The skincare world is no stranger to viral trends—but when beef tallow and diaper rash cream start making their way into beauty routines, it’s time to bring in a professional. That’s exactly what The Tamron Hall Show did when they invited Dr. Kiran Mian, board-certified dermatologist at Hudson Dermatology & Laser Surgery, to separate skincare fact from social media fiction.
Beef Tallow: Natural Glow or Pore-Clogging Pitfall?
Beef tallow—rendered cow fat—has found new fame as a “natural moisturizer” thanks to a flurry of viral TikToks. Some users swear it gives them glassy, hydrated skin. Dr. Mian acknowledged the buzz, but offered an honest breakdown of the science behind the trend.
“Beef tallow is all fat, and our skin barrier is made of a lipid bilayer, so in theory, it makes sense,” Dr. Mian explained. “It even has some vitamins that can be nourishing.”
But that doesn’t make it universally safe.
“It’s very thick and pretty comedogenic, meaning it can clog your pores,” she cautioned. “It might give you that hydrated glow at first, but if you’re acne-prone or sensitive, it could trigger breakouts or irritation.”
Dr. Mian also raised concerns about the product’s sourcing: “When it’s homemade or small-batch, you really don’t know what’s in it. It’s slow-cooked beef fat. It’s not regulated.”
Would she recommend it? “It’s fun to try as a trend,” she said with a smile. “But would I put it on my face every night? No, I don’t think so.”
“Would I use it every day on my face? No. But for occasional irritation or flakiness, yes, it can be helpful.”
Diaper Rash Cream: A Surprising Yes—with Limits
In contrast to beef tallow, Dr. Mian offered more support for another unlikely favorite: diaper rash cream.
“I’m actually a huge fan of diaper rash cream in certain situations,” she said. The key ingredient is zinc oxide, which has well-documented anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties. “Think about it—on a baby’s bottom, it calms irritation and supports barrier repair. If your face is irritated or flaky, it can help there too.”
She clarified that it shouldn’t be an everyday solution: “It’s not formulated for your face—it’s made for your butt. Some versions also have fragrance or thick occlusive bases that might not work well on facial skin.”
Breaking It Down: Pros & Cons of Each
Beef Tallow
Pros
- Rich in lipids that mimic the skin barrier
- Contains natural vitamins
Cons
- Highly comedogenic—can clog pores
- Risk of bacterial contamination
- Not regulated or tested for skincare safety
Diaper Rash Cream
Pros
- Zinc oxide reduces inflammation and soothes irritation
- Helpful in short-term, emergency skin situations
Cons
- Not designed for facial skin
- May contain pore-clogging or irritating ingredients
The Verdict: Trend or Treatment?
By the end of the segment, both the hosts and studio audience voted beef tallow and diaper cream skincare as fads—fun to try, but not long-term solutions. And Dr. Mian agreed.
“Trends are exciting, but not everything viral is right for your skin. Personalized, proven skincare is always the better path—especially if you’re dealing with irritation, acne, or sensitivity.”
