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If you're here, you probably are aware of the whole beef tallow craze. Before making another impulse purchase it's important to know what is beef tallow and if it is a good fit for your skin profile. I’ve tested several tallow-based moisturizers over the last year to see which ones actually deliver and which are just hype.
I have normal to dry, sensitive skin and have dealt with perioral dermatitis - so I am pretty picky about what I put on my face. Beef tallow was actually recommended to me by my dermatologist as a natural option to help calm flare ups, which is what got me down this rabbit hole in the first place.
Beef tallow is essentially rendered fat from cows, and it's been used in skin care for centuries. Historically, it was a go to for its incredible hydrating properties and high levels of vitamins A, D, E, and K, not to mention its rich fatty acids that help to replenish the skin's natural barriers. This could be music to your ears if you're dealing with dry, chapped, or irritated skin.
However, your skin type plays a huge role in how well beef tallow might work for you. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, its richness might be too much, and can lead to clogged pores or breakouts. On the other hand, if your skin is craving more moisture than your average moisturizer, beef tallow could be your life line.
Before you dive in, consider patch testing, especially if you have sensitive skin. And remember, not all beef tallows are made the same. All the items listed below are top-grade organic and 100% grass fed tallow to give your skin the highest quality ingredients. I go through all my favorite beef tallow brands that I love and use weekly. Let me know your thoughts in the comment section below!
My Top Rated Beef Tallow Picks
What Is Beef Tallow?
What Dermatologists Really Think About Beef Tallow
The Disadvantages Of Beef Tallow
FAQ's
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
I purchased this not so long ago when I was dealing with a rash on my face. It was the only thing that would sooth my face from the crazy flare ups I would get from doing day-to-day activities. The one thing that I did notice though was that if I overused it, it would clog my pores. So, I would only use this three times a week.
Within about 7 days I noticed a real difference - the redness calmed down significantly and my skin stopped feeling so reactive. It is not an overnight fix but it is genuinely one of the only things that worked for me when my skin was at its worst.
It's nutrient-dense and bioavailable ingredients contain antibacterial and anti-inflammatory botanicals that melt into the skin to restore skin barrier function and hydration.
Ingredients include: Tallow from Grass-Fed Cows*, Olive Oil*, Emu Oil, Unrefined Beeswax, Essential Oils of Lavender and Tea Tree, Marshmallow Root*, Calendula Flower*, Rosemary Extract*, Non-GMO Vitamin E
Related: Check out my favorite non-toxic toothpastes that are also perioral dermatitis friendly
This beef tallow moisturizer is unscented and free from petroleum based ingredients, artificial colors, and fragrance. It is made from 100% grass-fed tallow, whipped for an extra smooth and lightweight texture. I personally love this one, because it's unscented which is great for my sensitive skin. Plus, the ingredients are super clean. I also think it is priced very fairly.
A lot of buyers are raving about how much they LOVE this product. Not only is it super moisturizing, but it heals wounds or irritated skin.
This can be used for your face and body! This mom-owned small business sources her beef tallow from small farmers in Virginia who practice regenerative agriculture. That means that they rotationally graze their cows all year long, only feeding them grass! Also it's currently a best-seller on Amazon with over 10k+ units sold just this past month.
There was one review that really stood out to me that I had to share. They said, "I'm not typically one to write reviews, but this product is absolutely incredible!!! I have very dry hands because I wash a lot of dishes by hand. I used this 1x and I saw significant improvement.
Ingredients include: Slow rendered, grass-fed Virginia tallow, Organic olive oil infused with calendula and rose.
I love that this is a small business too - you can really tell the quality is there because the owner actually cares about what goes into it. Great option if you want something simple and effective without a huge price tag.
Related: Check out these toners for sensitive skin
This beef tallow only has one ingredient, and it's Organic 100% grass fed beef tallow! This seller on Etsy whips her beef tallow, giving it a more lightweight feel to the skin. As someone who has tried a ton of beef tallow brands, I would say this is great if you want something lightweight that will absorb into the skin quickly.
A lot of customers who have eczema say this does wonders for their flare ups. One customer in particular said that after just one hour their eczema significantly improved after applying this on.
If you are new to beef tallow and want to try it without any added ingredients, this is the one I would start with. One ingredient, no fillers, no guessing. It is as clean as it gets.
Reborn Organics is all about keeping skincare as pure as possible - no chemicals, no synthetic fillers, no parabens, just organic ingredients that actually nourish your skin. I love this brand because of their simple mission statement: "if you wouldn’t put it in your body, why put it on your skin?"
This beef tallow is whipped, meaning it is lightweight and won't give you that sticky after feel. A little goes a long way so you only really need a pea size amount. The only ingredient is 100% grass-fed beef tallow. I also love supporting U.S based businesses!
Safe for:
The honey is a nice touch too - it adds extra moisture and is known to be soothing for sensitive and reactive skin. This is a solid pick if you are pregnant or buying for a baby since the ingredient list is as safe as it gets.
Related: Check out these top-selling blushes for pale skin.
Pros of this tallow from Etsy is that it's 100% grass fed which is why it has that yellow color to it. The con: it's going to smell like pure tallow since there aren't any fragrances added to it. BUT, this can also be used for cooking since it's fragrance free! A lot of customers have raved about it being great for cooking their veggies and meats. The nice thing about it is that it's versatile. You can put some in a smaller jar just for your moisturizer and leave the rest in the big jar for cooking. As someone who loved to get the best bang for their buck, this one is a winner for me lol.
Honestly the best value on this list. If you want to try tallow for cooking AND skincare without buying two separate products, this is your best bet. Just split it into two jars and you are set.
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I personally love all things Primally Pure. My husband and I have been using their Charcoal Deodorant for the last 3 years and we will never go back to drugstore deodorant again. Not only do they have amazing clean products, but their customer service is truly a 10/10.
The difference between this cream vs. the Everything Balm listed above is that this one also has bakuchiol, a natural retinol alternative, which helps smooth fine lines and give more young-looking skin. Another great ingredient that is in this product is carrot seed oil: rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients like carotenoids, polyphenols and essential fatty acids. This helps reverse and prevent sun damage, reduce fine lines and give you a brighter complexion.
Ingredients: Tallow from Grass-Fed Cows*, Emu Oil, Jojoba Oil*, Essential Oils of Geranium*, Frankincense*, Rosemary*, and Carrot Seed*, Bakuchiol, Jasmine Absolute, Rosemary Extract*, Non-GMO Vitamin E
Related: Check out these hair oils that will stimulate fast hair growth.
Many wonder what is beef tallow? The name sounds scary but beef tallow is made by slowly heating beef fat (usually from suet, the fat around the kidneys) until it melts, then straining out any solids. Think of it as giving cow fat a spa day - melting away impurities leaving you with the purest form of the fat which does wonders for the skin.
Yes, beef tallow is great for skin due to its rich fatty acids, anti inflammatory properties, and nutrient-dense compounds. These ingredients help to give you moisture and build the skin's natural barrier, making it great for combating dryness and improving skin resilience. It also has vitamins A, D, E, and K which are all great for skin health and cell regeneration. Beef tallow is also great for men as a lot of people say it helps them with post-shave irritation. Sometimes going natural can solve all your problems!
Dermatologists are split! Some say beef tallow’s nutrient profile makes it great for repairing the skin barrier, while others caution it might clog pores in acne prone skin. It's really just a case by case scenario.
Yes, beef tallow can do wonders for eczema and rosacea. Beef tallow has rich and moisturizing properties that can be a great balm for dry and irritated skin which is what most people with eczema have. Beef tallow also has of a lot of fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins that can be great for repairing the skins barrier which can stop flare ups.
But, it's important to also be aware of the downsides of beef tallow. While I am sure you have only been seeing positive reviews about beef tallow for skin, it may not have the same effect on your unique skin type. Because beef tallow is very rich, it's always a good idea to patch test before putting it on your entire face, especially if you have reactive skin. If your skin responds well, using beef tallow can be a great addition to your skincare routine.
Using beef tallow is really simple, but a little goes a long way. Here is how I apply it:
Step 1 - Start with clean skin. Always apply to a freshly washed face. Tallow absorbs best when your skin is slightly damp, so right after cleansing works well.
Step 2 - Warm it up. Scoop a small amount (about the size of a pea) and rub it between your fingertips for a few seconds. Body heat melts it and makes it much easier to apply evenly.
Step 3 - Press it in gently. Press and pat it into your skin rather than rubbing. This helps it absorb better without pulling at your skin.
Step 4 - Less is more. If you over-apply, your face will feel greasy. I learned this the hard way - especially if you have normal-to-dry skin like me, you really only need a tiny amount.
I typically use it at night as the last step in my routine. In the morning my skin feels noticeably more hydrated without feeling heavy or clogged. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, I would start with patch testing on a small area first.
While beef tallow can have a lot of amazing benefits, it's important to be aware of the downside that some people have experienced. For instance, its rich texture might not be great for everyone. If you have oily or acne-prone skin it could be too heavy, and potentially lead to clogged pores and breakouts.
However, there are some tallow moisturizers that can be suitable for acne-prone skin, like Vintage Tradition’s Tallow Balm, which blend grass-fed tallow with non-comedogenic oils to nourish without clogging pores.
Also, where you source your tallow is crucial; non organic or non grass fed tallow might contain impurities that won't do well with sensitive skin types. Lastly, some people don't love the scent of pure unscented tallow. So, if you are someone who is sensitive to smells that is something to be aware of!
Using beef tallow is really simple, but a little goes a long way. Here is how I apply it:
Step 1 - Start with clean skin. Always apply to a freshly washed face. Tallow absorbs best when your skin is slightly damp, so right after cleansing works well.
Step 2 - Warm it up. Scoop a small amount (about the size of a pea) and rub it between your fingertips for a few seconds. Body heat melts it and makes it much easier to apply evenly.
Step 3 - Press it in gently. Press and pat it into your skin rather than rubbing. This helps it absorb better without pulling at your skin.
Step 4 - Less is more. If you over-apply, your face will feel greasy. I learned this the hard way - especially if you have normal-to-dry skin like me, you really only need a tiny amount.
I typically use it at night as the last step in my routine. In the morning my skin feels noticeably more hydrated without feeling heavy or clogged. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, I would start with patch testing on a small area first.
While beef tallow can have a lot of amazing benefits, it's important to be aware of the downside that some people have experienced. For instance, its rich texture might not be great for everyone. If you have oily or acne-prone skin it could be too heavy, and potentially lead to clogged pores and breakouts.
However, there are some tallow moisturizers that can be suitable for acne-prone skin, like Vintage Tradition’s Tallow Balm, which blend grass-fed tallow with non-comedogenic oils to nourish without clogging pores.
Also, where you source your tallow is crucial; non organic or non grass fed tallow might contain impurities that won't do well with sensitive skin types. Lastly, some people don't love the scent of pure unscented tallow. So, if you are someone who is sensitive to smells that is something to be aware of!
It depends on your skin type. For normal-to-dry or sensitive skin, beef tallow is generally well tolerated and actually helps repair the skin barrier without clogging pores. However, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, its richness can be too much and may lead to breakouts. Always start with a patch test.
Warm a pea-sized amount between your fingertips until it melts, then gently press and pat it into clean, slightly damp skin. Do not rub - pressing helps it absorb better. Use it as the last step in your nighttime routine.
You can, but it is not always necessary. I personally use it 3-4 times a week rather than every day because daily use can clog my pores. If you have very dry skin, daily use at night may work well for you.
Pure, unscented tallow has a very faint, mild scent that most people find neutral. If the smell bothers you, look for options that include lavender or other essential oils to mask it, like the Primally Pure Everything Balm.
For people with dry, sensitive, or reactive skin it can be significantly better because it mimics your skin natural sebum and is free from synthetic ingredients. For oily or acne-prone skin, a lighter moisturizer may be a better fit.
It helped my perioral dermatitis significantly. Within about 7 days of using Primally Pure Everything Balm, my flare ups calmed down. That said, PD is tricky and everyone responds differently - always check with your dermatologist first.
Yes - grass-fed, fragrance-free beef tallow is one of the safest skincare options during pregnancy because it has minimal ingredients. Options like Reborn Organics Beef Tallow and Honey are a great choice since they are fragrance-free and clean.
Most people notice their skin feels softer and more hydrated within a few days. For skin conditions like eczema or perioral dermatitis, give it at least 1-2 weeks of consistent use before judging the results.
Grass-fed tallow has higher levels of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), omega-3 fatty acids, and fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. Grain-fed tallow has lower nutritional value for the skin. Always look for 100% grass-fed and finished on the label.
It can for some people, especially those with oily or acne-prone skin. The key is to start slow - use a tiny amount 2-3 times a week and see how your skin responds. If you break out, it may simply not be the right product for your skin type.
Check out my favorite non-toxic laundry detergent that is sensitive skin safe!
Kaylin Malek Khorsandi
Hi, I’m Kaylin. I’ve spent years researching, testing, and comparing products to find the ones that actually live up to their promise. What started as my personal habit of hunting for the best quality at a fair price has grown into a trusted space where thousands of readers come to make smarter shopping decisions. Every recommendation is based on real use, detailed research, and honest feedback, so you can feel confident that what you’re buying is genuinely worth it. My goal is to help you save time, money, and stress by sharing products that last and truly add value to your life.
Comments
I’ve tried most of these brands and my favorite is one made by Harvest & Herd. The texture is perfect and it smells SO good!!! ❤️ My husband and kids love it too!
For plain beef tallow, can you add an essential oil for fragrance?
