Emu oil
Emu oil is a natural oil derived from the fat of the emu, a flightless bird native to Australia. Known for its deeply moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties, it has been used for centuries in Aboriginal medicine to treat wounds, burns, and skin irritation. Rich in essential fatty acids, including omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9, emu oil helps to nourish and repair the skin while supporting its natural barrier function. It is widely used in skincare for its ability to provide intense hydration, soothe inflammation, and promote overall skin health.
One of emu oil’s key benefits is its exceptional ability to penetrate deeply into the skin, allowing it to deliver moisture and active ingredients more effectively than many other oils. This makes it particularly beneficial for individuals with dry, sensitive, or mature skin, as it helps to restore suppleness and prevent moisture loss. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it an excellent option for conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea, as it helps to calm irritation and reduce redness.
In addition to hydration and soothing effects, emu oil is known for its wound-healing capabilities. Studies suggest that it can accelerate skin regeneration and improve the appearance of scars, burns, and stretch marks. Because it is non-comedogenic, it is unlikely to clog pores, making it suitable for acne-prone skin when used in moderation. It is often found in healing balms, anti-aging creams, and intensive moisturizers, where it works to support the skin’s natural repair processes.
Although emu oil is a highly effective skincare ingredient, it is not vegan, which makes it a less suitable option for those who prefer plant-based alternatives. However, for those seeking a deeply nourishing and reparative oil, emu oil remains a powerful and versatile option for improving skin hydration, reducing inflammation, and supporting overall skin health.
Emu oil is an oil derived from body fat harvested from certain subspecies of the emu, Dromaius novaehollandiae, a flightless bird indigenous to Australia.
Unadulterated emu oil can vary widely in colour and viscosity anywhere from an off-white creamy texture to a thin yellow liquid, depending on the diet of the emu and the refining method(s) used. Industrially refined emu oil is composed of a minimum of 70% unsaturated fatty acids. The largest component is oleic acid, a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid. Emu oil also contains roughly 20% linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid) and 1–2% linolenic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid). Fully refined emu oil has a bland flavour.
Emu oil has previously been wrongly promoted as a dietary supplement with the claim it can treat a variety of human ailments, including cancer and arthritis.
