What is emu oil made from?

Emu oil is made from the fat of an emu. The emu is a flightless bird, native to Australia, that looks similar to the ostrich. According to The New York Times, one bird produces about 250 ounces of oil. Most farmers only raise emus for their fat, but some try to use as much of the bird as possible, from its meat to its skin, which is made into leather. Whether or not your emu oil comes from an ethical source depends on the manufacturer.

Emu oil has garnered the attention of the holistically minded. While some people report benefits of the oil on their skin and overall health, others find that it’s not too different from other oils. Read on to learn the benefits and uses of emu oil.