Is Emu Oil ethical?

First of all: yes, Emu Oil really comes from emus!

Emu Oil is a cosmetic ingredient that every so often gets a boost in media air time, thanks to a few big-name celebrity supporters and fans.

Most assume Emu Oil is either marketing spin or just a brand name. Bad news – it’s not.

What is Emu Oil?

Emu Oil is extracted from the thick fat on the emu’s back. To remove the oil and the surrounding fat, the emu has to be killed.

Although edible, emu meat is considered pretty unappetising and tough – so emus are really only being ‘harvested’ for cosmetic oil purposes.

Wasteful? Yes. Unnecessary and unethical? Most definitely.

Emu Oil benefits and uses

Emu Oil is a fatty oil, rich in oleic acid (Omega 9). It’s touted as a ‘wonder’ solution for dry, flaky skin and is reported to be good for reducing joint pain when applied topically. Some studies even suggest that it can help boost hair growth.

In 2015 Cate Blanchett made headlines as she cited Emu Oil from Australia as the “secret” to her glowing complexion. She reportedly told Refinery29: “In indigenous Australian culture, that’s the first oil they put on a baby because it’s so hydrating.”

We’re big fans of face oils at Pai, naturally – but with so many equally good and cruelty-free alternatives out there (Olive Oil contains far higher levels of oleic acid!), it seems mind-boggling that more people aren’t speaking out against this ingredient.

It’s also important to remember that oils alone can’t hydrate - they lock moisture in, but you need to use a good cream or serum first if that’s your goal.

Does Pai use Emu Oil?

Hopefully more awareness of Emu Oil, and what extraction of it involves, will lead to a boycotting of it by the beauty industry. Watch this space.

At Pai though? Not. In. Our. Name.

Every single Pai product is accredited by Cruelty Free International and The Vegan Society, so you can be sure that our entire skincare line is vegan and animal-friendly. Because we believe that we can rely on plants to deliver the goods – and no animals need to be harmed in order to have a good skin day.

Emu Oil alternatives

This unethical ingredient is not the only way to get the benefits of omegas into your skincare.

If dryness is your concern, try our more nourishing Hydrate range – such as our Back To Life Hyaluronic Acid serum, which helps your skin to hold onto moisture for longer. Our bestselling moisturiser, The Anthemis, is also rich in omegas thanks to the organic Rosehip Oil – which means soft, supple skin for you.

Of course, if oils are what you're after, we have just the thing. Our cult Rosehip Bioregenerate oil is a bestseller, multitasking to enhance radiance and repair in one. Or, browse our other organic face oils for something more targeted; from our ultra-light calming oil to our blemish-fighting Carbon Star, there's something for everyone – and they're all certified vegan as standard.

Shop our vegan and cruelty-free organic skincare here