Emu oil has been traditionally used in Aboriginal Australian medicine for its purported healing properties, including the treatment of wounds and scars. In more recent years, scientific investigations have explored its efficacy for skin healing and scar modulation. Emu oil contains high levels of unsaturated fatty acids, particularly oleic acid, and has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties in vitro and in animal models. Several small-scale studies and animal experiments suggest that topical application of emu oil may enhance wound healing, reduce inflammation, and potentially modulate scar formation by influencing collagen deposition and skin regeneration. For example, a study published in the journal Wound Repair and Regeneration (2003) found that emu oil applied to healing wounds in rats improved wound contraction and decreased scar formation compared to control treatments.

However, high-quality, large-scale human clinical trials evaluating emu oil’s effectiveness specifically for scar reduction or scar tissue remodeling are lacking. The existing human data are mostly anecdotal or derive from small studies with methodological limitations. Thus, while there is a plausible scientific basis and preliminary evidence supporting its use for scars, the overall strength of evidence remains low to moderate (rated 2/5), pending more robust clinical research.