Emu oil is a gentle oil made from the fat of the emu, a bird indigenous to Australia. It is rich in several fatty acids including Omega 3, 6 and 9, and some studies have shown that it is effective at reducing inflammation. It is most often used as an ingredient in skin and hair care preparations. However, emu oil is unacceptable to some people because it is made from a byproduct of emus that have been slaughtered as a lean meat source. There are several vegan substitutes for emu oil that offer similar properties and uses.
Olive Oil
Olive oil contains fatty acids and can be used to soothe skin conditions in place of emu oil. Extra virgin olive oil is made from the first pressing of olives and is considered more pure than more highly processed olive oils. Users can benefit from this oil used both internally and externally. It is occasionally mixed with other ingredients, but is traditionally used at full strength as a skin treatment.
Vitamin E Oil
Cutting open a capsule of vitamin E and using the oil within can substitute for emu oil to treat skin disorders and rashes. It is particularly useful when combined with olive oil, as the olive oil contains fatty acids and the vitamin E oil contains antioxidants, according to an article at healthy-skin-guide.com.
Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet almond oil is made from ground sweet almonds and is high in vitamin E. Unlike some other emu oil substitutes, this oil can easily be added to lotions and creams to enhance the effect and lessen some of the greasiness. As an ingredient of other preparations or alone, it can be used to moisturize skin and hair. Some people use sweet almond oil to soothe aches and pains and it is a particularly popular massage oil because of its moisturizing properties and sweet scent.
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