Beef Tallow for Skin: Dermatologist Explains the Truth

Dr Dray

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72,239
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1,483
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18:35
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Howto & Style
Dermatologist Dr. Dray reviews beef tallow for skin and breaks down the viral skincare trend taking over social media. Is beef tallow actually good for acne, eczema, and psoriasis, or is it another overhyped natural skincare trend?

In this video, Dr. Dray explains what beef tallow is, how it interacts with the skin barrier, and what the science really shows. She also discusses the potential benefits of fatty acids like oleic acid, palmitic acid, and linoleic acid, along with important safety concerns including contamination risk, rancidity, and lack of regulation.

If you’ve seen claims that beef tallow can replace moisturizer, cure acne, or heal eczema, this video will help you understand what is evidence-based and what is not.

TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Intro
0:35 What is beef tallow
1:17 Why beef tallow is trending
2:14 How it may help the skin
3:06 Potential downsides of fatty acids
4:02 Acne, eczema, and psoriasis claims
6:27 What the research actually shows
7:14 Safety concerns and risks
8:10 Does beef tallow clog pores
11:53 Social media vs reality
12:45 Who might consider using it
14:57 Better alternatives
17:03 Bottom line

KEY TOPICS COVERED
Beef tallow skincare benefits and risks
Skin barrier support and occlusion
Acne and comedogenicity myths
Eczema and psoriasis treatment claims
Natural skincare trends vs evidence-based dermatology
Dermatologist-approved alternatives to tallow

Dr. Dray emphasizes that while beef tallow contains lipids that may support hydration, there is limited clinical evidence supporting its use for treating skin conditions. Results can vary widely depending on individual skin type, and it should not replace sunscreen or proven treatments.

As with any skincare product, patch testing and careful monitoring are important.

Subscribe for more dermatologist-reviewed skincare, ingredient breakdowns, and evidence-based tips.

#beeftallow #skincare #dermatologist #acne #eczema #psoriasis #skinbarrier #naturalskincare #drdray

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Disclaimer: This video is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment or medical advice. Content provided on this Youtube channel is for informational purposes only. Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or health related diagnosis or treatment options. Information on this Youtube channel should not be considered as a substitute for advice from a healthcare professional. The statements made about specific products throughout this video are not to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.

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Comments (368)

  1. @DrDrayzday

    Hi guys! If you have tried beef tallow, I would love to hear your experience. Did it help your skin, or did you notice any issues?

    And if there are other viral skincare trends you want me to break down, leave them below. I am always happy to take a closer look at the science behind the hype.

    Thanks so much for watching and being here 🙂

    35 likes

  2. @hawaiingirlbeth

    Please keep calling out these ads on YouTube and tik tok.

    84 likes

  3. @pennythatcher1306

    I love natural or holistic types of healing. I jumped on this trend. I bought a really expensive beef tallow. That was an expensive lesson is all I'm going to say. It was not helpful in any way and I walked around feeling like a greased pig.

    105 likes

  4. @shannonlynch7706

    I tried a whipped tallow without any added fragrance. I saw similar improvements to my skin to when I was using rosehip seed oil - less redness and flaking, and the tone of my skin looked much better (likely due to emollient properties). I can see why rosehip seed oil would be preferable due to concerns about ingredient stability.

    I’ve been listening to Dr. Dray for years and rosehip seed oil and tallow helps my dry skin better than many heavy moisturizers. I have not tried other skin oils. The closest would be the LaRoche posay lipikar moisturizer.

    I rarely get breakouts, and tallow did not cause any breakouts for me.

    31 likes

  5. @jcrhee

    I swear most videos on YouTube clog my pores with BS, but Dr. Dray is my holy grail. Never broke out once. Maybe the occasional chuckle.

    45 likes

  6. @hannerbelle

    A few years ago, my friend partnered with a local ranch to use their beef byproducts to make tallow skincare products, and gifted a jar to me. The idea of tallow grossed me out, so the jar sat unused in my drawer for several months. However, after eventually deciding to pull it out and give it a shot, I discovered that it’s the only thing (besides Rx) that helps soothe my eczema. I don’t use it as part of my facial skincare routine - but it does give me immense comfort in my eczema around my neck and ears.

    All this to say, I didn’t get into tallow for its “naturalness” or trend, but I’m glad my friend gave it to me bc it’s been a godsend for my skin ailments.

    6 likes

  7. @momteacherwriter

    I’ve been using beef tallow on my skin and hair for a few years now. Not gonna lie, my skin is pretty much flawless. To be fair, I had excellent skin before I started using it. I was starting to show my age a bit (I’m 49), but now I’m back to looking what I think of as “normal”.

    I make all my tallow at home (no capitalist bias here) and basically all I use is a little bit of aloe Vera juice followed by tallow. That’s my skin care routine at present.

    72 likes

  8. @potatomushrooms

    I feel like it could help the same way rubbing pork chop grease or butter into my dry hands would. Like it would probably work if nothing else was around, but why?

    87 likes

  9. @MomCheeto4

    From reading the comments, I'm guessing people are just more comfortable putting IN their bodies rather than ON their bodies.

    10 likes

  10. @liakotalikhan3508

    I don't know anything but beef tallow is a blessing for me from God!!

    26 likes

  11. @dawndomanus790

    I tried it and it caused acne all over my face. I don’t have acne, I have dry skin that is eczema prone.

    32 likes

  12. @leslietrivette91

    LOVE my beef tallow. I'm a 62 year old woman who bought whipped beef tallow cream from a local farm about a month ago. It's richer and creamier than any luxe night cream I've tried and the essential jasmine oil in it smells divine. It has become my pm pampering product.

    34 likes

  13. @ks7343

    Thanks to you, even though I was curious about beef tallow, but then I realized I I could only buy it online and that there are loads of more affordable options that actually work! Sticking with Dove and L’aroche Posay!

    23 likes

  14. @jenniferflynn3929

    Thank you for clarifying. Tallow is everywhere!

    6 likes

  15. @kelleyforeman

    I think my dog would love it if I slathered my body with beef tallow! As for me, I prefer something a little more cosmetically elegant on my oily skin.

    31 likes

  16. @mascha9266

    Air clogs pores. Good one, Dr. Dray!

    5 likes

  17. @susanjackson5220

    I bought the whipped rose balm from It’s the Balm company after hearing about it from Sharilee box of chocolate. I am in my 70’s and unfortunately I still occasionally get those large painful hormonal breakouts. If I apply a very tiny amount when I first notice it, it will be gone by morning. I also got my very first cold sore last month, applied it immediately. The pain and swelling was gone in 2 days, but the bump lasted 2 weeks. It does nothing for my eczema though.

    5 likes

  18. @mythoughts2649

    I use beef tallow on angular chelates (corner of mouth sores, not herpes) and dry lips. It was really helpful.

    39 likes

  19. @db-gb5xi

    I'll go with derms and Lab Muffin regarding saving the beef tallow for the kitchen. Speaking of beef tallow sunscreen, there's a brand, Primally Pure I believe, that has them but they are mineral and they say you need to take additional sun protection measures.

    7 likes

  20. @annapatton4544

    Dr Dray, your hair looks so beautiful and healthy!

    2 likes