What race are Emperor Pilaf and Garlic Jr.? In Dragon Ball, Piccolo and Kami are written as if they are demons from Earth, but in Dragon Ball Z, it is revealed that they are actually aliens from the planet Namek.  

Another prominent character who looks like a demon, Emperor Pilaf, is never stated to be a Namekian, but he shares the odd skin tone and pointed ears of one. 



Similarly, Garlic Jr. is Namekian-looking, minus the antenna, and seems to have some connection with Kami that is never fully explained.  He also doesn't seem to grow taller at all (Neither does Emperor Pilaf) and has the same approximate skin tone as Pilaf.  

They're almost Namekian, but not quite, and don't seem to follow the same character design as other Namekians, and they seem to be permanently short, so I hesitate to call either of them Namekians. 

I don't know if they're the same species, but they're very similar.  

What exactly are these two characters?  An offshoot of Namekians?  Actual demons?  Or something else entirely?
Garlic Jr. is a Makyan ( natives of the Makyo Star) not a Albino Namekian. Albino Namekian are still presumed all dead. For Emperor Pilaf nothing much is know, we can assume him as earthling like other animal looking people.

Other Known Makyans


Cinnamon 
Garlic 
Ginger 
Herb
Jasmine
Mustard
Nicky
Salt
Sansho
Spice
Vinegar