I’ve been on the hunt for clean (nontoxic), natural skincare that really works for quite some time. I recently discovered Buffalo Gal Grassfed Beauty products, and adding them to my routine has given me amazing results. I was gifted some products and I used them solidly for 3 months!
Buffalo Gal Grassfed Beauty, which is Certified Paleo, is a handcrafted, artisan line of incredible infusions of buffalo tallow, essential oils and powerful plant extracts made with love in Monroe, Georgia. Their family farm, Carrell Farms, Inc., is their only source for incredibly nutrient-dense Grassfed Water Buffalo Tallow, the star of their skincare line. Their entire line of products is perfect for maturing, damaged and sensitive skin. I have combination skin, and it even worked on my skin! They smell wonderful and keep my skin soft and dewy.
Healthy, radiant skin is the direct result of healthy living. At Buffalo Gal Grassfed Beauty, they believe a diet of unadulterated, nutrient-dense plant and animal foods is the basis of truly healthy skin. They seek out and carefully select ingredients that complement your healthy choices. This short list keeps the tallow content and nutrient bio-availability high, and never includes anything toxic or questionable in their products. All you’ll find are soothing, nourishing natural ingredients for skincare!
What I love most about Buffalo Gal is the fact that the main ingredient in almost all their products, grass-fed water buffalo tallow, is made from animals raised on the owner’s family farm! Water buffalo are incredibly unique animals, and their tallow, or fat, is way more nutrient dense than even a grass-fed cow’s thanks to their varied diets. I also like that Buffalo Gal is eco-conscious, fair direct trade conscious, and support local farming.
At this point, you’re probably thinking, “Are you really suggesting I smear buffalo fat on my face?” I am!
Unlike other ruminant tallows, buffalo have a broad palate, increasing the concentration and range of nutrients they consume and yielding more nutrition than beef tallow. Buffalo Gal’s ruminant animals eat a variety of cool season grasses, warm season grasses, legumes, and forbs growing in holistically managed soil. It tends to be stiffer than beef tallow thanks to its high stearic acid content, and smells exceptionally clean.
Tallow is an essential skincare ingredient because it closely resembles the oils in our own skin. That means all those yummy nutrients are readily absorbed. I’ve often struggled with moisturizers that feel like they’re sitting in a greasy layer on top of my skin, especially plant-based moisturizers like coconut oil and cocoa butter. Buffalo Gal is totally different!
I know what you’re thinking: buffalo fat has to smell like meat, right? Nope! Buffalo Gal’s Body butters (great for all-over moisturizing) come in amazing scents like Mocha Latte and Chai Spice, and Tallow Face Balms have elegant scents like Lavender and Cedarwood and Sage. Even the unscented products smell clean and fresh and not at all like animal fat! These products look and feel like the high-end skincare they are.
My Favorites
FaCe Revive Day Balm is your new anti-aging BFF! Help reverse photo damage with bioavailable Vitamins A, C, D, E, and K, omega-3 fatty acids, stearic acid and CLA, and prevent further damage with UV protection from zinc oxide and raspberry seed oil! As always, it is totally free of preservatives, synthetic fragrances and chemicals, and relies totally on natural ingredients for skincare. It only comes in the 2.3 oz size because you will want to use it EVERY DAY! After using it solidly for 3 months, I am hooked. My face is smooth, soft and supple! Even my boyfriend has noticed! And that is a big deal! I love how it smells, too!
Ingredients:
Grassfed Water Buffalo Tallow
Emu crème — This rich oil is high in Vitamins E and K and deeply absorbed in the skin. It’s also a powerful analgesic (pain reliever) and anti inflammatory. Buffalo Gal sources emu oil from a local farm where the birds freely roam dozens of acres of pasture and woods and are given no vaccines, de-wormers, or antibiotics. No preservatives are ever added to the emu oil. Emu oil has many anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties, and is also hypoallergenic (won’t cause allergic reactions)! It is known for having an analgesic effect by easing muscle and joint pain without side effects. It also provides topical relief for eczema and psoriasis. Emu crème is simply emu oil that has been spun in a centrifuge to create a creamy texture.
Non-nano Zinc Oxide — Not only is Zinc Oxide incredibly nourishing and anti inflammatory, it is one of the most effect forms of topical sun protection! Zinc Oxide acts a physical sunblock, meaning it is not absorbed into the skin but provides a protective barrier on top. Plus, it’s safe for ocean reefs!
Direct Trade Coffee — One of my favorite skin-healing secrets. Caffeine tightens fine lines, evens tone, inhibits growth of cancer cells, prevents inflammation, reduces puffiness, dehydrates fatty cells, minimizes the appearance of cellulite and creates a smoothing effect, aids circulation while restricting blood vessels, thus reducing redness including rosacea, acts as a powerful antioxidant and moisturizer, calms irritated skin caused by sun damage. Coffee is really a powerhouse for your skin, and Buffalo Gal sources it from direct-trade sources that protect workers and the environment.
Raspberry Seed Oil — This oil helps filter the sun’s rays, and contains a high content of Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) and antioxidant tocopherols. These hydrate the skin and leave it feeling soft and smooth.
Organic Sacha Inchi Oil — High in vitamin E, this oil also contains a beneficial balance of omegas-3, 6, and 9s. Its high antioxidant content helps add shelf life to the products while promoting smooth, hydrated skin.
Organic Acerola — A powerful source of Vitamin C derived from cherries.
Organic Camu Camu — Derived from a shrub, camu camu berries are a potent source of Vitamin C, amino acids and phytochemicals.
Organic Rosehips — Taken from the part of the rose flower just below the petal, rose hips are also a powerful natural source of Vitamin C.
Organic White Willow Bark — White willow bark is a natural form of salicylic acid, which is a familiar component of many acne treatment products thanks to its anti-inflammatory effects. Salicin can slow signs of aging by reducing the appearance of pores, wrinkles, and pigmentation. Salicin is exfoliating and acne-reducing. It also contains polyphenols that contribute antioxidant and antiinflammatory effects to help protect against sun damage and premature aging.
Organic Plantain — This Native American remedy for rapid skin repair is excellent for anti-wrinkling and a good source of vitamin C.
*Note: I can’t make any claims regarding the SPF rating on this product. Zinc Oxide provides fabulous UV protection by reflecting and refracting the sun’s rays. Raspberry seed oil is a traditional way to filter the sun’s rays. So while Buffalo Gal is confident you will receive some sun protection from this product, they encourage you to use it with discretion.
Chai Spice Tallow Body Butter — This thick, rich moisturizer has been the perfect addition to my skincare routine. Remember those old Bath and Body Works Scents you used to love so much? These are BETTER! My favorite is the Chai Spice, but you really can’t go wrong. I’ve been rubbing it on as a body lotion after I shower or before bed, and it leaves my skin soft and moisturized for days!
Eye Revive – Herbal Tallow Balm
This treatment for under-eye circles has helped reduce puffiness and keep me looking alert and rested (even when I’m not!). I found it to me silky soft but not greasy and it absorbed readily into the skin around my yes, without irritating my eyes or my skin. The skin around our eyes is particularly susceptible to losing elasticity and collagen, meaning we usually see the effects of aging or dietary and environmental stressors first around our eyes. Support your skin by helping it stay hydrated and smooth, plus reduce dark shadows, puffing, sagging, and the appearance of fine lines with Buffalo Gal’s magical Eye Revive!
It’s a great example of Buffalo Gal’s innovative infusions; the main ingredient (besides tallow of course) is white willow bark, which is derived great for naturally reducing inflammation. I dab just a small amount under my eyes at night, and a little goes a long way!
Ingredients:
Grassfed Water Buffalo Tallow — infused with organic direct trade coffee, organic acerola, organic rosehips, organic camu camu, organic white willow bark and organic plantain for a wrinkle-reducing, damage-fighting powerhouse!
Emu crème
Organic prickly pear cactus oil — Prickly pear oil is high in beneficial omega 6 fatty acids, naturally occurring carotenoids, Vitamins C and E, flavonoids, and other powerful antioxidants that nourish maturing skin. It is considered more effective than argan oil for reducing the appearance of fine lines.
Organic Apricot Kernel Oil — Rich in vitamin A, nourishing to the skin. It gives our tallow a lighter feel for easier application.
Coffee — One of my favorite skin-healing secrets. Caffeine tightens fine lines, evens tone, prevents inflammation, reduces puffiness, creates a smoothing effect, and aids circulation while restricting blood vessels, thus reducing redness including rosacea. Coffee acts as a powerful antioxidant and moisturizer, calms irritated skin caused by sun damage. Coffee is really a powerhouse for your skin!
Oud Essential Oil — Also known as agarwood, this oil is extremely rare and prized for its anti inflammatory benefits as well as its rich scent. Oud’s healing benefits are rejuvenative, tonic, anti-rheumatic, aphrodisiac, diuretic, anti-stress, antimicrobial, anti-convulsant, anti-asthmatic, anti-cancer, relaxant, analgesic, transformative, digestive, antioxidant, psychoactive, detoxifying, diaphoretic, and anti-depressant.
Sandalwood Essential Oil — Sandalwood is high in sesquiterpenes which stimulate the pineal gland and limbic region of the brain, and help release melatonin (a powerful antioxidant). Sandalwood essential oil is known to support nerves and circulation, and revitalize and rehydrate skin.
Directions: With a clean, dry finger, gently dab around the eyes, except for the eyelids. A little bit goes a long way and it might be best applied at night since the herbs slow the rate of absorption slightly. It is beneficial to use on your whole face a few times a week!
Buffalo Gal’s Hydrate Mist combines two powerhouse ingredients, hyaluronic acid (HA) and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) that are AHHHH-MAZING for skin! Spray on face and neck any time you wish. When used with the food-based vitamin C in either of Buffalo Gal’s FaCe Revive Balms you won’t believe the age-reversing results! I found this very easy to use. The mist that comes out of the bottle is even and did not irritate my skin at all. It left my face refreshed and smooth.
Ingredients:
Hyaluronic Acid — A naturally-occurring polysaccharide (large sugar molecule) found throughout the body in tissues like skin, synovial fluids in the joints, and connective tissues. It’s responsible for tissue hydration, lubrication, and stability. It has an incredible ability to plump the skin by holding 500 times its weight in water. While most HA is lab-made from soy peptides and yeast extracts, Buffalo Gal’s comes from pastured eggshell membranes.
Methylsulfonylmethane — MSM originates in the ocean and is distributed on land by rainwater, which helps explain why skin and hair feel so soft after we’ve been in the rain! It is superb in its healing attributes when consumed internally, and applied topically is fantastic at combatting wrinkles, rosacea, and inflammation.
Rose Hydrosol — There’s a good reason Rose has been used for thousands of years for luxury skincare, but most on the market today are extracted with solvents. Buffalo Gal’s Rose hydrosol is steam distilled and is high in citronellol, excellent for combating wrinkles and redness. Plus, it smells so nice! Hydrosols are simply blends of distilled flowers, herbs and water. They are a milder alternative to essential oil blends but yield many of the same benefits.
Sandalwood Hydrosol — Sandalwood is well known for its antiaging and mind-calming qualities. Buffalo Gal sources their sandalwood from a perfumer with access to the best materials in the world!
Lavender Tallow Balm
A rich and creamy blend of Grassfed Water Buffalo Tallow and other nutritious oils and therapeutic grade essential oils. It’s a perfect and deeply nourishing solution to your most common skincare woes. Now with more scent options, you’re bound to find a favorite. Simple and nutritious, these will suit almost any moisturizing purpose you can imagine! I dedicated this to softening up the skin over my elbows, and I noticed that my elbows were soft, smooth, and no longer darker than the rest of my arms.
Ingredients:
Grassfed Water Buffalo Tallow
organic camellia seed oil
organic sacha inchi oil
lavender essential oil
If you like lavender, you will love this product! Buffalo Gal uses a combination of different lavender essential oils for a lovely, balanced lavender scent. This balm is ideal for normal to dry skin, for both face and body!
Mocha Latte Body Butter is a caffeinated, chocolatey treat for your skin—just like your morning latte! This coffee infused tallow body butter tightens skin, evens tone, prevents inflammation and smoothes with the power of real coffee. Buffalo Gal infuses freshly roasted direct trade coffee from their friends at Java Genesis Coffee Roasting into their artisanal tallow and added some chocolatey cocoa butter, silky coconut oil, and vanilla essential oil (for sweetness). Caffeine is a powerful antioxidant that reduces redness and calms skin irritated by sun damage. It’s a perfect, power-packed all-over moisturizer you’ll love!
I am super sensitive to caffeine, so I stay away from drinking coffee/caffeine but thankfully the caffeine in this product did not affect me in the way drinking coffee would. I used this at night to soften up my feet and legs, and boy, did I notice a huge difference from other body lotion or butters! My legs and feet were the softest and smoothest they have ever been! Especially in the winter, when I turn on the heat in the car and it blows on my shins (drying the skin there!), this comes in handy to heal my skin.
This body butter relies on the incredibly moisturizing properties of grassfed water buffalo tallow to provide intense skin nutrition. Use Mocha Latte Body Butter as an all-over moisturizer, apply to dry or cracked hands or use is like I did to soften up feet.
Ingredients:
Grassfed Water Buffalo Tallow
Cocoa Butter — Prevents drying of the skin and helps prevent the appearance of fine lines. Reduces the signs of mature skin and maintains skin’s supple look.
Organic Coconut Oil — Coconut oil is an excellent source of medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), promotes healthy, silky skin, and is highly emollient on his own.
Direct Trade Coffee
Vanilla Essential Oil— Adds a warm, sweet scent. It’s also known for its emotionally calming effects and antioxidants.
Light a few candles, turn on some soft music and treat yourself to a luxurious and FUN treat with Buffalo Gal’s Fizzing Bath Balm! Frankincense Tallow and powdered coconut milk soften and moisturize the skin, but what you’ll love most is the fun fizz when these Bath Balms hit the water! Healing essential oils round out the package to create a steamy soak that will soothe both body and mind.
I really enjoyed using this once a week to ease my achy muscles after working out. The fizz was amazing and my skin was left amazingly soft and moisturized. The scent was so relaxing I was able to actually meditate!
Ingredients:
Frankincense Tallow — Frankincense Tallow is simply Buffalo Gal’s pure tallow combined with Frankincense, one of the most historically prized oils on the planet. It has an uplifting scent and improves the tone and complexion of skin while being highly moisturizing on its own.
Coconut Milk Powder — Simply nourishing coconut milk that has been dried to preserve the hydrating properties of coconut oil.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate — This holistic alternative to Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) helps create the fun bubbles that make these Bath Balms so unique. Sodium lauryl sulfoacetate (SLSA) is quite a bit different than sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and other harsh surfactants. Unlike the more common SLS, it’s made from a large molecule that doesn’t penetrate the skin. It’s 100% naturally derived from coconut and palm oils and gets a 1 rating for safety from the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Database. It gives this Fizzing Bath Balm a pleasant fizz while helping to disperse the tallow and oils throughout your bath water.
Apricot kernel oil — Rich in vitamin A, nourishing to the skin. It gives the tallow a lighter feel for easier application.
Non-alcohol Witch Hazel — A powerful natural toner, it is also soothing and antibacterial. Buffalo Gal’s version avoids harsh alcohols.
Epsom Salt — Epsom salt is a wonderful source of magnesium, which helps to draw out toxins. If you’ve suffered an injury or an emotional stress, add an additional 1-2 heaping handfuls of Epsom salt to your bathwater and soak for at least 20 minutes. Be sure to drink plenty of water afterward, as Epsom salts can be dehydrating.
Binding ingredients: Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda), Citric Acid, Tapioca Starch, Cream of Tartar
Carefully crafted by their friend Cindy Tucker using traditional soap-making techniques, Buffalo Gal’s tallow cleansing bar is truly something special. Ancient people made soap from animal fats and cold ashes. They’ve refined this process to create a smooth, silky, moisturizing bar that’s perfect for face and body.
Simply use them as you would a normal bath bar, and let the simple luxury of the experience surprise you.
I noticed that these had the most luxurious lather! It was super moisturizing while keeping my skin (face and body!) clean.
Ingredients:
Olive Oil — Highly moisturizing, full of antioxidants and derived from plant sources.
Castor Oil — Draws out impurities and has a slight drying effect, which balances well with heavier moisturizers.
Sodium Hydroxide (Lye)
About Soap Making
Curious about the chemistry behind soap making? “Saponification” refers to the chemical reaction between fat and lye that results in the formation of glycerin and soap. Saponification occurs when, first, three molecules of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) are dissolved in water (H2O) and are split apart, which results in three sodium ions (Na) and three hydroxyl groups (OH). Second, a triglyceride (fat) molecule (C3H5(COOR)3) is split apart through hydrolysis, which results in a free glycerol (C3H5) and three fatty acid tails (COOR). Third, the hydroxyl groups all bond to the free glycerol to form a molecule of glycerin. Fourth, the three fatty acids each bond with one of the three sodium ions to form three molecules of soap (3NaCOOR). When the ingredients have completed the saponification process, one molecule of glycerin will be present for each three molecules of soap; no molecules of lye (sodium hydroxide) remain in the soap—they have all been split apart and used to form the soap molecules and glycerin.
Bottom Line:
After using Buffalo Gal for 3 full months, I really feel like tallow might be the “missing ingredient” in skincare for many of my friends with dry, sensitive or aging skin. It’s just so nourishing and healing, and totally different from anything else out there!
If you want to get started with Buffalo Gal, founder Shalley recommends one of her Sets for Dry to Maturing, Normal to Oily or Sensitive Skin. The REVIVE Anti-Aging set includes some of my favorite products, too!
Sets allow you to experience Buffalo Gal’s handmade soaps and incredible toners, too! Her Cleanse-Tone-Moisturize routine will help balance skin’s pH all day, and I think it’s a great place to get started.
I hope you love this incredible skincare company as much as I do, and I can’t wait to hear what you think!
Your purchases support Buffalo Gal’s small family farm, directly promoting carbon sequestration and food freedom through localized and diversified agriculture. You’re helping to change the world!
Check it out for yourself: Http://buffalogalgrassfed.com
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