Argan oil, aloe vera. wheat germ oil, shea butter, jojoba and sweet almond oil, prickly pear, and lavender extract probably won’t raise your eyebrows in curiosity. You have probably been using them for years, but maybe not buffalo milk. Try some and stop frowning with skepticism. That’s a bad look. Italians dote on their buffaloes as much as they do their looks.
The Galdiero pharmacy has been a Naples institution for decades. Founded by Max’s grandfather Stefano and still run by his aunt, it has retained the ability to make prescriptions on request. The pharmacy is situated a few streets away from Laboratorio Stefano Galdiero, a clinical pathology clinic founded by Max’s father Francesco.
From his grandfather, Max inherited a vast collection of hand-written Galenic formulations for making medicines and beauty products. From his father, he also inherited a buffalo farm deep in the Campania region countryside and founded the prestigious BUFARMA skincare range of natural and organic products perfect for sensitive skin.
“Buffalo milk has superior fat content to any other milk, making it more nourishing and hydrating, thus perfect for skin care,” says Max. “In addition, most people who are allergic or intolerant to cow’s milk, seem to be able to tolerate buffalo milk well.”
Buffalo Milk has a long history of use in cosmetics, being a rich source of lipids, proteins, minerals, vitamins, and other essential nutrients. Calcium is a key element in skin moisturization. Recent scientific studies have also shown Buffalo Milk has an important role in the water balance in the skin Buffalo Milk used in the BUFARMA products is in a concentrated powder form; where after spray-drying a very potent essence full of active ingredients (and without preservatives) remains fresh for optimum efficacy. Adds Max: “Buffalo Milk is traditionally farmed to produce mozzarella and since the region is famous for buffalo mozzarella, made from buffalo milk, we have an ample supply of this rich and nutritious ingredient.”
Internationally renowned microbiologist Massimiliano gained a PhD in virology from the University of Cambridge. He is a professor at the University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli. “We believe that nature is a source of strength. BUFARMA® is an exercise in treasuring what nature gives us, doing what comes naturally.” The range includes Bar Skin Body Lotion, Comforting Milk Cleanser, scrub, body wash, face oil, day and night cream, and a Replenishing Milk Essence Serum. Another ingredient in the formulation, harvested from the meristems of grapevines, is Grape Native Cell Extract (Vitis Vinifera Fruit Meristem Cell Culture). Italians are never far from wine.
Fashion model Kiera Chaplin is the Global Ambassador for BUFARMA. She comments: “Discovering the incredible benefits of buffalo milk for skincare was a transformative journey. Embracing the amazing properties of buffalo milk has allowed truly transforms and rejuvenates the skin.”
Seek out the help of a herd of Bufalo Mediterraneo Italiano. But don’t cause a stampede.