Beef tallow as moisturizer? I asked derms if this trend is genius or gross

NBC Selected independently determines what we cover and recommend. When you click on or buy through our links, we earn a commission. Learn more.Skin CareBeef tallow as moisturizer? I asked derms if this trend is genius or grossThe hot, new moisturizer comes straight from a cow. Yup, you read that right.Updated July 15, 2026, 12:40 PM EDTBethany HeitmanCommerce EditorSkip to table of contentsAccording to dermatologists, beef tallow is packed with fatty acids that can hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier. Jump ahead toWhat is beef tallow?Why are people putting beef tallow on their skin?What are the risks of putting beef tallow on your skin?How do you use beef tallow as skin care?Beef tallow moisturizers to tryWhat can you use to hydrate skin instead of beef tallow?The best super hydrating moisturizersMeet our dermatology expertsWhy trust NBC Selected?See 6 MoreWe don’t always have the answers, but we have some people on speed dial who do — which is why we present to you our series FYI where we have experts explain if lip balm is actually bad, how often should you wash your hair and more. Would you do anything for glowing, beautiful skin? Would you even slather your face in beef tallow — a.k.a. rendered cow fat — as a moisturizer?Before you head to the grocery store — or slam your laptop shut in utter disgust — I spoke with dermatologists to see what they had to say about whether it's actually beneficial for skin and how to try it if you so choose.RelatedselectedselectedThe 100 best moisturizers tested and ranked, according to NBC Select editorsWant more from NBC Selected? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter.What is beef tallow? Beef tallow is rendered or clarified animal fat — in this case, a cow, says Dr. Anna Chacon, a board-certified dermatologist in Miami, Florida. “Rendering animal fat makes it shelf stable and limits the growth of bacteria because the moisture is removed through evaporation.” Removing the moisture turns the fat into a...