Evidence supporting the use of: Emu oil
For the health condition: Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Emu oil has been traditionally used in Australian Aboriginal medicine for various skin ailments, and more recently, its use has expanded globally as a moisturizer and remedy for dry, flaky skin. Scientifically, emu oil is known to contain a mix of fatty acids, particularly oleic, linoleic, and palmitic acids, which are thought to contribute to its moisturizing effects. Several small studies and laboratory investigations suggest emu oil can penetrate the skin barrier effectively, improving skin hydration and reducing inflammation. For example, a 2012 review in Journal of Dermatological Science notes emu oil's potential for enhancing wound healing and reducing inflammation in animal models. Furthermore, a few small human trials and case reports indicate improvement in skin moisture and reduction of itching in conditions like eczema and dry skin. However, rigorous, large-scale clinical trials are lacking, and most published studies have methodological limitations or are not directly focused on dry, flaky skin. Overall, while emu oil shows promise and some scientific support as a topical moisturizer, the evidence is still limited and not definitive. Its use is better substantiated than many folk remedies, but more robust research is needed to fully validate its efficacy for dry and flaky skin.
Other ingredients used for Skin (dry and/or flaky)
AcemannanAllantoin
Aloe vera
Alpha hydroxy acids
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
American Liverleaf
argan nut oil
biotin
birch
borage
borage oil
butter
cape aloe
castile soap
chestnut
chickweed
cocoa butter
cod liver oil
colostrum
cowslip
emu oil
evening primrose oil
evening primrose oil
fat liver oil
Ficus religiosa
glyceryl oleate
Glycolic acid
gooseberry
Heartsease
Lilium polyphyllum
linoleic acid (LA)
linseed oil
magnesium
Milkweed
Mucilage
Oak
omega-3 fatty acids
orchid
Panthenol
Phlebodium decumanum
rehmannia glutinosa
rockweed
Rubus
Sargassum
sea salt
Servicetree
silicon
Silk protein
Spikenard
Swertia
vitamin A
vitamin E
Witch Hazel
Zinc
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
