Emu oil and ostrich oil: what is the difference, and what can they do for your skin?

When it comes to skincare oils, the secret lies in their fatty acid profile.

Fatty acids are the building blocks of the skin’s outer layers. They strengthen the barrier, lock in moisture, and reduce evaporation, keeping your skin smooth, hydrated, and healthy. Because each fatty acid plays a distinct role, the unique composition of an oil determines its effect on your skin.

Both emu oil and ostrich oil are rich in skin-loving fatty acids, but their profiles differ just enough to create unique effects.

What Makes Ostrich Oil Special?

Ostrich oil contains over 70% oleic and palmitic acids and has the highest skin penetration ability of all natural oils. It’s also particularly rich in omega-3 fatty acids, containing at least twice the amount found in emu oil, with some studies suggesting even higher levels.

Once absorbed, ostrich oil delivers antioxidants that combat free radicals, support tissue repair, and stimulate the growth of new cells. This makes it an excellent option for refreshing dull skin, softening fine lines, and easing under-eye puffiness.

 

Key Benefits of Ostrich Oil

• Deep moisturisation with strong skin compatibility
• High omega-3 content for powerful regeneration
• Rich in antioxidants with anti-aging effects
• Accelerates wound healing and cracked skin repair
• Anti-inflammatory; soothes severe itching (pruritus)
• Boosts collagen production and skin rejuvenation
• Helps even out tone and reduce inflammation-related pigmentation

Why We Use Ostrich Oil

Ostrich oil is unmatched in its ability to reduce inflammation, promote collagen synthesis, and accelerate healing. Combined with our grass-fed beef tallow in the PURE and Nurture ranges, it provides long-lasting softness and moisture, even in extreme climates.

 

You’ll find ostrich oil in:

• PURE Tallow & Ostrich Oil Moisturiser (Sal-Free)
• Baby’s Tallow Healing Cream
• Baby’s Tallow Healing Cream (Sal-Free)
• Organic Ostrich Oil

 

What Makes Emu Oil Unique?

Emu oil contains approximately 70% unsaturated fatty acids, with oleic acid accounting for more than 40%. It also provides essential fatty acids, 20% linoleic acid and 1–2% alpha-linolenic acid.

We source therapeutic-grade emu oil from Australia, produced using a patented low-heat process that preserves delicate omega fatty acids. This results in a pure, stable oil with its natural structure remaining intact.

Key Benefits of Emu Oil

• Has approximately 70% unsaturated fatty acids, which support barrier repair
• Proven to penetrate deeply into the skin
• Has a strong anti-inflammatory effect (studied in wounds, burns, and arthritis)
• Speeds up healing of burns, cuts, and abrasions
• Relieves eczema, dermatitis, and skin sensitivities
• Enhances collagen formation; repairs keratinisation disorders*
• May boost hair and nail growth; supports collagen fibre development*
• Provides anti-rheumatic support for joint discomfort
• Helps lighten pigmentation in inflamed or damaged skin

*Keratinisation disorder = excess keratin production causing rough, dry patches.
*Fibrillogenesis = the formation of collagen fibres that strengthen connective tissue.

 

Why We Use Emu Oil

Emu oil helps regenerate thinning skin, relieves itching, encourages collagen production, and shields against oxidative damage. It’s especially good for burns, red, raw skin, or tough, rough patches. It also promotes hair growth around wounds and eases joint pain.

 

You’ll find emu oil in:

• Emu Oil (Therapeutic Grade)
• PURE Tallow & Emu Oil Face & Body Cream
• Baby’s Tallow Healing Cream
• Baby’s Tallow Healing Cream (Sal-Free)
• Calming Baby Oil

 

Which Oil Should You Choose?

Both oils are excellent for sensitive, dry, or irritated skin, helping address common concerns such as eczema, dermatitis, rosacea, and acne. The difference lies in how they work: Ostrich Oil → absorbs more deeply, provides higher omega-3 content, and is great for regeneration and deep moisturising. Emu oil → offers a longer-lasting protective barrier, reduces inflammation, and supports healing of burns, wounds, and joint discomfort.

 

Quick Takeaway

Ostrich Oil → delivers deeper hydration, is rich in omega-3, and has potent antioxidant and regenerative properties.

Emu Oil → provides long-lasting barrier protection, proven anti-inflammatory benefits, and is effective for wounds, burns, sensitivities, and even hair growth.

Both are excellent choices—your selection depends on whether your skin needs deep regeneration (ostrich) or healing and protective support (emu).