Evidence supporting the use of: Emu Oil
For the health condition: Skin Care (general)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Emu oil has been traditionally used in Australian Aboriginal medicine for its purported skin healing properties, but in recent years, there has been growing scientific interest in its application for general skin care. Emu oil is composed primarily of fatty acids, including oleic, linoleic, and palmitic acids, which are believed to contribute to its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory effects. Several laboratory and animal studies have suggested that emu oil can improve skin hydration, reduce inflammation, and enhance wound healing. For example, a study published in Skin Pharmacology and Physiology (2005) found that emu oil improved skin thickness and reduced inflammation in mice. Small human studies and anecdotal reports also suggest benefits in soothing dry skin and aiding minor wound healing.
However, the evidence base is limited by a lack of large, well-controlled clinical trials in humans. Most available studies are either in vitro, on animals, or small-scale human studies with modest sample sizes. Emu oil is generally considered safe for topical use, but rigorous data supporting its efficacy in general skin care remains insufficient for strong clinical recommendations. Overall, while there is some scientific support for emu oil’s skin care benefits, the evidence is preliminary and not robust.
Other ingredients used for Skin Care (general)
aloe veraanthocyanins
apple
apricot
astaxanthin
beeswax
beet
beta-carotene
black currant
radish
sesame
bovine gelatin
catalase
colostrum
cryptoxanthin
cucumber
d-alpha tocopherol
dog rose
heartwood
hyaluronic acid
l-cysteine
l-glutathione
l-histidine
linoleic acid (LA)
lovage
lychee
magnesium
mango
mixed carotenoids
oat
omega-3 fatty acids
pumpkin
redcurrant
silicon
keratin
spinach
starch
tomato
almond fruit
Urolithin A
vitamin A
vitamin C
vitamin E
watercress
watermelon
zinc
sarsaparilla
red clover
chickweed
oryza
root tuber
birch
dulse leaf
camphor oil
goji berry
amaranth
sea salt
3,3'-dihydroxy-B-carotene-4,4'-dione
Alpha-terpineol
Azelaic acid
Arbutin
Avocado
Anserina
Ascophyllum nodosum
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
Asam gelugor
Allantoin
anthocyanidins
Algal protein
Argan nut oil
Abalone
Behenic Acid
Biopeptide
Black spruce
beta-zeacarotene
Brassica
Bisabolene
Butternut
Borage
Bottle gourd
Bird's nest
California chia
Chervil
Carnosine
Candelilla wax
Cocoa Butter
Cereal grass
Citral
Castile Soap
Copaiba Oil
Currant
Dunaliella salina
David's Milkberry
Dulse
Egg
Emu Oil
Himalayan Salt
Oak
Orchid
Rose
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Silk protein
Other health conditions supported by Emu Oil
ArthritisBites and Stings
Blisters
Boils
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cuts
Dermatitis
Eczema
Injuries
Itching
Lesions
Pain (general remedies for)
Psoriasis
Rashes and Hives
Scars / Scar Tissue
Scratches and Abrasions
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Skin (infections)
Skin Care (general)
Sunburn
Wounds and Sores