Beef Tallow for Skincare: Must-Have or Total Bust?

Beef tallow has been getting a lot of buzz in the skincare world lately. TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are all lighting up with influencers raving about its “natural” benefits. But is this trend truly skin-friendly, or is it another case of internet hype gone wrong?

As a licensed esthetician and the founder of Savvy Skin Spa, I always approach skincare trends with a critical (and evidence-based) lens. What works for one person may not work for another—and sometimes, a trendy ingredient can do more harm than good.

Here’s what happened…

One of my clients decided to give beef tallow a try on her face. Within just a few weeks, her skin did a full 180—and not in a good way. She went from clear, glowing skin to congested pores, blackheads, and eventually full-blown inflammatory acne (yes, we’re talking painful pustules).

As soon as I saw the reaction and traced it back to her new skincare routine, it was crystal clear: beef tallow is not your facial skin’s friend.

My Professional Take

Bust for the face

Beef tallow is comedogenic. That means it clogs pores and traps oil and debris—basically the fast track to breakouts. While it may be “natural,” not all natural ingredients are suitable for the delicate, highly reactive skin on your face.

Okay for the body

The skin on our bodies is thicker and less prone to breakouts. So, if you're curious about beef tallow, limit it to body care (like elbows, knees, or feet)—not your cheeks or T-zone.

Want the Full Scoop?

 We dive into the science, the real-life skin case, and what to use instead for nourished, breakout-free skin.

Have you tried beef tallow on your skin?

 I’d love to hear about your experience—leave a comment below or shoot me a message. Let’s keep the conversation honest and real.

With gratitude,
Nicole Minder
Founder + Licensed Esthetician, Savvy Skin Spa