As someone following a strict carnivore diet, you may be wondering if you can use beef tallow as a skincare moisturizer. I tested it out myself, and the answer is a resounding yes! Keep reading to learn why beef tallow makes an excellent moisturizer for those on the carnivore diet.
Beef Tallow Deeply Hydrates Skin Without Chemicals
The Carnivore Diet Limits Moisturizer Options
When you first switch to an all-meat diet, you realize pretty quickly that most skincare and beauty products are off-limits due to ingredients like plant oils, fragrances, and preservatives. It can feel frustrating to have such limited moisturizer options.
Beef Tallow Nourishes Skin Naturally
Here's the good news: you can turn to beef tallow as an all-natural, carnivore-friendly moisturizer! Beef tallow is rendered beef fat, and it contains vitamins A, D, E, and K which nourish the skin. The fatty acids in tallow mimic the natural oils produced by our skin, so it absorb easily without clogging pores.
I've found beef tallow to be more moisturizing than any cream or lotion I've tried. It leaves my skin smooth, supple, and glowing. Plus, it's inexpensive and easy to make at home.
How to Make and Use Beef Tallow for Moisturizer
If you're sold on trying tallow as a natural moisturizer, here are some tips for making and using it:
Render Your Own or Buy Grass-fed
For the highest quality, I recommend rendering your own tallow at home from grass-fed beef. Save the fat trimmings from cooked meat, then melt them down on low heat. Strain out any impurities.
If you'd rather not DIY it, look for grass-fed beef tallow from a quality source. Make sure it's unrefined and additive-free. Factory-farmed beef contains higher levels of omega-6 fats that can promote inflammation. Grass-fed is best!
Apply Lightly to Damp Skin and Massage
After cleansing, pat your skin dry and scoop out a dime-sized amount of tallow. Emulsify it between your palms to warm and soften it up. Apply lightly to the skin and massage in gently until absorbed.
A little goes a long way with beef tallow, so start with less rather than more. Your skin may drink it up at first, but you can always add more if needed.
Use it Daily or as an Intensive Treatment
I use tallow every morning and night after cleansing as my regular moisturizer. You can also apply a thicker layer before bed and leave it on overnight as an intensive hydrating mask.
If your skin is severely dry or damaged, slather your face and body in tallow, put on some comfy pajamas, and go to sleep! Your skin will thank you in the morning.
6 Benefits of Beef Tallow for Skin
Here are some of my favorite benefits of using beef tallow as a moisturizer on the carnivore diet:
1. Vitamin Content Nourishes Skin
Grass-fed tallow contains vitamins A, D, E, and K which all support skin health. Vitamin A promotes new cell turnover for skin renewal. Vitamin D helps with wound healing. Vitamin E is a free radical fighter with anti-aging benefits. And vitamin K is essential for blood clotting to heal cuts and bruises.
2. Fatty Acids Mimic Natural Oils
Around 50% of tallow is saturated fat, while nearly half is monounsaturated fat like oleic acid. Small amounts of polyunsaturated fats are present too. This lipid profile closely matches our skin’s natural sebum oil. So beef tallow absorbs easily without clogging pores.
3. Deep Hydration and Moisture Retention
The saturated and monounsaturated fats in beef tallow provide lasting hydration by trapping moisture in the skin. Dry, flaky skin drinks up tallow and regains a healthy, supple feel. Plus, the vitamin content stimulates collagen production for skin elasticity.
4. Anti-inflammatory and Skin-Soothing
Grass-fed tallow contains CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) and omega-3 fats that calm inflammation. Since acne and eczema are inflammatory conditions, tallow can help clear and soothe irritated skin prone to redness.
5. Antimicrobial and Healing
The lauric, palmitic, and oleic acids in beef tallow have antimicrobial effects to protect your skin barrier. Tallow is also regenerative for faster wound healing. Use it anywhere that needs relief like cracked hands and lips, rashes, cuts, burns, etc.
6. All-Natural and Carnivore-Friendly
Pure beef tallow is just one ingredient – no chemicals or mystery additives. It fits perfectly with the carnivore diet and avoids any allergens or irritants. I know exactly what’s absorbing into my skin.
Common Questions about Beef Tallow for Skin
I’ve gotten lots of questions from fellow carnivores about using beef tallow as a moisturizer. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Does it clog pores or cause breakouts?
I was worried about this at first too. But I haven’t had any clogged pores or acne from using tallow, even on my naturally oily and blemish-prone skin. Start with a small amount and see how your skin responds. I find it less likely to clog pores than coconut oil.
How long does it last before going rancid?
Rendered beef tallow lasts 2-3 months at room temperature. I like to make small batches and keep it in the fridge to be safe. It lasts over a year frozen. Just melt it down again before using it. If it ever smells unpleasant, it’s time to toss it.
Can you use it on your body too?
Absolutely! I slather beef tallow all over after showers and love how soft and smooth it keeps my skin. Use it anywhere that’s dry or cracked like hands, cuticles, heels, elbows, etc. The vitamins and fats work their magic all over.
Does it leave a greasy feel?
Not at all, it absorbs surprisingly fast without any greasy residue. I apply it at night and can put my face right on a clean pillowcase afterward. Start with a thin layer and add more if your skin wants more nourishment. You might look a little shiny at first as it soaks in.
Give Beef Tallow a Try for Yourself
If you’re feeling limited by the carnivore diet when it comes to skincare, I really think beef tallow deserves a spot in your beauty routine. It’s been a game-changer for me, and I hope my tips help you experience the same results!
Remember to source quality grass-fed tallow and start slowly as you see how your unique skin responds. Don’t be afraid to get a little messy melting down the fat trimmings yourself – it’s so worth it. Your skin is going to love you for nourishing it with this carnivore-approved moisturizer.