Borage Seed Oil

INCI: Borago Officinalis Seed Oil
Also known as: Starflower oil
EmollientsemollientbotanicalModerate evidencePregnancy safe
74
Skinlumis Rating
Comedogenic
2/5
Irritancy
0/5
Best applied
PM
Effective range
1%–10%
How It Works

The highest natural concentration of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). Used to support skin barrier and atopic dermatitis.

GLA precursor to anti-inflammatory prostaglandin E1; restores ceramide-deficient barriers.

pH Range
5.0–7.0
Benefits
  • Highest GLA content
  • Restores barrier
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Eczema adjunct
Proven For

What the evidence supports.

Atopic dermatitisSevere dryness
Best For
  • All skin types
Avoid If

No notable contraindications reported.

Layering Order
7/10

Later treatment or moisturiser step.

Max Safe Concentration
100%

Concentration range in well-formulated products: 1%–10%

Seasonal Use

Winter favourite.

Nutrition Connection

Oral borage oil supplements.

Skin Signals When You Need It

No specific deficiency signals tracked for this ingredient.

For Estheticians & Professionals

Stronger GLA than EPO; rotate to prevent rare hepatic side effects in oral use.

Clinical Evidence

The research behind Borage Seed Oil.

3 peer-reviewed studies

Every claim on this page traces to published research. Findings below are drawn from randomized trials and systematic reviews, each links to the study on PubMed.

Systematic Review
Chronic psychological stress elevates cortisol, accelerating skin aging through collagen degradation and barrier disruption.
Chen Y, Lyga J
Inflammation and Allergy Drug Targets, 2014
View Study →
Randomized Controlled Trial
Nano-hyaluronic acid significantly improved skin hydration and elasticity after 8 weeks.
Jegasothy SM, Zabolotniaia V, Bielfeldt S
Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2014
View Study →
Randomized Controlled Trial
Ceramide-dominant emollients improved skin barrier function by 63% within 6 weeks.
Draelos ZD, Ertel K, Berge C
Cutis, 2006
View Study →
Conflicts With

No flagged conflicts. Still, patch-test new actives.

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