Beef tallow is essentially rendered beef fat. Sounds gross, I know, but the rise of beef tallow aligns with broader trends toward sustainable and “natural” ingredients in skincare. Tallow fanatics will tell you that it’s worth smelling like a well-done steak because tallow is:

• Rich in skin-nourishing nutrients It’s true that tallow contains fatty acids like stearic acid and palmitic acid, which help support the skin’s natural barrier. It also boasts fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, which contribute to skin repair, hydration, and antioxidant protection. However, it’s important to note that these are all ingredients that can be found in other good, thick moisturizers too.

• Closely mimics human sebum Advocates argue that tallow’s composition is similar to the natural oils produced by our skin. This similarity may make it especially effective for replenishing moisture and supporting a healthy skin barrier. Again, that’s true but not unique to just tallow.

• Natural and free from additives Yes, beef tallow in its pure form contains no synthetic chemicals, fragrances, or preservatives, but that’s also what stops it from being shelf stable. It can easily go bad if not stored properly, which can be dangerous to use on your skin.

• Sustainability benefits Those focused on reducing waste tout beef tallow as an eco-friendly choice when it comes from ethically raised animals, as it repurposes a byproduct of the meat industry that might otherwise be discarded (just don’t tell that to a vegan).