Y-Not Natural 100% Pure Emu Oil Omega 3,6 & 9 (15ml travel size) 
Y-Not Natural 100% Pure Emu Oil Omega 3,6 & 9 (60ml) 
Sep
Short answer: Yes, for most people. Emu oil is used as a moisturiser/adjunct to reduce dryness and inflammation and support the skin barrier. It’s best thought of as part of a complete eczema management plan, and not a cure. Read on for full details.
What Is Emu Oil Why It’s Recommended For Eczema
Emu oil is a natural skin‑lipid extracted from the fat of the Australian emu (a large, flightless bird) and then refined for topical use. Think of it as a lipid‑rich moisturiser rather than a water‑based cream. It replaces and supplements the oily layer your skin needs to lock in moisture.
When properly processed for skincare, emu oil is filtered and refined to remove impurities so it’s gentle on sensitive skin. That refining also helps produce a consistent texture and scent (usually very mild). It’s a simple, single‑ingredient item, and designed to support the skin’s own barrier rather than overwhelm it with perfumes or extras.
Why Emu Oil Feels Soothing
What makes emu oil feel different (and useful) for dry, eczema‑prone skin is its fatty‑acid mix. In plain terms, those fats help repair the oily layer of skin, calm irritation, and create a light seal to stop moisture loss.
- Oleic acid (omega‑9) ~40–52%: this is the dominant fatty acid present in emu oil. Oleic acid improves skin absorption and helps carry other moisturising lipids deeper into the skin, so products feel more “penetrating” and less greasy. That’s why emu oil sinks in quickly and doesn’t leave a heavy film.
- Linoleic acid (omega‑6) ~15–21%: linoleic is a building block for ceramides (the lipids that cement skin cells together and keep the barrier strong). More linoleic can support barrier repair and is especially helpful when the skin needs to rebuild.
- Palmitic acid ~20–24%: a mildly occlusive fatty acid (occlusive means that it creates a barrier). So it adds a gentle “seal” to protect your skin. It helps reduce water loss from your skin without feeling waxy.
- The oil also contains smaller but potentially significant quantities of stearic acid (saturated), alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3), and palmitoleic acid (omega-7).
The overall fatty acid profile of emu oil has been noted to be remarkably similar to the lipid composition of human skin.
A pure and well‑refined emu oil has a neutral, faint scent and won’t sting even sensitive skin. That makes it ideal for layering. For example, you can put a few drops on damp skin and then a petrolatum‑based ointment over the top at night to lock in repair.
What Does The Science Say About Emu Oil?
In lab and animal work, emu oil shows clear effects to improve skin barrier function and lowered allergic inflammation. For example, a recent eczema‑like mouse model found reduced transepidermal water loss (TEWL), meaning the skin held onto moisture better. And a thinner, less hyperplastic epidermis (skin that looks and behaves more “normal”).
At the molecular level, the same study reported that emu oil resulted in changes in key itch/allergy cytokines (TSLP, IL‑4, IL‑13), which are central to the allergic itch–inflammation cycle in atopic dermatitis.
And, the data also suggested that emu oil can downregulate Cdc42 signalling in keratinocytes. In simpler terms, switching down this signal can reduce the skin’s biochemical “call for help” that drives itch and immune activation.
In a trial for seborrheic dermatitis, emu oil improved redness. But when it came to reducing itch or reducing scaling, it did not perform better hydrocortisone and clotrimazole. Importantly, there were no serious adverse events reported, suggesting that it’s safe even on irritated skin.
So, Is Emu Oil Safe?
Emu oil is well tolerated by most people with eczema. Side effects are uncommon and, when they occur, usually mild and brief (e.g. temporary redness, a brief tingling, or small bumps).
In fact, when reactions happen, they’re often due to added ingredients in products (e.g. fragrances, menthol, or other actives) rather than the pure oil itself.
Choosing a single‑ingredient, pure product significantly lowers the chance of surprises. Always read the label and pick single‑ingredient emu oil that lists “emu oil” only and states “unscented” or “no added fragrance.” If you really want to be sure whether emu oil works for you, avoid products that include menthol, salicylates, local anaesthetics, dyes, or multiple botanical extracts; you can try those later.
If you know you react to specific allergens (for example, sulfites or preservatives), check the ingredient list carefully or contact the seller for a full formulation breakdown.
Notice
An Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) report on one specific commercial emu oil product, “Emu Tracks Emu Oil,” noted that the medicine contained sulfites, which could pose a safety risk for individuals with sulfite allergies or sensitivities.
Acne‑prone or facial use. Many people find emu oil low‑comedogenic (won’t cause acne), but its high oleic content can trigger breakouts in a subset of users. Patch test first on the inner forearm, then try 1–2 drops on damp facial skin for a few days before using it widely. Use sparingly in daytime routines (avoid heavy layering under makeup); if you develop new pimples or greasy feeling, stop facial use. If you have head/neck dermatitis or known yeast (Malassezia) sensitivity, be extra cautious on the T‑zone and scalp — oils can sometimes worsen fungal‑driven flares.
Tips On Using Emu Oil Safely
- Start slow and observe. Give a new routine 1–2 weeks on non‑critical areas before committing to full‑body use.
- Keep a small photo or symptom diary so you can spot improvements or reactions quickly.
- If in doubt, particularly when combining with prescribed medicines or treating infants — check with your GP, paediatrician, or dermatologist.
- Use smaller amounts in humid weather. In Singapore’s you’ll often need just 1–2 drops for the face or hands; focus on frequent, thin layers rather than one heavy application.
- For office or air‑con dryness: keep a travel size emu oil in your bag. After washing hands, pat them slightly damp, apply a drop of emu oil, then a light fragrance‑free hand cream to seal. This combo gives fast relief without greasy build‑up.
- After sport or swim: rinse off sweat or chlorine first, gently pat dry, rehydrate with water or a light hydrating product if needed, then apply emu oil to damp skin to restore lipids.
Choosing a Safe, Effective Emu Oil in Singapore
- Ingredients: look for “100% emu oil” as the only ingredient and a clear “unscented” label. When starting out, avoid products that list botanical extracts, menthol, salicylates, or added fragrances as those are common culprits for irritation.
- Packaging: pick an opaque or dark glass/plastic bottle to protect the oil from light. The label should show a visible batch number and expiry date so you can trace and discard if it oxidises.
- Supplier transparency: check the product page for origin (Australia), a brief description of the processing method (refined/filtered), and any third‑party testing or certificates. If halal, cruelty‑free, or other certifications matter to you, confirm these details with the seller.
- Texture / scent: a good, pure emu oil is light, non‑waxy, and has a neutral smell (not perfumed). A sharp or rancid scent is a red flag — don’t use it.
Recommended products
Real Results from Our Skinshare Community
Darren’s routine and outcome
Darren reached out after months of interrupted sleep and constant flare‑ups on his hands. He kept the routine simple and consistent:
- Argasol Silver Gel on open or weeping areas to reduce surface microbes and soothe raw skin.
- 100% Pure Australian Emu Oil applied to damp skin (2–4 drops) twice daily to replenish lipids and lock in moisture.
- Protective eczema sleeves at night to prevent subconscious scratching and protect treated skin while it healed.
After committing to this stack for 3–4 weeks, Darren noticed calmer skin, fewer nightly awakenings to scratch, and shorter, less intense flares. He emphasises that nothing was instant, it was the regular consistency (oil on damp skin + night protection + spot care for broken areas) that made the difference.
Remember: one product rarely fixes chronic eczema. The wins usually come from combining safe spot treatment, a reliable moisturiser, and protective measures that stop the cycle of damage (like sleeves or gloves) so healing can happen overnight.
FAQs: Safety Questions Regarding Emu Oil and Eczema
Emu oil is well tolerated, but treat baby skin with extra caution. Patch test first (one drop on the inner forearm or behind the ear for 72 hours); use sparingly and only on small areas at first. Check with your paediatrician before routine use, especially for infants under 6 months or when using on large areas.
Its high‑oleic profile can trigger breakouts in a subset of people, especially on oily or acne‑prone faces. Patch test on a small facial area (jawline or behind the ear) for several days before regular facial use.
Topical emu oil is typically considered safe as a moisturiser in pregnancy and breastfeeding, but large‑area use should be discussed with your obstetrician or GP. When in doubt, patch test and start with small areas; check with your clinician if you’re using other topical prescriptions concurrently.
Yes, layering is possible, but order matters. General daytime order we recommend:
1) Apply any prescribed medicated creams first and wait ~10–15 minutes for absorption.
2) Apply emu oil on damp skin (small amount).
3) Follow with sunscreen (apply and allow to set).
4) Apply insect repellent last.
