Alpha-Gal Safe
Skincare for the Alpha-Gal community.
We made Amaroo Naturals because the AGS community deserved better than “probably fine.” Here’s exactly how we ensure every bottle is mammal-free and safe.
A quick primer.
Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS) is a tick-borne allergy to galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose, a sugar molecule found in mammalian tissue. People develop it after being bitten by certain ticks (most commonly the Lone Star tick in the US), and once you have it, your body reacts to mammal-derived foods and products.
For many AGS sufferers, reactions go beyond food. Skincare and personal care products containing mammal-derived ingredients like lanolin, tallow, beef-derived glycerin, or stearic acid can trigger reactions ranging from rashes to anaphylaxis.
If you have AGS, every ingredient list matters. This is exactly why we built Amaroo Naturals.
Emu is a bird.
The alpha-gal molecule is found in mammals: cows, pigs, sheep, deer, and most other red-meat animals. It is not found in birds, fish, or plants.
Emu is a flightless bird native to Australia. Emu oil contains no alpha-gal. People with AGS can use emu oil safely, provided the oil is genuinely pure and processed in a clean, mammal-free environment.
That last part is where most brands fall short.
Our AGS safety process.
We don’t just sell a mammal-free ingredient. We’ve built an entire operation around making sure no mammal contamination is possible.
1. Single-species facility. Our refining facility handles emu products only. No shared equipment, no shared production lines, no risk of cross-contamination.
2. Single-ingredient formula. Our product is 100% emu oil. Nothing added. No “natural fragrance,” no preservatives, no carriers. The shorter the ingredient list, the easier it is to verify safety.
3. Pharmaceutical-grade refinement. Our refining process removes potential allergens, contaminants, and impurities while preserving the oil’s natural properties.
4. Third-party certifications. We carry three independent certifications: - AEA Certified by the American Emu Association - Alpha-Gal Safe - Mammal Free
5. Traceability. Every batch is recorded. We can trace any bottle back to the date it was refined and the flock it came from.
Always patch test, even with us.
Body: We’ve done everything we can to make our product safe for the AGS community. But individual sensitivities vary, and AGS reactions can be unpredictable.
We strongly recommend patch testing any new product, including ours:
- Apply a small amount to the inside of your wrist or behind your ear.
- Wait 24 to 48 hours.
- Watch for any redness, itching, or other reaction.
- If you see no reaction, proceed with regular use.
If you have severe AGS or are unsure, talk to your allergist before trying anything new.
Common AGS triggers in skincare.
Even outside of obvious mammal ingredients, AGS sufferers should be aware of:
- Lanolin (from sheep)
- Tallow (from cow or sheep fat)
- Beef-derived glycerin (often unlabeled simply as “glycerin”)
- Stearic acid (can be derived from beef or plant; not always disclosed)
- Carmine / cochineal (insect-derived, not mammal, but a common AGS trigger)
- Magnesium stearate (often beef-derived)
- Bone char filtration (in some refined products)
- Gelatin (in capsules and some cosmetic gels)
- Collagen (almost always mammal-derived unless labeled marine collagen)
This list is not exhaustive. When in doubt, contact the manufacturer or skip the product.
If we ever change anything, you’ll know.
We will never quietly change our formula, our facility, or our process without telling you. If we ever consider expanding into a product that could change our AGS-safe status, we will communicate openly with our customers first.
Amaroo Naturals exists for this community. Trust matters more than growth.
Helpful resources for the AGS community.
Alpha-Gal Information — Educational and community resource - Alpha-Gal Syndrome Awareness — Advocacy and awareness - CDC on Alpha-Gal Syndrome — Official medical information
We’re not affiliated with these organizations. We share them because they’re useful.