Ingredient guide

Emu oil

Emu oil has been used by Aboriginal Australians for thousands of years. Its fatty-acid profile is unusually close to human skin, which is why it penetrates instead of sitting on top. The evidence, the ethics, and where it fits.

The short answer

Emu oil is a highly refined oil from the fat of the emu, a bird native to Australia. It is about 70% unsaturated fatty acids, mainly oleic acid, in a profile similar to human skin lipids, which lets it penetrate rather than form a greasy layer. It is occlusive, anti-inflammatory in small studies and non-comedogenic for most people. It is not vegan. IKI uses it in Gaman Body Repair Balm for hands, heels, elbows and dry patches.

What emu oil is

Emu oil is rendered from the fat of the emu and refined to a pale, nearly odorless oil. Aboriginal Australians used it for wounds, burns and joint pain; modern interest began in the 1990s, when researchers noted its fatty-acid profile: roughly 45% oleic acid, 20% linoleic and 1% to 2% linolenic, with palmitic and stearic acids making up most of the rest. That balance is close to the lipids in human skin.

What it does on the skin

  • Penetrates. Because its lipids resemble skin's own, it is absorbed rather than left on the surface, so it can carry other oil-soluble ingredients (such as vitamin E) with it.
  • Seals moisture. It is occlusive enough to stop water loss from cracked or rough skin without the heaviness of petrolatum.
  • Calms. Small studies show anti-inflammatory activity, likely from its oleic and linolenic acid content.
  • Low comedogenicity. Reported as non-comedogenic in rabbit-ear assays; on the face, very oily skin should still use it sparingly.

What the evidence looks like

The human evidence is modest: small trials on wound healing, dermatitis and dry skin, plus animal studies on inflammation. It is best treated as an excellent emollient with a plausible calming effect, not a medical treatment. The consumer study on Gaman is consistent with that: participants with dry, sensitive skin reported soothing and hydration from day one.

Ethics and sourcing

Emu oil is a by-product of emu farming for meat, so it is not vegan and not for everyone. We state this clearly on the Gaman page and in its FAQ. Gaman also contains beeswax. If you avoid animal ingredients, Iro (vegan-suitable formula) is the moisturizer for you and we will not suggest otherwise.

How IKI uses it

Gaman Body Repair Balm is a waterless balm of seven ingredients: emu oil, coconut oil, beeswax, vitamin E and lavender, manuka and sweet orange oils. Because it contains no water, it needs no preservatives. In its independent 30-day study on 44 people with dry, sensitive skin, 93% said dry areas felt soothed and hydrated, and 89% said their skin felt healthier.

Questions about Emu oil

Is emu oil vegan?

No. It is an animal-derived oil. Gaman also contains beeswax. Iro is the IKI product without animal-derived ingredients.

Will emu oil clog pores?

It is rated low-comedogenic and is used mainly on the body. On the face, apply a small amount only to dry patches if your skin is oily.

Can emu oil be used on eczema-prone skin?

Many people with dry, eczema-prone skin tolerate it well, and Gaman is fragranced only with essential oils. It is a cosmetic balm, not a treatment: see a dermatologist for persistent eczema.

Is emu oil safe during pregnancy?

Gaman is listed as pregnancy-safe and is commonly used on the belly and hips as skin stretches. Check with your doctor if you have concerns about its essential oils.

Dr. M. Urbani, MD
Medically reviewed by
Dr. M. Urbani, MD
Founder of IKI Skincare · physician, formulated IKI for her own sensitive skin