Emu Oil, Refined

Refined Emu Oil is an animal-derived lipid ingredient valued for its rich emolliency, skin-conditioning properties, and excellent spreadability. Its fatty acid profile contains a balance of oleic, linoleic, palmitic, and stearic acids, giving it a smooth, penetrating skin feel that works well in restorative skincare, massage products, balms, and targeted treatment formulations. This refined grade offers a cleaner odor and lighter sensory profile than crude or minimally processed emu oil, making it easier to incorporate into finished cosmetic products where aesthetics are important.

Key Benefits & Functional Profile

Intensive Emolliency

• Softens dry, rough, or compromised-feeling skin
• Provides a rich but spreadable skin feel
• Helps improve the sensory profile of balms and ointments

Barrier Support

• Contributes lipid replenishment
• Supports moisture retention
• Useful in formulations for dry, weather-exposed, or mature skin

Massage & Treatment Applications

• Excellent glide
• Works well in body oils, massage creams, and recovery-style balms
• Can help reduce drag in richer anhydrous systems

Applications

• Restorative balms
• Massage oils and creams
• Body butters
• Dry skin treatments
• Hand and foot creams
• Scalp oils
• Post-procedure style cosmetic care products, where appropriate claims are used

Recommended Usage Rate

• 1 – 10% in emulsions
• 5 – 50% in balms and anhydrous systems
• Up to 100% where appropriate for direct-use oil products

Formulation Notes

• Oil-soluble
• Add to the oil phase
• Refined grades are generally easier to formulate with due to reduced odor
• Pair with antioxidants such as tocopherols to support oxidative stability
• Because this is animal-derived, it should be clearly distinguished from vegan ingredients in customer-facing materials

From the Chemist

Jennifer says… Emu Oil is not the right fit for every brand, especially if a vegan positioning is important, but from a formulation standpoint it is a very functional emollient. It has a rich, cushiony skin feel and can be beautiful in restorative balms, massage products, and formulas designed for very dry skin.