Beef Tallow in Your Beauty Bag? Experts Break Down the Craze
Searches for “beef tallow for skin” have skyrocketed in the past year, with online interest increasing by 326% year-on-year and over 111,000 monthly searches recorded in August 2025 (search data analysed by Fresha).
Once a traditional household remedy, beef tallow, or rendered animal fat, is experiencing a modern revival in skincare routines. This is propelled by social media trends, the rise of natural beauty movements, and consumers seeking alternatives to lab-made ingredients.
Why the Rise?
According to skincare experts on the Fresha marketplace, several factors are driving the renewed popularity:
- Natural & Ancestral Beauty: Consumers are turning to heritage remedies, with beef tallow marketed as a “back-to-basics” moisturiser.
- TikTok & Influencer Buzz: Viral skincare videos praising its rich, protective qualities have accelerated awareness, and “beef-tallow ASMR” is taking over everyone’s For You Page.
- Clean Beauty Shift: As demand grows for minimal-ingredient products, many are intrigued by single-ingredient solutions.
The Benefits of Beef Tallow for Skin
While research is still emerging, beef tallow contains components that can be beneficial:
| Benefit | Why It Matters |
| Rich in Fatty Acids | It helps strengthen the skin barrier and lock in moisture. |
| Vitamin Content | Naturally contains vitamins A, D, E, and K, which support skin health. |
| Skin Compatibility | Its structure is similar to the natural oils in human skin, making it highly emollient. |
| Barrier Repair | It can soothe dry, cracked, or compromised skin. |
Experts on the Fresha app emphasise that beef tallow is not suitable for everyone. Those with acne-prone or sensitive skin may find it too heavy and potentially pore-clogging. Additionally, sourcing and formulation matter – raw or poorly processed tallow may contain impurities, so ensuring you research your product is crucial.
“We’re seeing a big shift towards stripped-back skincare, and beef tallow’s rise reflects that movement. While it offers nourishing qualities, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. We always advise patch-testing and consulting with a skincare specialist before introducing any new ingredient to your routine.” – Skincare experts on Fresha
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