Borage Oil
Also known as: Borago officinalis seed oil, Starflower oil, GLA oil
The richest GLA source in existence — evening primrose's stronger cousin for skin and inflammatory support.
In short
Borage oil is pressed from the seeds of Borago officinalis (starflower) and is the richest known source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), containing 20–26% — roughly triple evening primrose oil's content. GLA is the omega-6 fatty acid the body converts toward anti-inflammatory prostaglandins, and borage oil's potency makes it the go-to GLA source for eczema-type skin conditions, rheumatoid-arthritis symptom support, and dry-skin applications. Trial results mirror EPO's but with a stronger dose-per-capsule: modest benefits in inflammatory skin conditions, mixed results in rheumatoid arthritis, and thin evidence elsewhere. It is well tolerated; the main cautions are anticoagulant interactions and, historically, trace pyrrolizidine-alkaloid contamination now removed by certified suppliers.
- Richest GLA source: 20–26% (3x evening primrose oil)
- Anti-inflammatory prostaglandin E1 precursor
- Best evidence: inflammatory skin conditions, RA symptoms (mixed)
- Certified PA-free processing is the safety standard
What is Borage Oil?
Borage oil is the concentrated version of the GLA story. Its starflower seeds carry triple the gamma-linolenic acid of evening primrose oil — the anti-inflammatory omega-6 that skin and joints both use — which makes it the practical choice whenever GLA is the goal: fewer capsules, stronger effect per gram. The evidence mirrors its cousin's: real but modest benefits in inflammatory skin conditions, mixed results in rheumatoid arthritis, and a mechanism that is sound even where trials disappoint. Its processing history adds one caution worth knowing: the seed contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that certified extraction removes.
Where it comes from
Natural sources
- Seeds of Borago officinalis, native to the Mediterranean
- 20–26% GLA plus linoleic and oleic acids
- Traditional 'courage herb' of European herbalism
How it's made
Softgels, typically 500–1,000 mg, standardized to GLA content (often 240 mg GLA per gram).
What it does in products
Benefits
Inflammatory skin conditions
moderate evidenceTrials in atopic dermatitis report modest symptom improvement, with GLA's barrier-repair rationale strongest when used both topically and orally.
Rheumatoid arthritis symptom support
moderate evidenceSome trials report reduced tender joints and morning stiffness; meta-analyses are mixed — a genuine but inconsistent benefit.
GLA potency
strong evidenceDelivers roughly three times the GLA per capsule of evening primrose oil — the practical advantage for any GLA-targeted use.
Side effects & safety
Safety considerations
- Avoid oral use in pregnancy — traditional associations and insufficient data.
- Anticoagulants and antiplatelets — additive effects at high doses.
- Not for: Bleeding disorders
- Not for: Scheduled surgery (discontinue 2 weeks before)
How it's used
In supplements
500–1,500 mg/day (supplying 120–360 mg GLA); skin and arthritis trials commonly used ~1.4 g GLA/week equivalents.
In skincare
1–10% in barrier creams for dry, eczematous skin.
Regulatory status
- Sold as a dietary supplement; no FDA-approved disease claims. FDA alerts have targeted PA-contaminated borage products.
- Assessed as safe in cosmetics.
Popular products containing Borage Oil
- NOW Borage Oil — 1,000 mg softgels, 240 mg GLANOW Foods · Supplement
- Sports Research Borage Oil — GLA-standardized softgelsSports Research · Supplement
- Solgar Borage Oil — 1,300 mg softgelsSolgar · Supplement
Product names and brands are shown for reference and belong to their respective owners.
The GLA biochemistry
GLA bypasses the delta-6-desaturase bottleneck to produce prostaglandin E1 — anti-inflammatory where the more common omega-6 products are inflammatory. Borage's triple-strength GLA content makes it the most efficient route to that pathway, which is why it anchors the 'GLA oils' category alongside EPO and black currant seed.
The PA contamination history
Borage seeds contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids, and early products carried traces. Following FDA alerts in the 1990s, certified suppliers now standardize PA-free extraction — a quality specification buyers should verify, since the distinction is invisible on the label.
Frequently asked questions
Borage oil or evening primrose oil?
Borage for potency — triple the GLA per capsule at similar price. EPO has the longer clinical tradition. Both serve the same uses.
Does borage oil cure eczema?
No — trials show modest, inconsistent benefit. It supports skin-barrier repair in some patients, best viewed as an adjunct to proper skin care.
Is borage oil safe long-term?
Certified PA-free borage oil is well tolerated long-term at standard doses; the main watch-items are anticoagulant interactions and pregnancy avoidance.
The bottom line
Borage oil is the most concentrated GLA source available — a sensible choice for skin-barrier and inflammatory support, with certified PA-free processing as the quality benchmark.
References
- Borage oil and GLA: clinical review. PubMed Central. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31522641/
- GLA-rich oils in atopic dermatitis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23235686/
- Borage oil — FDA pyrrolizidine alkaloid alerts. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/food/alerts-advisories-safety-information