Beef Tallow-Based Skincare Claims in Social Media: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Cosmetic Science
• Social Media Analysis

Background:

• Beef tallow, a fat rich in triglycerides and essential fatty acids, is trending in skincare due to demand for natural products.
• Limited scientific research exists on tallow's efficacy and effects on dermatological conditions.
• Social media platforms increasingly feature tallow for beauty solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze social media information on beef tallow for skincare.
• To assess the quality of claims versus scientific evidence.
• To identify financial biases in tallow promotions.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional analysis of social media posts (YouTube, Instagram, TikTok).
• Evaluation of claims regarding tallow's skincare benefits.
• Assessment of information quality and financial bias.

Main Results:

• Prevalent claims for acne, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis lacked supporting evidence.
• Most promotional posts exhibited financial bias and originated from non-credentialed individuals.
• Existing evidence often focuses on tallow's constituent ingredients, not tallow itself.

Conclusions:

• Anecdotal claims of beef tallow's skincare benefits are not supported by sufficient scientific evidence.
• Financial bias is common in social media promotions of tallow for skin health.
• Further research is required to determine tallow's long-term effects, optimal formulations, and suitability for various skin conditions.