What You Should Know About Trying Beef Tallow – Living in Yellow

Milk & Honey Tallow Company Face Creams

Is putting beef fat on your face really a thing? Let’s talk about beef tallow skincare…At first glance, the idea of rubbing beef fat straight onto your face might sound a little…ummm..out there 🤣 But don’t worry, we’re here to answer all of your burning questions and calm any concerns you might have about this viral skincare trend.

One of our Funded by LIY winners, the incredible Milk & Honey Tallow Company, is leading the way with high-quality, grass-fed beef tallow products that are anything but scary. [Use code LIY20 for 20% off your order!]

Founded by Alyssa, a luxury beauty chemist with 14 years of formulation experience, Milk & Honey is a lux skincare expereience using 100% grass-fed beef tallow, organic oils, and botanicals. She knows her stuff, friends – and she’s answering all of your questions below! You’ll also be hearing from LIY team members here with different skin types, concerns, and expectations of trying beef tallow as skincare! Before we dive in, let’s hear from one of YOU that has recently tried her tallow!

Stay tuned: Milk & Honey Tallow’s next launch is a natural deodorant, with more body creams, lip balm tubes, and fresh new scents on the way this year as well!

P.S. Meet all three 2025 Funded By LIY winners here!

What is Beef Tallow and Why is it Good for Skin?

Beef tallow is the rendered fat from cows. People have been using rendered animal fat for skincare and cosmetics for thousands of years. In the last hundred years, highly processed oils have overtaken the beauty industry, but they don’t provide the same benefit as rendered animal fat. One of the reasons that beef tallow is so effective as skincare is that the fatty acids in it are similar to our own skin composition, so it is readily absorbed. Tallow also delivers fat-soluble nutrients such as CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) and vitamins A, D, E, and K. It naturally contains antioxidants, which combat free radicals which are known to contribute to premature aging and skin damage. Tallow also offers excellent skin barrier protection.

Why Use Beef Tallow Instead of Traditional Skincare?

Tallow does what most moisturizers can’t: it deeply penetrates and nourishes the skin, helping many users simplify their skincare routines to just 1-2 applications per day. Plus, because Milk & Honey’s tallow formula is water-free, a little goes a long way—a single jar often lasts 3 months.

Can It Help with Dry Skin, Acne, or Fine Lines?

Yes, yes, and yes! Beef Tallow works wonders on all skin types. Because it’s so similar in makeup to our own skin, and delivers the vitamins and nutrients our skin needs, it balances the skin out regardless of skin concern. I have lost count of the customer testimonies that say it diminished their fine lines and reduced the appearance of their wrinkles, and testimonies of it clearing their acne!

Does It Smell Like Beef? Will It Break Me Out?

Properly rendered tallow is completely odorless—especially Milk & Honey’s unscented option. It’s also non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores. In fact, many people report fewer breakouts after making the switch.

When Will I See Results?

While many see improvements in as little as 1 to 7 days, we recommend giving it a full 28-day skin cycle to experience the full effect. As your skin turns over, it will reveal fresh, nourished layers underneath.

Where Can I Use It?

Short answer: everywhere.

From face to feet, this all-purpose balm is perfect for:

• Dry patches
• Eczema
• Diaper rash
• Cradle cap
• Stretch marks
• Burns, scrapes, bug bites
• Sunburns
• Scars

It’s safe for all ages and especially great for inflamed or sensitive skin.

Does Tallow Feel Greasy?

Not when used correctly. A tiny amount is all you need—once absorbed, it leaves behind a soft matte finish. If it feels greasy, just use a bit less next time!

Favorite Non-Traditional Ways to Use Tallow

• Makeup Primer – seriously, it’s better than anything else!
• Oil Cleanser & Makeup Remover
• Aftershave
• Soothing Balm for bug bites, sunburns, rashes, and more

Skin Type: Normal/Oily

I had my doubts on beef tallow [the name alone is enough to make me cringe a little] however, after hearing a lot of great things about it, I was willing to try. The results? I’m now giving bottles of it to my best friends because I swear it’s that good. I have only used it at nighttime so far because I have been nervous it would make me too shiny during the day, however, I love how my skin looks and feels every morning when I wake up. I do feel like it has made my skin tone more even and feel more supple and hydrated. No breakouts and no weird scent! I am loving it!

Skin Type: Normal-Dry, Acne Prone

I’ve been hearing about the benefits of beef tallow everywhere lately but was nervous to try it on my sensitive, breakout-prone skin [and let’s face it, it sounds a little bit gross]. I’m happy to report the product had zero funky scent [I used the unscented version] and did not cause any breakouts. It has a rich, luxurious consistency that left my skin soft, glowy and moisturized like a glazed donut – perfect for a bedtime skincare routine. Bonus: a little bit goes a long way so the container will last FOREVER!

Skin Type: Dry

I started off just using the beef tallow at night because I was SHINY after applying. Turns out I was using way too much, but it felt so good on my skin I just wanted more. Now I use it each morning and night, with a thicker application at night. You really don’t need much, the jar will last a loooong time! I also use the lip butter and -wow- does that feel wonderful! My naturally super dry skin has never felt more hydrated! I’ve also used it on my sun burned arms and felt instant relief, no more dry stretched out feeling skin.

Skin Type: Dry skin with Eczema reactions on side of face

Hadleigh has had these bumps on her face since she was little and they’ve never gone away no matter what we tried [aquaphor, cerave, etc…]. And as she’s gotten older and participated in theater, makeup is involved and flare ups are much more apparent. She’s been using this consistently for a little over a week and the bumps are decreasing, flare ups aren’t nearly as bad since she’s using it as a barrier before makeup and her skin isn’t as red! It’s definitely given me peace of mind that a natural, safe product is working on my daughter’s skin and she’s feeling more confident about herself with the eczema decreasing!