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Candelilla wax can be melted with the above ingredients to create a balm or salve.The bonus is that it's less likely to clog pores than other butters, so many people can use it on their faces. Shea butter is high in oleic acid and a powerful moisturizer for dry skin.Although it's called jojoba oil, its chemical structure is a wax, which gives it the properties needed to compete against emu oil. It locks in moisture and usually won't clog pores because of its similarities to your natural sebum. It's an occlusive emollient that won't clog pores and is an excellent alternative to petrochemicals. Squalane (plant-based) is a hydrocarbon which means it's similar to mineral oil.These properties can be matched or mimicked using plant-based ingredients with oleic acid, a hydrocarbon chemical structure, or a natural wax.
#Radiant health emu oil skin
You don't have to be a vegan to want to avoid killing animals for your skincare needs. Although emu oil anti inflammatory effects exist, they likely aren't unique and can be found in other topical carrier oils and natural products.Įmu oil is used for the skin because it's an occlusive emollient with anti-inflammatory, non-irritating, and non-comedogenic properties. Is There A Vegan Alternative?ĭespite the benefits of emu oil, many people prefer plant-based ingredients. The animal is farmed (high carbon footprint), then killed, and then a huge percentage of the animal is often discarded as waste. Additionally, there is not much market for emu meat for consumption, so often the animal is killed only for the fat.īottom line: no, emu oil is not considered an ethical ingredient. Emu oil is safe, but the medical claims are unproven. We respect traditional medicine knowledge and practices, but would rather find plant-based options. While we hope the birds are farmed and killed humanely, this is not a cruelty-free ingredient. It tends to be a thick, viscous, oily liquid. Once extracted, the oil is purified and refined. Since emu fat is taken after the animal has died, skincare products containing it are not cruelty-free. These birds are usually farmed so that their oil, and sometimes their meat, can be used after they are killed. How Is Emu Oil Extracted?Ī layer of fat exists under the skin, primarily on the back of the bird. The chemical structure and effects on the skin are similar to mineral oil.
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It also improves hydration by preventing transepidermal water loss. In addition, there is some feeling that emu oil for eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions can be helpful - particularly for reducing redness and soothing irritation.Įmu oil for the skin functions as an emollient, which moisturizes deeply. As a result, the FDA released a warning that medical drug claims about emu oil are fraudulent and unapproved.Ĭosmetically, emu oil is thought to enhance ingredient penetration, have insect-repelling properties, prevent hair breakage, and improve scalp itch/flakes. However, there is no convincing scientific evidence for emu oil to be used as a medicine. Capsules are available for people who choose to consume the oil. It is thought to have potential medicinal benefits for various inflammatory diseases, digestive diseases, and improved wound healing. In addition, it is a potent anti-inflammatory. Emu Oil BenefitsĪll this attention is because emu oil is high in polyunsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants. Unsaturated fatty acids, predominantly oleic, are found in the highest levels. Emu oil contains linoleic acid, linolenic, myristic, oleic, palmitic, palmitoleic, and stearic acids. Recently, there has been a lot of interest in the potential health benefits of consuming emu meat, fat, and using emu oil for skincare purposes. Indigenous populations use the oil in traditional remedies. Emu (Dromaius novaehallandiae) are flightless birds native to Australia.
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