This week, we tackle one of the most requested ingredients: Beef Tallow in skincare. We break down the science, compare its characteristics to other popular ingredients like shea butter, and look at the actual topical studies (or lack thereof).

00:00 | What Is Beef Tallow and Why Is It in Skincare?
00:43 | Is Beef Tallow Really Similar to Human Skin Lipids?
02:09 | How Beef Tallow Is Made: The Science Behind the Fat
03:22 | Melting Point Breakdown: Beef Tallow vs Human Sebum
05:47 | How Extraction Methods Affect Skincare Ingredient Quality
09:37 | What Do Saponification and Iodine Values Mean for Skin?
20:25 | Does Beef Tallow Have Any Proven Skin Benefits?
37:18 | What Happened When I Put Beef Tallow on My Face?
40:56 | Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, or Beef Tallow — What’s Best for Dry Skin?

Products Discussed this 2025 Podcast Season *a small portion of your purchase through these links goes to feeding a chemist. https://shopmy.us/collections/1280514

Recommended 30 for 30 Sunscreens 2025 *a small portion of your purchase through these links goes to feeding a chemist. https://shopmy.us/collections/1766357

Product Shoutout: Blank Slate Gentle Gel Cleanser https://chemistconfessions.com/products/blank-slate-cleanser

Enrichment Content: Sunscreen Layering Guide https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQ0Dlb0WXvc

Do We Absorb Sunscreen Filters into Our Bloodstreams? https://chemistconfessions.com/blogs/controversy-corner-do-we-absorb-sunscreen-filters-into-our-bloodstreams

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