Dr. Jane Yoo, a board-certified dermatologist, debunks the claim that plant oils or beef tallow protect skin from UV damage. She recommends FDA-approved broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and warns that natural products aren't automatically safe or effective without medical testing.
Hi, I'm Dr. Jane Yoo. I'm a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon, and I want you to know that despite what you might hear online, you cannot make your own effective sunscreen using plant oils or beef tallow. There has been an increase in online claims that plant oils or beef tallow are safe and effective forms of sun protection or tanning oils, but the facts are clear. Natural oils do not provide effective UV protection. Additionally, beef tallow, which has been given attention from online influencers, has not been rigorously tested for protective use against UV rays. We recommend using FDA-approved broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher as part of your daily sun protection regimen. And if you would like additional help in choosing sun protection, you can find products that have earned the Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation at skincancer.org. Always be mindful of the source of your medical information and consult a dermatologist for specific skin-related questions. It's important to remember that just because a product is all natural It does not mean that it has been medically reviewed or is inherently good at protecting your skin. Claims need to be tested before they are shared with the public.
