FAQ
Questions we get asked. Answers we actually mean.
Is it vegan?
No. Driftwood products are animal-based — we use the highest quality, ethically sourced ingredients from regenerative farms that prioritize animal welfare and environmental stewardship.
We believe nature already made the perfect skincare fat. Grass-fed tallow mirrors your skin’s own biology, absorbs clean, and actually strengthens your barrier instead of coating it in synthetic or fragile plant oils.
That said, we’re not anti-plant — we use the best of the plant world where it makes sense. But not all plants play nice. Many carry natural defense chemicals, and some — like soy — can even disrupt your endocrine system. We’re selective for a reason.
If you’re looking for purely plant-based formulas, there are plenty of great brands out there. We’re just not one of them.
Why doesn’t Driftwood use industrial seed oils?
Because seed oils and sunshine don’t mix.
Oils like sunflower, safflower, canola, soybean, and grapeseed are high in polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) — which means they oxidize fast when hit with heat, air, or light. When they oxidize, they create free radicals that can accelerate skin aging and irritation — basically the opposite of what you want from a sun balm or moisturizer.
We build our formulas around stable, low-PUFA ingredients like tallow, lanolin, jojoba, and mango butter. These hold up under the sun, nourish deeply, and actually protect your skin barrier instead of breaking it down.
Your skin deserves ingredients that can take the heat — literally.
What is Regenerative farming?
Regenerative farming is a way of raising animals and growing food that restores land instead of stripping it. It rebuilds topsoil, increases biodiversity, captures carbon, and actually makes the ecosystem stronger over time — the opposite of industrial agriculture.
The farms we source from treat animals as part of the natural cycle, not an afterthought. Cows rotate through pastures so the grass can regrow. Their waste feeds microbes that feed the soil. The soil holds water and nutrients better, which means healthier grass, healthier animals, and ultimately, healthier fat for your skin.
When we say regenerative, we mean ethical, local, and circular — not greenwashed buzzwords. It’s the difference between taking care of the planet and just using it until it breaks.
Animal, plant, or fruit — doesn’t matter. If it doesn’t come from living, pesticide-free soil and good hands, it doesn’t make it into Driftwood.
Is Barrel Balm actually reef-safe?
Yes. We use non-nano zinc oxide — the only UV filter currently recognized as reef-safe and approved under Hawaii’s Reef Bill. No oxybenzone, no octinoxate, no coral-harming chemicals. Those were banned for a reason — we never used them in the first place.
Every ingredient in Barrel Balm is natural, organic, and biodegradable — no silicones, no petroleum-based emulsifiers, no synthetic polymers. Just clean, stable ingredients that play nice with your skin and the ocean.
So yeah — good for you, harmless to the reef.
How waterproof is Barrel Balm?
Holds easily for 80+ minutes in the water. We test it on actual surfers, not just lab conditions. Stays put through salt, sweat, and wave beatings. That said, reapply after in between a long session or if you dry off aggressively with a towel.
What's the SPF rating?
We don’t list an SPF number because FDA regulations require expensive lab testing to make that claim. Our zinc concentration provides broad-spectrum protection comparable to SPF 50+, but we’re a small batch operation that prioritizes ingredient quality over regulatory paperwork. Use as you would any mineral sunscreen and reapply after swimming.
Does it leave a white cast?
We use a sheer, non-nano zinc oxide that doesn’t white-cast. Barrel Balm’s built to handle long sessions in the water, so it’s a bit waxy by design. If you lay it on thick and don’t rub it in, you might catch a slight hue — worth it for protection that actually stays put.
Why tallow? Isn't that… beef fat?
Yep. Grass-fed beef fat, to be exact. It’s the most bioavailable moisturizer for human skin because it’s molecularly similar to our own sebum. Rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K. Absorbs deep without clogging pores. Your great-grandparents used it before petroleum-based creams became the norm. We’re just bringing it back.
Will this work for sensitive skin?
Most people with sensitive skin love it because we use minimal, real ingredients. No synthetic fragrances, parabens, or harsh chemicals. That said, if you’re allergic to any of the listed ingredients, don’t use it. Patch test first if you’re unsure.
How long do the balms last?
Our balms don’t spoil — there’s no water or preservatives to go bad. But like all natural products, the oils can slowly oxidize over time. Stored cool and out of direct sunlight, it’ll stay fresh for 18–24 months. If it’s left in a hot car or beach bag all summer, that shelf life shortens a bit — but even then, it’ll still protect your skin just fine.
Shipping & returns?
We ship within 2-3 business days. Domestic orders typically arrive in 5-7 days. If you’re not satisfied, email us within 30 days and we’ll make it right — refund or replacement, your call. We’re small but we’re solid.
Still have questions?
We’re a small operation, but we respond fast.