Why Emu Oil Benefits Your Skin AND the Planet
It’s no secret that much of the skincare industry relies on trendy terminology like “vegan” and “plant-based” to market their products.
But it’s also no secret that at Primally Pure, we proudly include ethically-sourced animal-based ingredients in conjunction with powerful plant-based ingredients. Today we want to show you why we believe in using emu oil for skin.
Why can we do so proudly?
A few reasons.
First of all, we know where we source our ingredients. We do our research, and we don’t settle for anything less than the most ethical + eco-friendly ingredients. We believe in transparency over trade secrets. No mysteries with us.
You deserve to know exactly what’s in your products.
That translates to: no room for animal abuse or wasteful processing.
All our animal-based ingredients are vetted and hand-picked. We only trust farmers, distributors, and people who care deeply about the integrity of our resources + the animals that gave their life.
Secondly, science has proven again and again that animal-based ingredients are a better biological match for our microbiome (aka the main reason we love emu oil for skin). Animal-based ingredients contain specific skin-loving compounds that plant-based ingredients just can’t offer. In basic terms, sometimes animal-based ingredients = better results. We aren’t afraid to embrace it where it applies – as long as it aligns with our values.
If your interest is peaked, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. We know that for some, using animal-based ingredients (like emu oil for skin) can be an adjustment – or even a hard pass. But like many changes in life, embracing animal-based ingredients could change your life (and your skin).
We can’t wait to show you why we love emu oil for skin + why we can ensure this ingredient is ethically sourced – with respect to the environment and the animal.
The Origins of Emu Oil
Don’t just take our word for it. The use of this oil for skin (and other health remedies) has been around longer than you might realize.
The emu is a bird native to Australia. It’s the second largest bird still living. And though they have tiny wings, they don’t fly.1 In Australia, the emu was a vital source of both food and medicine for indigenous groups – tens of thousands of years before European colonization.
Australia has long recognized the serious health benefits of using emu oil. Emu oil was popularly used for skin ailments but was known to be especially helpful for sensitive and inflammatory skin conditions.2
The emu fat was used medicinally to:2
- Dress wounds
- Relieve muscular pain
- Rub into the skin as an ointment
They also used emu oil as a lubricant for traditional tools and utensils and an ingredient for ceremonial paints.2
With humble beginnings, emu oil is still earning its rightful place in natural skincare. There’s really no replacement.
Why we’re so passionate about using emu oil for skin products, you ask? Because emu oil benefits speak for themselves.
Emu Oil Benefits for Skin
Let’s dig into the benefits of emu oil to give you a clear view of why we source it for our skincare products.
9 Benefits for Skin
While this list is not exhaustive, here are the most notable emu benefits for glowing, healthy skin:
- Anti-inflammatory — due to the high omega-6 content. A burn study showed emu oil significantly sped up healing compared to traditional burn ointments.3
- Improves skin conditions with redness and irritation — by soothing skin ailments like psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis.2
- Alleviates dry flakey skin — skin-softening compounds help break up hard, scaly patches and/or itching.4
- Boosts cell production and regeneration — thanks to high concentrations of omega-9 and omega-7.4
- Increases collagen production — helps in the healing of wounds and scars and maintains youthful skin.4
- Non-irritating and non-comedogenic — great for any skin type/state. Has an extremely low comedogenic rating of only 1.5
- Plumps the underlying layers of skin — enhances skin elasticity and thickness by oxygenating skin cells and retaining moisture.4
- Enhances the effectiveness of other ingredients — it penetrates easily + deeply into all layers of the skin. So it boosts nutrients and other components at a deeper level.4
- Protection against environmental stress + UV rays — thanks to its high antioxidant count.
With such an extensive list of benefits, it’s no wonder that we love this oil, right?
Here’s even more proof of its magical skin capabilities.
Similar Biology to Our Skin = Better Results
The fat content of emu oil makes it uniquely similar in composition to that of human fatty tissue. This enables it to be so effective and quick-acting when applied topically.4
As the trusted Skin Inc. source points out:4 “Emu oil can swiftly penetrate up to 3 inches deep into the dermal layers because the skin recognizes it as a familiar substance.”
But why is it so beneficial + compatible with our skin biology? Just look at the content of emu oil:4
- Essential fatty acids
- Antioxidants
- Carotenoids
- Flavonoids
- Omega-3
- Omega-6
- Omega-9
These components all work together to miraculously rejuvenate, stimulate and enhance the skin’s health.
Why Using Oils Enhances Your Skin Care Routine
There’s a myth that oil is bad for your skin. But in reality, your skin needs (and even thrives) with a combination of oil and water. Though it’s worth noting that not all oils are good. Just like seed oils should be avoided in your diet, there are some oils that are not a good match for your skin.
That’s why our formulations pair specific beneficial animal fats (oils) with nutrients from powerful plants. Because when we only use plant-based products on our skin, we miss out on several nutrients only found abundantly in animal fats.
So we’re not against plant use. MOST of our ingredients are plant-based. We just don’t believe in limiting the results of our products – as long as we can feel confident our ingredients are ethically sourced.
The best thing about emu oil? It’s supportive for all skin states – babes to adults, from acne to dry skin.
Experience the Magic of Emu Oil for Yourself
Lucky you! We use emu oil in all our facial creams and our ultra-gentle baby balm. So it’s easy to access the benefits for yourself.
It’s a no-brainer if you want to boost your skin health + maintain a youthful glow. But there’s one critical part to consider if you’re using animal-based products.
→ Can you confirm the positive environmental impact and humane treatment of animals?
We think you’ll like our answer.
Emu Oil Benefits For The Environment + Ethical Processing
Despite the common misconception that all meat production is bad for the environment – there are ways to be respectful of both the planet and the animal’s life. All while creating an impactful skincare product.
To get to the point – yes, the emus are processed. But here’s why this can still be ethical + sustainable.
We’re Using a Resource That Would Otherwise Go to Waste
As we mentioned before, Australians used the classic nose-to-tail philosophy model we try to follow from ancestral wisdom.
Our ancestors believed that animals were sacrificing their lives for us. That means they deserved to be honored. The best way to honor the life of the animals? Not to let any part go to waste.
Every part serves a purpose.
This plays into our beliefs about emu oil for skin purposes. If we ethically source this ingredient – with respect to the animal – it’s a win-win for everyone.
We follow this principle by sustainably sourcing our emu oil from ethical farms already processing emu. Because it's likely that it would go to waste if we didn’t use it.
When we use this resource, we’re able to help minimize waste and respect the life of the animal.
The oil is a byproduct derived from the stored fat layer. The fat goes through a purification and refinement process. Then it’s converted to a hypoallergenic and odorless oil.4
There’s another factor contributing to the sustainable nature of emu oil. It can maintain stability and shelf life for at least two years. Longer shelf life creates less waste long term.
And to ensure ethical processing, we only work with emu farmers that are certified by the American Emu Association. This certification ensures that the farmers are practicing fair, humane, and environmentally-friendly methods for farming and processing.
They raise all their animals on large open pastures without the use of hormones, antibiotics, or steroids. Aka not interfering with nature – because nature knows best.
Using Emu Oil for Skin Can Be Positive for You + The Environment
Hopefully, this has painted a picture for you of exactly how emu oil can have a positive impact on you and the environment. All while respecting the animal’s sacred life.
Though it may not be a popular opinion, we believe that both things can exist at once. Honoring an animal’s life and the resource we gain – while also benefiting from the results in gratitude.
Mother nature has abundantly provided us with all the nutrients we need. And it’s our mission at Primally Pure to pack those nutrients into the most potent + clean products available.
Join us in our journey towards ultimate skin health + respect for the resources we have. It’s only good things around here with our use of emu oil for skin.
In gratitude,
XO
Sources:
- Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute | Emu
- Australian Food Shop | About Emu Oil
- Emu's Zine | American Emu Association Burn Study Results
- Skin Inc. | Emu Oil: Ancient Remedy for Modern Times
- Holistic Health Herbalist | The Complete List of Comedogenic Oils
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