News
25 August, 2025
Don’t fall for beef tallow ‘craze’
Queensland’s mild winter may be gentle on locals, but the dry Ekka winds can still leave skin parched — sending some searching for heavier moisturisers.
On TikTok, the latest “miracle” solution is beef tallow — rendered cow fat, traditionally used for cooking, now promoted as an all-in-one skincare cure. The #beeftallow tag has clocked hundreds of thousands of posts, but Associate Professor David Francis, Clinical Lead in Dermatology at Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, says the hype is misplaced.
“There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all product,” he said. “Just because it’s natural doesn’t mean it’s good for your skin.”
Assoc Prof Francis warns that without preservatives, beef tallow can quickly become rancid and harbour bacteria — especially if made at home or bought from unverified sellers. “You could be putting infection straight onto your face.”
While tallow is highly occlusive, potentially helping very dry skin, it can also trap bacteria, clog pores, and worsen acne. He’s sceptical of claims it can “fix” acne, noting the risk of blocked pores and inflammation.
He urges consumers to avoid viral shortcuts and instead choose dermatologist-recommended products.
