Borage Oil

Borage Oil (INCI Borago Officinalis Seed Oil) is a cold-pressed seed oil and the richest commercial source of gamma-linolenic acid at 18–26%, alongside linoleic at 35–45%. GLA content is the reason to specify it over evening primrose, which carries roughly half. Oxidation-prone; requires cool storage.

• Also known as: Borage Seed Oil, Starflower Oil, Borago officinalis Oil
• Botanical name: Borago officinalis
• Plant part used: Seed
• INCI name: Borago Officinalis Seed Oil
• Extraction: Cold-pressed, Unrefined (virgin)
• Form: Carrier oil (liquid)
• Appearance: Pale yellow to golden; Mild, bland
• Grade: Cosmetic-grade
• Origin: Processed in India
• Shelf-life: 12 months · below 15 °C · tightly sealed · nitrogen flush recommended

Key benefits

• Linoleic acid (C18:2) (35–45%) — Skin-barrier conditioning
• Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA, C18:3 ω-6) (18–26%) — Highest GLA content of common carrier oils — suited to sensitive/dry-skin formulations
• Oleic acid (C18:1) (14–20%) — Emollient
• Palmitic acid (C16:0) (9–12%) — Skin conditioning
• Alpha-linolenic acid (C18:3 ω-3) (0.3–0.9%) — Soothing (cosmetic-functional)

How to use

• 2–10% in emulsions
• 10–30% in facial oil serums
• 50–100% as standalone carrier or massage base
• Common applications: sensitive-skin-positioned formulations, mature-skin-positioned products, and premium cosmeceuticals.

FAQs

What are the primary formulation applications of Borage Oil?
Most buyers use it at 2–10% in emulsions; 10–30% in facial oil serums; 50–100% as standalone carrier or massage base. As with any new carrier oil, pilot-test in your specific base before committing to a full production run.

Explore more

View the full specification sheet on herbuno.com → · HerbIQ: Botanical Anatomy → · Carrier Oils