It’s time to head to the fridge because beef tallow is skincare’s latest craze.
Beef tallow, also known as beef dripping, is made with pure fat that surrounds cows’ organs. It’s removed, simmered, cooled and filtered and then mostly used to deep fry food like potato chips which is listed on the side of the packet as cholesterol-inducing saturated fat.
It’s also what your grandparents used to cook with to make their Sunday roast or flaky pastries.
But now it’s been claimed by the beauty industry as the latest “miracle” treatment for the skin.
The composition of beef tallow is similar to the natural oils produced by the skin and is said to leave the skin feeling smooth and hydrated, especially sensitive or dry skin.
The smell is often cited as off-putting, but some skincare companies mix beef tallow with essential oils to make the scent more palatable.
Essential oils can cause allergic reactions, but the beef tallow itself is good for creating a barrier against moisture loss like Vaseline or castor oil which means it can help heal wounds or skin prone to eczema.
Beef tallow however is just fat, and it can clog pores and cause acne so it’s a good idea to patch test before use.
Other plant-based alternatives are jojoba oil, shea butter, coconut oil, rosehip or argan oil.
