What is Emu Oil Made From – Frequently asked questions about Emu oil

Emu oil has come a long way and continues to get acceptance across the globe. There are, however, so many questions about this magical product, including what is emu oil made from. In this post, we will be looking at the most frequently asked questions.

What is emu oil made from?


As you may already know, emu oil is made from the fats extracted from the back of an emu. However, you should note that some manufacturers add other ingredients to distinguish their products. The added ingredients may cause side effects. Always take time to understand how the oil has been extracted before choosing a product.

My Emu oil is very thick and creamy. Is it normal?

Naturally, emu oil has a creamy semi-solid consistency and only begins to liquefy above 24 degrees C.  Once your oil becomes very thick, placing it under hot water will help it return to its natural consistency when it cools. As ambient temperature varies, emu oil consistency will vary from thick at cold temperatures to completely liquid at high temperatures. If left unmoved and under certain temperature factors, emu oil can naturally divide into two fractions, one liquid and the other more solid.

How can I tell if emu oil is of high quality?

The best way to determine emu oil quality is to check if it is odorless, tasteless, and contains no peroxides. Refined emu oil should have a bright yellow color. Refined emu oil has little to no smell.  Some vendors use herbs such as citrus or rosemary to cover up odors in a lower quality oil. Some additives and preservatives can be irritating to the skin. Peroxides cause the oil to break down and deteriorate rapidly, reducing the shelf life. Only purchase oils labeled “pure,” meaning they have no added ingredients of any sort.

What are the different grades of emu oil? Which is the best?

The quality of emu oil can vary significantly from one producer to the next. Since emu oil is relatively new to the west, there is still no grading system developed. Vendors and producers use the American Emu Association system that defines three emu oil grades to curb the sale of contaminated products. Grade A is fully refined oil, Grade B is once refined, and Grade C is the crude oil. Even with different grades of emu oil there are variances allowed. When shopping, it is important to know what is emu oil made from.

How should you store emu oil?                       

Products that contain emu oil and other oils should be stored in a cool, dry room. It should be stored at room temperature and never exposed to extreme heat. Grade A emu oil has a shelf life of around 18 months to two years. Lower-grade oils have a shorter life because proteins and other compounds give rise to early spoilage. You can extend the shelf life by keeping the oil in the refrigerator. While the oil will thicken during refrigeration, it will quickly return to normal consistency once it reaches room temperature.

What is Emu Oil Made From