Nara Smith Slathers Beef‑Tallow On Skin, Dermatologists Freak Out

In May 2024, TikTok creator Nara Smith posted a homemade moisturizer recipe that has since racked up millions of views. The video shows Smith and her husband, model Lucky Blue Smith, whipping together a cream in their kitchen after he ran out of his usual lotion.

“This morning, my husband ran out of some moisturizer that he usually uses and he didn’t love it enough to repurchase, so he just decided to make his own,” Smith says at the start of the clip.

The recipe blends rendered beef fat—called tallow—with beeswax, squalene, jojoba oil, vitamin E oil, hyaluronic acid and glycerin. The mixture is melted over a double‑boiler, added in stages, and chilled in the refrigerator until set.

Smith explained that she omitted essential oils because she has eczema and dry skin, allowing the same batch to be used on both face and body. Dermatologists have taken notice of the trend.

A 2024 scoping review in *Cureus* highlighted tallow’s rich content of oleic, palmitic, stearic and linoleic acids, as well as vitamins A, D, K, E and B12. Dr.

Michele Green, a board‑certified cosmetic dermatologist in New York City, told *GQ* in May 2026 that “fatty acids closely resemble the natural oils of the skin, allowing it to effectively replenish moisture.” The buzz around Smith’s recipe has prompted a deeper look at the science behind each ingredient.

## Recipe Breakdown and Skin‑Care Philosophy

Smith’s routine begins with rendering beef tallow from the suet that surrounds the kidneys and other organs. She then melts beeswax, squalene, jojoba oil, vitamin E oil, hyaluronic acid and glycerin together on a double‑boiler.

Once the mixture cools, it is stirred in stages and then placed in the fridge until it solidifies into a creamy lotion. The process creates a balm that can be applied to both face and body. Because she has eczema and dry skin, the formulation deliberately skipped essential oils so the same batch could be used on her face and body.

Smith explained. The result is a formulation that prioritizes moisturization over fragrance, making it suitable for sensitive skin types. Both Smith and her husband tested the lotion after showers, reporting satisfaction with its texture and hydration.

The decision to keep the recipe simple also reflects broader DIY skincare trends. By limiting potentially reactive components, Smith’s moisturizer aligns with a growing preference for natural, ingredient‑heavy products that can be customized at home.

Her video shows that even a basic kitchen can produce a skincare product that rivals many commercial options in terms of moisture delivery.

## Ingredient Science and Dermatological Findings

Beef tallow is rendered fat from cows, specifically the suet surrounding internal organs. , it contains high levels of triglycerides, including oleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid and linoleic acid.

A 2024 scoping review in *Cureus* noted that these fatty acids are similar to those found in human sebum, suggesting a compatibility with skin’s natural lipid barrier. Beeswax serves as an occlusive agent, forming a physical barrier that traps moisture.

A 2023 study showed that beeswax also functions as a humectant and emollient, drawing water into the skin while softening it. Squalene, the main component of skin surface lipids, mimics natural oils; a 2009 study identified it as both an emollient and antioxidant.

Jojoba oil—derived from the *Simmondsia chinensis* seed—is widely used to moisturize and balance oil production, with a 2021 study supporting its soothing properties. Hyaluronic acid and glycerin are humectants that attract water into the skin.

CeraVe explains that both “draw in moisture to hydrate the skin.” Vitamin E, a fat‑soluble antioxidant found naturally in the skin, helps moisturize, protect cellular integrity, and absorb ultraviolet light, .

## Dermatological Insight and Consumer Guidance

Dr. Michele Green remarked that beef tallow’s fatty acids “closely resemble the natural oils of the skin,” which can help replenish moisture. While she praised the ingredient chemistry, she also cautioned that homemade formulations lack standardized testing for safety or efficacy.

The consensus among dermatologists is that individuals with sensitive or reactive skin should consult a professional before using tallow‑based products.

“Everyone’s skin is unique and can have different reactions to certain ingredients,” one source advised. The video’s popularity underscores the need for consumers to research ingredients and consider potential allergies. As the trend grows, experts suggest that testing a small patch of skin first can help prevent adverse reactions.

Nara Smith’s TikTok‑driven beef‑tallow moisturizer has sparked both curiosity and scientific discussion. With its blend of naturally derived oils, humectants and antioxidants, the recipe taps into a long‑standing tradition of using animal fats in skincare while offering a modern DIY twist.

The growing interest from dermatologists highlights the importance of understanding ingredient science—even in homemade formulations—before making them part of your daily routine.