Debunking Sunscreen Myths – Consumer Reports

Social media influencers are all about the supposed beauty benefits of beef tallow (aka, cow fat) for moisturizing skin. Some even claim that beef tallow is an option for those who want a sunscreen that doesn’t contain chemical active ingredients—joining a long list of other natural substances purported to safeguard your skin. “Coconut oil, olive oil, almond oil, and shea butter are commonly cited as sun protective,” says Julie Williams Merten, PhD, a professor of public health at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, whose research often covers sun safety and skin cancer. “But with SPFs ranging from 1 to about 8, none of them offer any real protection against UV rays.” Experts say you need at least an SPF 30 to adequately prevent burning and skin damage that can lead to skin cancer. And despite what you might see on social media, there’s no scientific evidence that beef tallow on its own has much, if any, SPF.  

There are recipes online for making your own sunscreen with beef tallow and zinc oxide. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are so-called natural, or mineral, active ingredients, and they aren’t absorbed through the skin. But dermatologists caution against using homemade sunscreen. “SPF formulation is highly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration to ensure uniform UV coverage,” says Gohara “Without rigorous testing, there’s no guarantee of sufficient protection.” You can find some commercially made beef tallow sunscreens with zinc oxide. Consumer Reports hasn’t tested any of these, but historically, mineral-based sunscreens haven’t performed as well in our tests as those that contain chemical active ingredients. None of the mineral sunscreens that we’ve tested over the years scored high enough to be recommended. 

As for beef tallow’s moisturizing benefits, slathering fat on your skin may help lock in moisture and provide short-term hydration. “But it doesn’t have the right levels or types of fatty acids you need to support the skin barrier and keep it healthy in the long term,” says Gohara.