Nonetheless, beef tallow is probably going not all it’s cracked as much as be on social media, so let’s squash some rumors.
Some TikTok customers declare this product is much like retinol, and when utilizing it, they don’t need to put on sunscreen as a result of they don’t get burnt anymore. Let’s be clear: Neither declare is true.
See, beef tallow naturally comprises vitamin A (the ingredient retinoids get derived from), however that doesn’t imply it features in the identical method as a retinoid. Skincare merchandise like retinol are extremely advanced and might’t be oversimplified in that method.
Beef tallow does comprise antioxidants, which have been proven to assist UV safety in analysis. Nevertheless, it’s actually no alternative for sunscreen. Somewhat, the antioxidant assist may also help mitigate oxidative injury on the pores and skin—the identical impact that you may count on from vitamin C serums, for instance.
However right here’s the factor: Beef tallow just isn’t a stabilized skincare method, just like the retinol and vitamin C serums of the world. This implies it may possibly shortly grow to be rancid if it sits on the shelf, particularly if it isn’t saved correctly. That might result in irritation, breakouts, and extra pores and skin considerations.
The ingredient may also be a bit heavy, doubtlessly too heavy for these with oily pores and skin. Some individuals could notice enhancements in zits when utilizing beef tallow, but it surely may actually result in extra congestion in others—everybody’s pores and skin is completely different.
To be honest, acne-prone pores and skin does want ample hydration (and oils, opposite to standard perception) and beef tallow actually checks that field. The fatty acid content material will assist a wholesome pores and skin barrier, and the nutritional vitamins are all nice for the pores and skin. So it’s not essentially a foul possibility for acne-prone of us—but it surely’s not essentially corresponding to retinol, as some customers declare.
General, beef tallow is much like many different pure skincare objects with a wealthy historical past of use: It’s not essentially unsafe, but it surely’s not a cure-all, both. Contemplating it’s not formulated by a cosmetics firm, there’s no saying how steady it’s or how lengthy it can final, so maintain a watch out for funky smells, textures, or indicators of irritation. And all the time make sure you patch check in your arm earlier than lathering up in your face.
