Borage Oil

Updated: Apr 19, 2021

Composition and Properties | Benefits of Borage Oil for Skin

Composition and Properties of Borage Oil

INCI Name: Borago officinalis (Borage) seed oil

Extraction: It is an extract from the seeds of the Borago officinalis plant.

Fatty Acid Profile:-

Gamma-Linolenic Acid (26%-38%)
Linoleic acid (35%-38%)
Palmitic acid (10%-11%)
Stearic acid (3.5%-4.5%)
Oleic acid (16%-20%)
Palmitoleic acid 0.5%,
Eicosenoic acid - (3.5%-5.5%
Erucic acid - (1.5%-3.5%).

Quality & Absorption Rate: Light and fast-absorbing oil. It is absorbed quickly and easily.

Appearance: Pale Yellow

Texture: A thick and heavy oil

Skin Type: For all skin types, dehydrated, sensitive and mature skin.

Shelf Life: 6 months shelf life - or 1-2 years with added vitamin E

Substitution: Evening Primrose oil and Black Current Oil

This flowering plant is acknowledged by its bright blue and sometimes pink petals. It is such a plant whose flowers and leaves and the oil from its seeds, are used to treat various diseases. Borage flower and leaves are used to keep away depression, cough and fever.

Borage oil is unique because of its impressive chemical breakdown. It has a high gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) concentration of about 26 per cent, which is greater than many other plant oils.

Borage is also eaten in salads and soups in food.

However, consumption of Borage in any form of oil, supplements, or as a whole (Flower or leaves) should not be done without an expert or doctor's advice.

Borage is used in the manufacturing of skincare products.

In skin and hair care products, it can also be conveniently added as an active ingredient or a perfect carrier product. Recommended usage is between 3 and 10 %.

benefits of borage oil for skin

Beneficial in the preparation of the skincare products, particularly the face. To be used in low dilutions for a massage with other slow absorbing oils. It can be applied to the skin and hair directly. A Patch test is always recommended.

Rich in GLA: It is rich in GLA (an omega 6 fatty acid) which maintain the skin's moisture, prevents it from drying and increases the skin cells' ability to absorb oxygen.
Skin Healing Properties: It has excellent skin rejuvenation, scar treatment abilities. Borage is useful for treating eczema, psoriasis, burns and open wounds such as cuts and abrasions.
Anti-Ageing: Very effective in anti-ageing preparations to smooth wrinkles, replenish the complexion, alleviate dark shadows and fine lines around the eyes. It increases the elasticity of the skin cells and maintains moisture, keeping the skin moisturized and lubricated.
Improves Skin Health: Borage tends to offer a healthier tone, cleanse, hydrate and eliminate contaminants with combination skin, promoting a youthful glow.
Maintain Skin Hydration: Skin's barrier, also known as skin mantle, is the epidermis's outermost layer, which plays a crucial role in maintaining hydration to keep the skin moisturized. Gamma-linolenic acid is an essential fatty acid to maintain the hydration of healthy skin. If there is any deficiency in GLA, it can lead to infection, irritation and moisture loss to the skin. Therefore, GLA is a remedy of skin disorders such as psoriasis, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), impaired barrier function, eczema and atopic dermatitis.
Balance Acne Hormones: Borage seed oil also helps with its balancing effects and high fatty acid content in hormonal acne. It's worth for those who also suffer from acne and dry skin, to give it a try.
Other Benefits:
- Borage seed oil will help if applied after chemical exfoliation to prevent TEWL and inflammation and protect the skin barrier.
- It helps to preserve collagen and keep skin firm and glowing.
- It is applied on the scalp of infants for red, itchy rash skin (seborrheic dermatitis).
- It is also used to soften the skin in the dressing.
- Borage helps treat bronchitis & colds and even for lactating mothers to increase the production of breast milk.