By
Lucia Gcingca
Apr 16, 2025
Everything You Need to Know About Using Beef Tallow for Skin
You might or might not have heard that beef tallow is having a moment in the world of skincare trends right now. I don’t know about you, but I was definitely hesitant to entertain this trend until I started doing some of my own research.
If you’re on the fence about incorporating beef tallow in your skincare routine, we’ve done all the work needed in order to make the best decision for you.
So What Even Is Beef Tallow?
Beef tallow is rendered fat. It’s made by removing, simmering, and clarifying the fatty tissue that surrounds the organs of ruminant animals, according to MayoClinic.
While it’s traditionally used in cooking, skincare lovers are now turning to it as a clean, natural moisturizer. It’s rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K, and mimics the structure of our skin’s natural oils, which helps it absorb easily.
What Makes Beef Tallow Different From Other Natural Oils?
Unlike plant-based oils, beef tallow moisturizer contains a unique blend of fats, vitamins, and minerals. Beef tallow benefits for skin come from its rich composition, including stearic acid (which doesn’t raise cholesterol levels), monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, and fat-soluble vitamins.
These nutrients make tallow balm for skin an excellent choice for deep hydration and anti-aging skincare.
How Does Beef Tallow Work on Your Skin?
Tallow’s structure closely resembles human sebum, so it sinks in fast without just sitting on the surface. Beef tallow for dry skin works exceptionally well by locking in moisture, reducing irritation, and supporting the skin’s natural barrier.
If you’re looking for a natural skincare alternative or need something to help relieve eczema, irritation, or psoriasis, incorporating beef tallow into your skincare routine might be the perfect solution for healthier, glowy skin.
Are There Any Downsides to Beef Tallow Skincare?
There are a few things to keep in mind:
- Greasy texture. It’s thick and rich, so it can feel too heavy for daytime use especially under makeup.
- Pore-clogging risk. While many find it non-comedogenic, it might not be ideal if you're acne-prone or have very oily skin.
- Natural scent. Some tallow has a subtle meaty smell (though most good brands blend it with essential oils or refine it to remove scent).
Our Top Picks for Beef Tallow Skincare Brands
Here’s a curated list of beef tallow brands worth trying. We looked at ingredients, sourcing, and how well they actually perform – not just the branding.
Amallow 100% Grass-Fed Beef Tallow for Skin Care
If you're looking for a no-nonsense moisturizer that skips the chemicals, Amallow might be the one. Made in small batches in Cincinnati, Ohio, it uses only grass-fed beef tallow to deliver deep hydration without artificial scents, fillers, or preservatives.
Rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K, this whipped balm soaks into dry, sensitive skin fast, leaving it calm and nourished. It's a great pick for anyone looking to bring back ancestral skincare with a clean, modern formula.
Price: $39.99 for 4 oz
Pretty Farm Girl Tallow + Honey Body Butter (Unscented)
This small-batch, woman-owned brand keeps things simple, honest, and nourishing. Made with grass-fed tallow and raw honey, Pretty Farm Girl’s body butter is rich in skin-supportive vitamins (A, D, E, and K) and fatty acids that mimic your skin’s natural oils – offering deep, long-lasting hydration without irritation.
It's fragrance-free, ideal for sensitive or dry skin, and handmade in the USA without any synthetic fillers or preservatives. Yes, it's pricier than your average lotion – but between the quality ingredients and clean formula, it’s absolutely worth it.
Price: $40.99 for 5.4 oz
MD.Life Beef Tallow
Originally meant for cooking, this 16 oz jar of beef tallow has become one of our favorite multi-use finds. It’s food-grade and pasture-raised, so you can absolutely sear steaks or roast veggies with it. But it's also rich and clean enough to use in skincare DIYs like balms, salves, or even whipped moisturizers.
If you’re looking for versatility, this one ticks all the boxes – high smoke point, keto-friendly, and packed with nourishing fats that double as a natural skin hydrator. Bonus: it's great for candle and soap making, too.
Price: $19.95 for 16 oz
Danliss Beef Tallow for Skin Honey Balm
We like to keep things simple when it comes to skincare, and this Danliss tallow balm is exactly that. It’s made with grass-fed beef tallow, avocado, and honey – nothing fancy, just really nourishing stuff. There’s no strong scent either, which I appreciate. It just smells clean, not beefy or weird.
The texture is soft and buttery without being greasy. It melts into the skin and feels calming, especially on dry patches or sensitive areas. We love that it’s free from synthetic junk like parabens and phthalates. Just a solid, honest product that works.
Price: $14.99 for 7 fl oz
Heylaca Beef Tallow Honey Balm for Skin
This is hands down the best budget-friendly beef tallow we’ve tried. It’s just $8.99, but it feels way more luxe than the price suggests. The texture is smooth and creamy – thick at first, but it melts in fast without that greasy residue. We love that it’s infused with manuka honey, olive oil, and beeswax for a little extra nourishment.
Despite being affordable, it’s made with grass-fed tallow and doesn’t cut corners. It’s great for dry, rough, or irritated skin and even comes in a travel-size 2 oz jar. If you're new to tallow and don’t want to spend too much, start here.
Price: $8.99 for 2 fl oz
Santa Cruz Paleo Beef Tallow for Skin & Cooking
If you’re after a truly multipurpose jar, this one from Santa Cruz Paleo stands out. It’s 100% grass-fed and grass-finished with nothing added, just pure, clean beef tallow you can cook with and use on your skin. The high smoke point makes it great for frying, while the rich vitamin profile makes it equally great for moisturizing.
Loaded with vitamins A, D, E, K, and B1 plus fatty acids your skin naturally craves, it’s one of the best options for anyone doing both skincare and paleo cooking from the same jar.
Price: $19.00 for 8 oz
Clear Complexion Whipped Tallow Facial Moisturizer
If you’re struggling with breakouts but still want something gentle and nourishing, this whipped tallow balm hits the sweet spot. It’s made with grass-fed beef tallow and a blend of botanical oils like grapefruit, rosemary, and chamomile to help calm inflammation, balance bacteria, and reduce redness without clogging pores.
The texture feels like whipped butter and melts effortlessly into the skin. While it’s lightweight enough for daily use, it’s also packed with skin-supporting ingredients that make it especially helpful for acne-prone or sensitive skin.
Price: $20.00 for 2 oz
Final Thoughts: Should You Try Beef Tallow Skincare?
If you’re after a no-nonsense, deeply moisturizing product that actually supports your skin barrier, beef tallow is worth trying. Just start slow. Use it as a night balm or on dry areas, and give your skin time to adjust.
It may not be for everyone, but if your skin’s been feeling stripped, flaky, or sensitive, this could be the simplest solution you’ve never considered.
Let us know if you try one of our picks – and if you're into natural skincare, you might also love our reviews of bamboo pajamas and bamboo sheets. Clean beauty doesn't stop at your face!
Products mentioned in this guide:
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