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

Beef tallow, or "tallow", is a solid fat derived from animals with a high content of triglycerides and essential fatty acids. Tallow has gained popularity as a skincare product on social media in recent years, driven by the increasing demand for natural and sustainable beauty solutions. There are few studies investigating tallow as a skincare ingredient and its effects on dermatological conditions.

To promote responsible use of tallow by characterizing information about tallow on social media platforms, examining the quality of claims made in the context of available evidence, and evaluating areas of financial bias.

Social media posts from various platforms (YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok) were evaluated in a cross-sectional analysis to assess claims about tallow-related skin care, the quality of information provided, and potential financial biases.

Claims of efficacy for acne, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis were prevalent but largely lacked cited evidence. The majority of the posts promoting beef tallow across platforms demonstrated financial bias and were uploaded by individuals lacking credentials in healthcare. Additionally, most existing evidence for tallow use is based on studies examining its ingredients.

Despite growing anecdotal claims that beef tallow benefits skincare and dermatologic conditions, evidence remains insufficient to support these claims. Many promotions of beef tallow for skin care are associated with financial bias. Further research is needed to evaluate its long-term effects, ideal formulations, and suitability for different skin conditions.