Beef tallow is getting attention, but not from chefs or recipe developers.
Has the ingredient made its way into your group chat?
Here atAllure, ours has been booming about itand we have a lot of questions.
Getty Images
In search of answers, we spoke to board-certified dermatologists to investigate the fascination with beef tallow inskin care.
What is beef tallow?
Tallow is the rendered form of suet, a throw in of fat that comes from cows and sheep.
Its what McDonalds used to fry its French fries in before swapping to vegetable oil in the 90s.
Over on TikTok and Instagram, people are using beef tallow as a facial moisturizer.
While beef tallow has non-food uses, its not an ingredient widely utilized in todays conventional skin-care products.
Should you use beef tallow on your skin?
But in regards to adding beef tallow to your skin-care line-up, experts recommend you use other moisturizing alternatives.
She prefers other plant-based alternatives (but more on that later).
So what about all of those beef tallow enthusiasts who swear its been their bestmoisturizerdiscovery yet?
It seems like bull, says Dr. Shamban.
Its not a replacement or functional alternative to a treatment ingredient.
According to Dr. Thosani, the ethics behind beef tallow is a complex issue.
What are the risks of using beef tallow for skin care?
As mentioned above, there is little research that exists on the use of beef tallow on human skin.
mad cow disease, Dr. Shamban adds.
The use of beef tallow on skin could also result in adverse side effects likesensitivityor allergic reactions.
As with any ingredient, formulation matters so it doesnt mean that all formulas of beef tallow are sensitizing.
Another less serious yet rather unpleasant downside of beef tallow?
Its known for having a, well, meaty smell.
Dr. Woolery-Lloyd says the scent of beef tallow is a major con of the ingredient.
Not all beef tallow products have an unappealing smell though.
What are some alternatives to beef tallow?
Until there is conclusive clinical testing, safety regulations, and standardization, dermatologists recommend avoiding it.
Read more skin-care stories:
Now, watch Alia Bhatt’sAllurecover shoot.
