natural products versus chemical serums, with varying opinions on their effectiveness according to TikTok skincare trends participants.
We hear from leading dermatologists about how using beef tallow could be beneficial in line with TikTok skincare trends.
The benefits of beef tallow
Hailed by BeautyTok as a ‘miracle skin product,’ beef tallow has become the latest favorite DIY moisturizer among a steadily growing community of organic skincare enthusiasts.
The rendered beef fat may improve your skin barrier and lock in moisture. Naturally, beef tallow contains some antioxidants, vitamins A, D, and K, as well as essential fatty acids. This could benefit skin that has never used proper skincare or has severely impaired barriers and follows TikTok skincare trends.
“Beef Tallow contains fatty acids which help to hydrate the skin whilst also protecting the skin’s main barrier,” explains Dr Ross Perry at Cosmedics skin clinics. “As a skincare product, it can help with overly dry skin and those who suffer from dry skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.”
What skin type is best suited for beef tallow?
Beef tallow is very rich in emollients, making it arguably best for extremely dry skin and unsuitable for acne-prone complexions.
“When searching for a moisturizer, you should consider three types of ingredients,” explains Dermal Therapist Joanna Fleming. “These include humectants, emollients, and occlusives.” When choosing a moisturizer, consider three categories of ingredients,” says Dermal Therapist Joanna Fleming. “These consist of humectants, emollients, and occlusives.”
“Humectants, including hyaluronic acid, attract moisture to the skin. Emollients like ceramides maintain the skin’s smoothness and prevent moisture loss. Occlusives like shea butter lock in moisture, while humectants like hyaluronic acid draw moisture into the skin. Emollients, like ceramides, help keep the skin smooth and prevent moisture loss. Then occlusives, like shea butter, help seal in moisture,” explains Fleming, a notable expert in TikTok skincare trends.
“Beef tallow is rich in emollients because it has a high level of triglycerides, which are fatty lipids found in the bloodstream,” says Fleming.
Moisturizing can help skin, but introducing bacteria might worsen an impaired barrier. TikTok skincare trends participants advise caution in such cases when following the latest advice.
The risks of using beef tallow
Chemical skincare is critiqued, but using cooking ingredients on the skin also poses risks that shouldn’t be overlooked, even considering new TikTok skincare trends.
Beef tallow, not formulated in a sterile environment for skin application, can carry bacteria, and there is a high risk of it exploding quickly.
If you will use beef tallow, Perry advises purchasing it from a pharmacy instead of a supermarket. Those participating in TikTok skincare trends should heed his advice. Beef tallow can be used on the face in small amounts, but commercial products may contain other ingredients with added benefits.
Beef tallow can go rancid if not stored properly, unlike skincare products designed for longer shelf life.
“Keep in mind that everyone’s skin reacts differently to products,” explains Dr. Akis Ntonos, founder of Aion Aesthetics and partner at Certainly Health. “It may cause added irritation or exacerbate acne in some individuals.”
“It might leave your skin with an unpleasant odor!”
What to use in place of it
Although not dermatologically tested in a controlled environment, “beef tallow doesn’t smell great either,” laughs Fleming. Fleming laughs and points out that “beef tallow doesn’t smell great either,” despite its popularity in TikTok skincare trends.
“I don’t think it’s worth trying, in my opinion. For better skin, use moisturizers with humectants, emollients, and occlusives.” I feel it’s not something worth trying. Just find a moisturizer with those three key ingredients—humectants, emollients, and occlusives—and you’ll probably achieve better results for your skin and skip the TikTok skincare trends.
