Beef Tallow in Skincare: A Trend Worth Exploring? Here’s What You Should Know

Beef Tallow in Skincare: A Trend Worth Exploring? Here’s What You Should Know

Beef Tallow has been making waves across social media as the latest natural skincare hack. It's loved for its single-ingredient formula and rich fatty acids that help heal dry skin, so many people are jumping on the trend and slathering their faces with this not-so-great-smelling food product.

But is this the best move for your skin? Honey Girl Organics is never one to dismiss organic skincare potential, and while we're not totally against this trend, there are some critical factors to consider before diving in!

The Problem with the Trend

The biggest issue with this trend isn't necessarily the idea or ingredient itself; it's the quality and sourcing.

When things become trends, we see more brands jumping on the creation of a product, and with that, we see a reduction in quality. Many people jumping on this trend aren't seeking a carefully crafted, skin-friendly formula. Instead, people see the trend on social media and turn to their local grocery store for lower-quality beef tallow, which isn't intended for skin. This can lead to clogged pores and irritation since the substance may not be purified or formulated for skincare.

It's also worth mentioning that beef tallow hasn't been extensively studied for use on the skin. There's little evidence on how it interacts with different skin types, including acne-prone skin, or whether it will effectively address specific skin conditions.

While beef tallow is known for its rich content of fatty acids, like oleic acid, similar to the skin's natural oils, there's still a lack of studies regarding how it interacts with various skin types. This leaves much to be desired in terms of its long-term benefits compared to organic, natural ingredients used by reputable skincare brands, which are backed by extensive studies and research.

The Scent Issue

Another thing to consider is the scent of beef tallow. The odor can be extremely overpowering for some, with a damp, musty, and earthy aroma that lingers even after the product has been massaged into the skin. This can be a dealbreaker for those with a sensitive nose, as the scent takes time to dissipate fully, leaving a less-than-preferred fragrance long after application.


Clean Beauty Trends vs. Thoughtful Skincare

We get it, if you're into holistic health and want to use the bare minimum in skincare, this trend might sound appealing. Simple, nature-derived, and less processed, what’s not to love? But if this is your goal, it's essential to understand that high-quality skincare isn't just about the ingredients; it’s about the sourcing, the process, and how it’s formulated.

Can’t pass up this latest trend? We encourage you to dig deeper into the sourcing and quality of the products you choose. Look for high-quality, grass-fed beef tallow that prioritizes the animals' health and undergoes specialized rendering processes. This ensures you get a rich, nourishing product that delivers the best for your skin!

A Smarter Approach to Holistic Skincare

On a personal note, I decided to try beef tallow myself after seeing the growing trend. I sourced a high-quality, locally farmed tallow, even opting for a whipped variety blended with shea butter. Despite being a higher-skincare-grade formula, it was too heavy for my acne-prone skin. Even with the lighter whipped version, I experienced a greasy finish and instant breakouts, so I had to stop using it. Proof that even natural products that seem harmless aren’t always the right match for every skin type and that not every trend will work for everyone!

If jumping on the beef tallow trend isn’t for you, but a holistic approach to skincare matters, what’s the alternative?

That’s where Honey Girl Organics comes in. Our skincare is designed with the same principles: minimal processing, high-quality natural ingredients, and a straight-from-the-source approach. Products are made in small batches to ensure freshness when they arrive at your door, with ingredients sourced from local farms and growers. Skincare crafted with integrity and care.

If you’re looking for clean, whole-ingredient skincare explicitly made for your face and body, Honey Girl Organics is for you!

Our Honest Take

The beef tallow trend isn’t terrible, but like all things, especially trends, not all beef tallow is created equal. If you’re going to use it, sourcing and preparation are everything! Otherwise, you might not get the results you want. Instead, trust a skincare brand designed specifically for your skin’s health because your face deserves the best.

If you're looking for products with nourishing benefits, Honey Girl Organics offers three fantastic options:

Face & Eye Crème: A luxurious, nourishing cream that helps hydrate and protect your delicate face and eye area!

Matte Shine Control Moisturizer: Ideal if you run oily and need help with oil production, this formula mattifies while keeping your skin nourished and balanced.

Super Skin Food: A super-concentrated formula for deep, rapid nourishment!

And guess what? No lingering scent that makes you want to hold your breath! These products are crafted with integrity from the very first ingredient to the last drop, so you can trust every step of the process. That is what real, effective skincare looks like.

With love,
Honey Girl Organics


For 20 years, Honey Girl Organics has been creating clean, effective skincare that truly cares for your skin. Our formulas combine organic, thoughtfully sourced ingredients with bee-powered botanicals to hydrate, soothe, and restore. For over two decades, we’ve helped countless people care for their skin while staying true to our commitment to gentle, effective, and indulgent skincare that supports healthy, glowing skin. Our customers speak for us, with 3,941 reviews sharing their love for Honey Girl Organics.

5 comments

I recently started using the Rose Cream for face and eyes for my aging (63 yo) combination skin.
I love the light citrus smell.
I end up using a little more than is recommended, but I thinks it’s due to my skin sucking in the moisture, since I had a bad fall almost 3 weeks ago on my upper front teeth that made my lips, chin and cheeks swell.

The swelling went away, but the severe flakey dryness that happened after that, is what it’s helping now.
Glad I ordered 2 for my first order 😅

Mary Anne Burgan •

I too tried the beef tallow and it did not work for me. Made my skin feel awful and greasy and I have mature skin. I am back to using Honey Girl and it has made all the difference in the world in my skin. Thank you for this article!!

Linda Peterson •

I cannot imagine putting beef tallow on my face, but that is my own preference. I have been using HGO for years, and I have also gifted the skin cream to a friend who had radiation therapy on one of her breasts. She used it and within a day was feeling relief and not using the prescription cream her oncologist gave her. I am not one to give medical advice, but I swear by your products and will not use anything else on my ultrasensitive skin.

Terri •

I have only been using your products for a short time, but I absolutely love them! I am a 12 year double mastectomy cancer survivor and it is very important to me. What I put on my skin. Natural and organic skin care is very important to me and health. Thank you for making such wonderful products that are actually good for you and not harming your skin. I would never use tallow on my skin yuck! You have a new customer for life God bless you!

Dawn •

I appreciate your perspective on this beef tallow issue. What I appreciate more is the thoughtful approach you take in producing some of the cleanest, most effective skin care available. 💜

Gail •

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