Home cooks, natural skincare fans, and DIYers alike are turning to beef tallow for everything from frying crispy potatoes to moisturizing dry, sensitive skin. Its versatility and nutrient-rich profile make it a go-to kitchen and bathroom staple. With so many unique uses for beef tallow, it’s easy to see why this old-school fat is having a serious comeback.

Quick look:

• Beef tallow is making a comeback as a natural, multipurpose fat for cooking, skincare, and more
• There are numerous use cases for beef tallow, including using it as a cooking oil, a moisturizer for human skin, and candle-making
• Rich in vitamins and skin-friendly fats, beef tallow is shelf-stable, chemical-free, and supports sustainable living
• Whether you’re a home cook, DIYer, or natural skincare fan, beef tallow offers a cleaner, time-tested alternative

What is beef tallow, and what are its benefits?

Beef tallow is rendered beef fat. It is typically made by slowly melting down suet or fat trimmings under high-temperature until only the pure fat remains. It was a kitchen and household staple for centuries before processed oils took over cooking processes. 

Now, tallow is making a well-deserved return thanks to its natural ingredients, rich nutritional profile, and long shelf life.

Here are just a few of the many benefits beef tallow offers:

• Packed with fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K that support skin, immune, and bone health, it 
• A natural source of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), known for its anti-inflammatory properties
• Stable at room temperature for months when stored properly
• Supports regenerative agriculture and nose-to-tail sustainability by reducing waste and using more of the animal

11 beef tallow use cases

1. As a cooking oil

One of the most popular beef tallow use cases is in the kitchen. With a high smoke point of around 400°F, beef tallow is perfect for frying, roasting, and sautéing without breaking down or producing harmful compounds. It’s a favorite among chefs and home cooks because it can crisp up potatoes and meats while adding a rich, savory flavor.

Whether searing a steak or roasting vegetables, beef tallow delivers that nostalgic, old-school flavor from animal fats that other oils can’t match. It’s also a natural alternative to seed oils like canola and sesame.

2. Skin moisturizer

Tallow-based skincare products are another great way to use beef tallow. The raw fat from beef tallow closely mimics the natural oils (sebum) our skin produces, making it especially effective for dry, irritated, or sensitive skin. The nourishing fats that come from rendered beef tallow are packed with nutrients like vitamins A, D, E, and K, which help support skin barrier repair. They also help reduce inflammation in the connective tissue of your skin.

Tallow balms can be used on hands, elbows, heels, and lips. Many people with eczema or chronic dryness find it more soothing than commercial lotions or other natural products like olive oil or coconut oil.

3. Face wash

One of the uses of beef tallow that is gaining popularity is face wash. Beef tallow offers a gentle, natural way to cleanse the skin without harsh soaps or chemicals. Because tallow closely resembles our skin’s natural oils, it effectively removes dirt, makeup, and excess sebum while nourishing and protecting the skin barrier.

Tallow cream is ideal for sensitive or acne-prone skin. Unlike many conventional face washes that strip the skin and leave it feeling tight or dry, tallow cream helps keep it moisturized. You can use a small amount on its own or blend it with essential oils to make it into a versatile product.

4. Beef tallow cream for eczema

If you struggle with dry, itchy, or inflamed skin, beef tallow cream is one of the best ways to help reduce the effects of eczema. Thanks to its rich concentration of fat-soluble vitamins, including Vitamin D, A, E, and K, beef tallow helps reduce inflammation and support the skin’s healing process without synthetic additives or steroids.

5. Candle-making

Beef tallow has been used for centuries to make candles—and for good reason. It’s a clean-burning, long-lasting alternative to paraffin wax, which is often made from petroleum byproducts. When properly made, the final product of a tallow candle produces a warm, steady flame and gives off little to no smoke.

Because tallow is naturally scentless, it makes an excellent base for DIY candle making. You can easily blend in essential oils or natural fragrances to create custom scents without the synthetic additives in many store-bought candles. 

6. Soap-making

Beef tallow soap is a favorite among soap makers because it creates a firm, long-lasting bar with a rich, creamy lather. Tallow soap bars have a smooth texture and excellent moisturizing properties, making them gentle on the skin and suitable for daily use. They also last for a long time.

While it can be used alone, beef tallow is often blended with coconut oil or olive oil to enhance its cleansing power and skin-softening effects. Tallow-based soaps are a great natural alternative to commercial bars loaded with detergents and artificial fragrances.

7. Hair care (tallow pomade or scalp balm)

Beef tallow also works wonders for your hair. Used as a pomade or scalp balm, it helps nourish dry, flaky scalps and can soothe irritation without clogging pores. Tallow mimics your scalp’s natural oils, making it especially helpful for people dealing with dandruff or scalp sensitivity. This is one of the most favorite ways to use beef tallow amongst users.

8. Leather conditioner

One of the more surprising uses for beef tallow is it’s ability to be used as a natural leather conditioner. Tallow fat has moisturizing properties that help soften, preserve, and waterproof leather goods without the synthetic chemicals in many commercial products.

Whether you’re treating a well-worn pair of boots, a saddle, a tool belt, or a leather bag, tallow can restore suppleness and extend the life of your items. Simply warm and rub a small amount into the leather to protect against cracking, drying, and water damage.

9. Lubricant for tools and hinges

Another practical use for tallow-based products is as a natural lubricant for metal parts. Tallow fat is a light, rust-resistant grease perfect for maintaining tools, sharpening blades, or silencing squeaky door hinges.

It forms a protective coating that helps prevent moisture buildup and corrosion, making it a perfect solution for garden tools, knives, or workshop gear. Unlike petroleum-based products, tallow is non-toxic and safe to use around the home, garage, or garden. It’s one of the best uses of beef tallow, hands down.

10. Cooking fuel or fire starter

Beef tallow doubles as a natural fuel source. When soaked into cotton balls, cloth, or wood shavings, it makes an excellent fire starter that lights quickly and burns steadily, even in damp conditions.

Historically, tallow was used in oil lamps and lanterns, and it’s still a reliable option for off-grid living due to its long-term storage capabilities. It’s also smokeless and long-burning, making it a smart alternative to chemical-based fire starters.

11. Pet care

Beef tallow is gentle enough to use on your four-legged friends, too. It’s commonly found in natural pet balms designed to soothe dry, cracked paws or chapped noses, especially in colder months or rough outdoor conditions. Its moisturizing and healing properties make it a safe, non-toxic choice for topical use.

Some pet owners also add small amounts of beef tallow to their dogs’ food as a source of healthy fats and fat-soluble vitamins. Consult your vet first to ensure the right amount for your pet’s size and dietary needs.

How long does beef tallow last?

One of the reasons beef tallow is so popular is its impressive shelf life. It can stay fresh for several months at room temperature and up to a year (or even longer) when refrigerated or frozen.

Store your tallow in top condition in an airtight container away from heat and sunlight—think pantry, cupboard, or fridge. Freezing it in small batches can make it easy to grab what you need without thawing the whole batch. As long as it smells clean and has no signs of spoilage, tallow is good to go.

Where can I get beef tallow?

There are plenty of options, whether you’re shopping locally in a grocery store or online.

Start by checking with local butchers or farmers’ markets—many offer freshly rendered grass-fed beef tallow or suet that you can render at home. Health food stores like Whole Foods and Sprouts often carry it in the cooking oil or refrigerated sections.

Do you prefer to shop online? You’ll find high-quality options from trusted brands like Fatworks, Fatco, Epic Provisions, and US Wellness Meats. For skincare uses, specialty brands like Toups & Co and Vintage Tradition offer beef tallow balms and moisturizers made with clean, natural ingredients.

Whether you’re cooking, moisturizing, or crafting, there’s a beef tallow product for every need.

Is beef tallow right for you?

Beef tallow is one of those rare ingredients that does it all. It’s a good source of vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids. Plus, it can easily be incorporated into a healthy diet. From crispy roast potatoes to soothing dry skin and conditioning leather, this versatile fat fits almost every part of your routine. With a long shelf life, rich flavor, and a wide range of benefits, it’s easy to see why more people are bringing this traditional cooking fat back into their homes.

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