I have been using various oils for many things, including my hair and skin, for years. I have tried Emu oil in the past, but I was recently given the opportunity to try an alternative called GREEMU from Devonian.
As you can see from the Oil Certificate of Analysis included with my 4 oz. bottle of GREEMU, it is a blend of plant oils that is meant to replicate emu oil down to the actual lipid composition! The blend of plant oils is 100% natural and includes Macadamia Seed Oil, Palm Oil, Shea Butter, Sunflower Seed Oil, and Rice Bran Oil.
It is a very nourishing blend and is a bit more watery than actual emu oil. According to Devonian, GREEMU absorbs a bit more slowly than emu oil, so only a few drops should be used to start with and then repeat as needed.
When I used GREEMU, I noticed that it was a very liquidy and slightly milk oil. It works really well as a hair conditioner or moisturizer for damaged tips or for flyaways. A little bit goes a long way for this application, and I always started at the tip of my hair and worked my way up. I tend to have dry tips and an oily scalp, so I would only work the oil up a few inches so as not to add more oil to the hair near my head. Sometimes I added in lemon or rosemary essential oils (just a drop or two) to the nickel-sized dab of GREEMU before applying, as those oils are known to be good for healthy hair.
I also used GREEMU as a stand-alone product for my cuticles. I am constantly washing my hands after cleaning or changing diapers, so my cuticles can get very dry and even snag on things when they get especially scraggly. The GREEMU applied to it a few times a day (one drop was plenty for all of my nails!) helped them to be softer and less damaged.
Finally, I used GREEMU as a carrier oil for my essential oils that I like to apply to myself on my neck and throat. I like to apply them this way first so that I can have the benefit of moisturization on the delicate skin there, but also because I like to be able to smell the essential oils I’m putting on. I would put about a quarter-sized amount of GREEMU in my palm and then apply 2-3 drops of whatever essential oil I wanted to use to it. I did a quick stir with my pointer finger, rubbed my palms together, and applied the oil mixture to myself as normal.
I did notice that the oil took a while to absorb, but it wasn’t anything crazy. It was similar to using the jojoba oil that I normally use, so I just avoided my clothing during use. Any leftover that I had, I just rubbed into my hands to moisturize them. It worked great!
For folks that are new to plant oils or are looking for a good one, definitely give GREEMU a try. It is an alternative to Emu Oil, so it’s great for vegans or anyone wishing to avoid animal products in their beauty routine.
