2025: Volume 5, Issue 3
Current Issue
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PDFRethinking Sustainability in Skincare: A Comparative Analysis of Beef Tallow and Plant-Based Oils
Alejandra Sataray-Rodriguez1,*, Damilola Oladinni2, Nicole Aust3, Raisa Suha4, Zarin Kothari5, Jennifer Easterly6, Anahat Luthra3
1University of Nevada-Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, 89503, USA
2A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine Arizona, Mesa, AZ, 85206, USA
3Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Tampa, FL, 33759, USA
4Psychology & B.A Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
5Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
6Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA, 30901, USA
*Corresponding author: Miss. Alejandra Sataray-Rodriguez, University of Nevada-Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, 89503, USA, Phone: 7025573390, Email: [email protected]
Received Date: May 23, 2025
Publication Date: June 30, 2025
Citation: Sataray-Rodriguez A, et al. (2025). Rethinking Sustainability in Skincare: A Comparative Analysis of Beef Tallow and Plant-Based Oils. Dermis. 5(3):39.
Copyright: Sataray-Rodriguez A, et al. © (2025).
ABSTRACT
As sustainability and ingredient transparency take center stage in consumer priorities, the skincare industry faces pressure to deliver products that are environmentally responsible, ethically sourced, and dermatologically effective. Beef tallow—a nutrient-rich byproduct of livestock—has reemerged in skincare discourse as a potentially sustainable, zero-waste ingredient. This narrative review compares beef tallow with commonly used plant-based oils (coconut, olive, jojoba, and argan) across environmental, cultural, ethical, and dermatologic dimensions. Drawing from peer-reviewed literature, we analyze life-cycle emissions, land and water use, biodiversity impact, and historical relevance. While tallow raises concerns related to animal agriculture, it may be viable within regenerative farming frameworks. Conversely, some plant oils contribute to deforestation and exploitative labor practices. This review proposes a multidimensional framework for ingredient evaluation, advocating for lifecycle analysis, equitable sourcing, and transparent labeling to guide sustainable skincare innovation.
Keywords: Beef Tallow, Sustainability, Plant-Based Oils, Ethical Sourcing
