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How Effective Is Emu Oil for Acne?

By Felicia Dye
Updated: Mar 03, 2024

Emu oil for acne appears to be effective more often than not. Individuals commonly report that the oil clears current episodes and reduces the number of breakouts. They also report that it reduces the discomfort associated with breakouts, makes the healing process less harsh, and reduces scarring. Estheticians and naturalists often recommend emu oil. Many people who have followed the advice to try it have reported that using emu oil for acne helps in a number of ways. There are some who have negative reports about the oil, suggesting that it is not for everyone.

This oil is known to have antibacterial properties which are believed to be effective in killing bacteria that is responsible for some breakouts. In addition to eliminating the pimples, individuals have also reported that the application of the oil improves the appearance of the skin by promoting radiance and softness.

Another benefit of emu oil for acne is that while it is working to correct the problem, it makes an ongoing breakout more bearable. The oil is also known to have anti-inflammatory properties, which provides foundation for the claims that emu oil reduces the redness and swelling associated with pimples.

Emu oil is commonly credited for contributing to a milder healing process. Users often find that they experience little if any scabbing compared to what they normally experience when not using the oil. Once the breakout has healed, the oil also works to help correct and prevent scar tissue, which means fewer reminders of past breakouts.

There are some people who have negative experiences using emu oil for acne. Some complain that the emu oil leaves their skin feeling too greasy. For users who like the results, but don't like the greasy feeling, it may be worth trying a product that is made with emu oil instead of the pure oil alone.

There are also some people who complain that using emu oil for acne caused breakouts. This may be due to the fact that this natural oil is not suitable for their skin. There are cases of severe acne that are associated with issues that cannot be addressed by topical treatment.

It should also be remembered that a breakout is not uncommon with effective products because toxins are often the reason that people are experiencing breakouts. For the problem to be corrected, those toxins need to be released, resulting in an unavoidable breakout which some people take as an indication that a skin care product, such as emu oil, is not working.

The Health Board is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

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Discussion Comments
By cook1928 — On Jul 26, 2014

@serenesurface - Emu oil is noncomedogenic so it will not clog pores. I use it on my face at night because that way any oiliness on the surface of my skin is absorbed by the morning.

By anon342658 — On Jul 23, 2013

I use Emu oil after my chemical peels and love it! You only need a very small amount for your entire face. I use approximately a dime size amount in my clean hands and spread it all over my face and neck. I have acne prone skin and this does not break me out. Plus, it's much nicer feeling than jojoba oil. It kind of makes my skin plump and baby soft and helps heal my skin after the peels. Love, love, love it!

By anon332263 — On Apr 28, 2013

I think it has something to do with the brand of emu oil you bought. I bought the oil once two years ago, but it didn't work well. I recently bought another one and it works for my sensitive, combination, and acne prone skin. The first one I bought was pure oil; it actually left my skin oily after using. The second one I bought is emulsified and with some healthy ingredients added. But I'm still not quite sure why it works for me this time. It may also because it is spring and it is kind of dry.

By bear78 — On Oct 02, 2011

I haven't seen much of a difference with my acne with emu oil. It did help reduce the redness and helped calm down areas that were irritated, but my acne has not gotten any better.

My friend has tried it too, we actually bought it together and shared the bottle, because it's pretty expensive. It made her break out and did not even help reduce redness. She called me the day after we bought it and said that it ruined her face.

I think it just reacts differently to different skin. So until you try it, you won't really know if it helps your acne or not. But try to buy a small sample or split one with a friend so that you don't pay as much. If it works, you can always buy more but you might feel like you wasted your money if it makes your acne worse.

By fify — On Oct 02, 2011

@anamur-- Emu oil works great for me! It doesn't cause breakouts and doesn't clog my pores. It actually absorbs really quickly, it's not like other kinds of oil.

And you're right it's great for scars too, my acne scars have become less visible since I've started using it, which was three weeks ago. I occasionally get a zit or pimple, but less often than I used to.

You could use it as a mask, but I don't think it's necessary since it doesn't cause breakout. I only use a very small amount and spread it all over my face before I go to sleep. I use it at night because my skin becomes really dehydrated at night. Emu oil helps prevent that and I wake up with really soft and supple skin.

I think it will work for you too.

By serenesurface — On Oct 01, 2011

I have heard a lot about the healing benefits of emu oil. My mom actually uses an emu oil cream for muscle aches and pains and she loves it.

I have acne prone skin, but I haven't tried emu oil for my face yet. I'm sure emu oil will have some benefits for my acne scars and marks due to its healing effects. But I am a little hesitant to use it as a moisturizer. I think it would be good as a face mask or oil massage, but leaving it on for a long time might cause clogged pores.

I would love to hear from anyone who has tried emu oil for their face. Has it caused clogged pores and triggered more acne?

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