Surf Influencer Jay Alvarrez Unleashes Beef Tallow Sunscreen Line

Sunkissed by Heaven, a skincare brand created by influencer Jay Alvarrez and professional surfer Alex Smith, features a line of sunscreen “made only from edible ingredients.” The main ingredient? The incredibly buzzy cow fat phenom, beef tallow.

Not something you’d find in your typical SPF, let alone rub on your skin. But according to the brand, the bovine extract “strengthens the skin barrier.”

Here’s the brand’s mission statement: “Born from a lifestyle of chasing the sun around the world, Sunkissed by Heaven is a creation by Jay Alvarrez — a vision for a new kind of skincare that works naturally, supporting inner resilience, and beauty from the inside out.”

And from Alvarrez himself: "I've always lived in the sun, and I wanted to create something raw, simple, and to the point without the chemicals or confusing additives. Sunkissed was made to be effortless and effective.”

Beef tallow is currently enjoying a resurgence amongst wellness influencers, particularly when it comes to cooking. You can pick up a jar – along with a $19 single strawberry (no, that’s not an exaggeration) – at Erewhon on Abbot Kinney for $21.99.

As for skincare? It looks like there are uses there, too. According to the Mayo Clinic:

“Beef tallow also is regaining popularity for its versatility; in addition to being used in cooking, it also can be used on your skin!

“Since the composition of beef tallow is similar to natural oils produced by skin, it can be used as a moisturizer and is gentle on sensitive skin. CLA has anti-inflammatory benefits that help lock in moisture and reduce oxidation, which, along with the fat-soluble vitamins in beef tallow, may improve skin’s elasticity and overall healthy appearance when applied topically.”

Would you slather beef fat on your face? Shop here.