Beef Tallow Sunscreen: What Dermatologists Say About the Viral Trend

The Rise of Beef Tallow Skincare

• 💡 Beef tallow is gaining popularity online as a skincare ingredient, with many using it as a replacement for seed oils.
• 🚀 A company called Primally Pure is selling a viral beef tallow cream that claims to offer "poison-free SPF."
• ✨ TikTokers and users are embracing tallow for its natural moisturizing properties, with some even rendering fat at home.

Dermatologists' Concerns

• ⚠️ Dermatologists consulted by The New York Times strongly do not recommend using beef tallow on the skin.
• ❌ Potential side effects include irritation and acne.
• 🔬 A 1997 documentary warning about the dangers of using cooking fats for skincare is highlighted.

Sun Protection and Smoke Points

• ❓ The claim of "poison-free SPF" from tallow products is questioned, with uncertainty about what it refers to.
• 🌡️ A significant concern is the smoke point of beef tallow, which is lower than many cooking oils.
• ⚡ Using fats with low smoke points on the skin, especially in the sun, could potentially lead to issues like free radical damage.