Emu oil
TYPE OF INGREDIENT
Anti-inflammatory, emollient
COMMONLY FOUND IN
Cream, lotion
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF EMU OIL?
Emu oil has a variety of effects that have previously been studied. It has been shown to improve stratum corneum hydration, both in newborns when studying their heels and in postpartum women around their areola. Although it has been reported to slow wound healing, it has been shown to provide better healing and increased hair follicles in mice with burns. It has thus had applications as an emulsion agent for minoxidil and following full-thickness wounds. Additionally, it has been reported to reduce dark circles around the eyes with a vitamin K pad and decrease skin toxicity in radiation dermatitis.
WHAT IS EMU OIL?
Emu oil is a combination of fatty acids from Dromiceius novaehollandiae (i.e., the emu bird) and has been used for its wound healing, emollient and hydration properties. It has been used in multiple creams and lotions for its studied effects.
IS EMU OIL SAFE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES AND TONES?
Emu oil is likely safe for all skin types and tones based on available data. Patients with hypersensitivity to emu oil or its derivatives should be cautioned prior to using this product.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
There is minimal data on contraindications for the topical application of emu oil.
Sources:
Afshar M, Ghaderi R, Zardast M, Delshad P. Effects of Topical Emu Oil on Burn Wounds in the Skin of Balb/c Mice. Dermatol Res Pract. 2016;2016:6419216.
Ahmadraji F, Shatalebi MA. Evaluation of the clinical efficacy and safety of an eye counter pad containing caffeine and vitamin K in emulsified Emu oil base. Adv Biomed Res. 2015;4:10. Published 2015 Jan 6.
Emu Oil. In: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; July 19, 2021.
Politis MJ, Dmytrowich A. Promotion of second intention wound healing by emu oil lotion: comparative results with furasin, polysporin, and cortisone. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1998;102(7):2404-2407.
Rollmann DC, Novotny PJ, Petersen IA, et al. Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study of Processed Ultra Emu Oil Versus Placebo in the Prevention of Radiation Dermatitis. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2015;92(3):650-658. doi:10.1016/j.ijrobp.2015.02.028
Shatalebi MA, Rafiei Y. Preparation and evaluation of minoxidil foamable emu oil emulsion. Res Pharm Sci. 2014;9(2):123-133.
Whitehouse MW, Turner AG, Davis CK, Roberts MS. Emu oil(s): a source of non-toxic transdermal anti-inflammatory agents in aboriginal medicine. Inflammopharmacology. 1998;6(1):1-8. doi:10.1007/s10787-998-0001-9
Zanardo V, Giarrizzo D, Maiolo L, Straface G. Efficacy of Topical Application of Emu Oil on Areola Skin Barrier in Breastfeeding Women. J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med. 2016;21(1):10-13.
Zanardo V, Giarrizzo D, Volpe F, Giliberti L, Straface G. Emu oil-based lotion effects on neonatal skin barrier during transition from intrauterine to extrauterine life. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2017;10:299-303. Published 2017 Aug 10. doi:10.2147/CCID.S133484
