How far would you go for dewy, radiant skin? The internet is pushing that boundary with the popularity of beef tallow, which is being touted as the latest viral skincare trend. If you’re not sure what that is—let me warn you, it’s not for the weak. Beef tallow is animal fat from a cow. This skincare trend, which many first came across when Nara Smith used it as the basis for her homemade moisturizer and has since been peddled by reams of skinfluencers on TikTok, supposedly does wonders for the skin.

The Experiment

As someone who doesn’t believe in a fad until I experience it firsthand (see also: drinking 2.5 liters of water daily or cutting out ultra-processed foods), I decided to give this one a try. With acne-prone skin and an adventurous spirit, I was genuinely looking forward to smearing my face with what is essentially cow lard. Besides, it’s a natural product, so how much harm could a bit of beef suet on the face actually do?

Days One to Three

The first few days were surprisingly smooth. I replaced my usual CeraVe moisturizer with pure 100% organic grass-fed beef tallow, which had a thick, balmy quality similar to coconut oil. Although the application left me with a slick, greasy sheen—reminiscent of a newborn baby—it was bearable at first.

The tallow also has a faintly fatty, beefy scent—not the most appealing in close quarters. The only downside so far was its smell and appearance, but I pressed on.

Days Three to Five

This period marked the onset of beef tallow fatigue. The scent quickly turned from faintly tolerable to genuinely repulsive. The greasiness became a real issue as well, especially when combined with my daily makeup routine and commute. Despite these challenges, no one seemed to notice anything amiss.

By day five, I began experiencing the beginnings of a breakout around my cheeks, chin, and temples. My previously mostly acne-free skin started developing active acne again. But halfway through the experiment, it was too soon to quit.

Days Five to Seven

I eagerly anticipated the end of this week-long ordeal. By day six, I had developed comedonal acne akin to what I hadn’t seen since my early twenties. My skin felt inflamed, and new spots seemed to appear as fast as I could treat them.

It was time to throw in the towel—literally. I disposed of the remaining tallow, relieved it would no longer be a part of my routine.

The Verdict

This experiment taught me that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to skincare. Our skin types, sensitivities, and triggers vary greatly. While tallow might benefit those with super dry skin or eczema, for my acne-prone complexion, it was a disaster.

Reflections on Viral Skincare Trends

• Natural Doesn’t Always Mean Safe: Just because something is natural doesn’t mean it’s suitable for everyone. Consult with a dermatologist before trying out new trends, especially if you have sensitive skin.
• Skin Sensitivities Matter: What works wonders for one person can be counterproductive for another. Pay attention to your skin’s reactions and discontinue any product that causes irritation or breakouts.
• The Importance of Research: Dive deep into the science behind skincare products. Understanding ingredients can prevent potential mishaps with unexpected side effects.

A Word on Personal Care

In the pursuit of radiant skin, it’s crucial to listen to our bodies and approach trends with a healthy dose of skepticism. Experimenting can be fun and enlightening, but always prioritize your health and comfort over fleeting beauty fads.