Beef Tallow and Salmon Sperm Gain Popularity in Skin Care

Consumers seek natural alternatives to synthetic ingredients, but experts warn of lack of evidence

Apr. 18, 2026 at 2:03pm

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A minimalist, glowing neon outline of a human face against a dark background, conceptually representing the use of natural, animal-based skin care products.Glowing neon lines outline the ritual of applying natural, animal-based skin care products, reflecting the growing consumer interest in sustainable and chemical-free alternatives.Sonoma Today

Beef tallow and salmon sperm are gaining popularity as natural skin care ingredients, with consumers looking to avoid synthetic chemicals. Farmers and businesses are capitalizing on the trend, but dermatologists caution that there is little medical evidence supporting the effectiveness of these animal-based products.

Why it matters

The rise of animal-based skin care products reflects a broader consumer shift towards natural and sustainable ingredients, driven in part by concerns over the health impacts of chemicals. However, experts warn that the benefits of these products may be overstated, and consumers should be wary of unsubstantiated claims.

The details

Ranchers like Bryan Vander Dussen and Jamie Moody are turning animal byproducts like beef tallow into skin care products, marketing them as natural alternatives to synthetic ingredients. Meanwhile, spas are offering treatments like salmon sperm DNA facials, which are said to have hydrating and anti-inflammatory benefits. While these products are gaining popularity, dermatologists caution that there is little robust medical data to support their effectiveness, and some ingredients like rancid tallow may even be irritating to the skin.

  • In the past year, Vander Dussen and his wife have been making the transition to selling tallow-based skin care products.
  • Searches for terms like 'beef tallow for skin' have jumped in recent years and remained higher than ever before, according to Google Trends.

The players

Bryan Vander Dussen

A California rancher who has shifted from dairy farming to selling farm-raised beef and tallow-based skin care products.

Jamie Moody

The founder of Sonoma Mountain Beef in Northern California, who started making tallow products in an effort to reduce waste.

Natalee Keenan

A 31-year-old western Pennsylvania woman who uses tallow-based skin care products.

Kelly Pratt

The owner of a spa in Tampa, Florida, where salmon sperm DNA facials are in high demand.

Cassandra Hutchison

An aesthetician who gives the salmon sperm DNA facials at the Tampa spa, claiming the ingredient helps with hydration and skin repair.

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What they’re saying

“'You see it everywhere, so we were like, 'Why don't we do this?' Some of the feedback is, 'We don't want to smell like beef,' so we add things like lavender and wild orange to kind of counter that potential beef smell.'”

— Bryan Vander Dussen, Rancher

“'I use it sparingly,' adding a tiny bit has been enough to keep her skin feeling smooth.'”

— Natalee Keenan

“'Since the trend toward clean products remains strong, I believe the market will continue to grow.'”

— Jamie Moody, Founder, Sonoma Mountain Beef

“'In today's world, it's very important not only what you are putting on your face but where it comes from.'”

— Bryan Vander Dussen, Rancher

“'A lot of people are moving away from the chemical stuff, they're trying to get into healthy eating and using more products where they know exactly where it came from.'”

— Corrin Dial, Co-owner, Lowcountry Family Farms

What’s next

Experts say more research is needed to determine the true benefits and potential risks of animal-based skin care products. Consumers should be cautious of unsubstantiated claims and prioritize products with proven, evidence-based ingredients.

The takeaway

The rise of animal-based skin care products reflects a broader consumer trend towards natural and sustainable ingredients, but dermatologists warn that the benefits of these products may be overstated. Consumers should approach these trends with a critical eye and focus on skin care backed by robust medical evidence.