What Is Borage Seed Oil Aminopropanediol Amides?
Borage Seed Oil Aminopropanediol Amides is a skin loving ingredient made by joining natural borage seed oil with a small molecule called aminopropanediol. Borage seed oil is pressed from the seeds of the borage plant, valued for its high content of gamma linolenic acid, an omega 6 fatty acid known for keeping skin comfortable and supple. By reacting this oil with aminopropanediol, chemists turn the original fatty acids into amides, which are more stable, less greasy and easier to blend into modern formulas.
Borage seed oil itself has been used in folk skin care for centuries. In the early 2000s cosmetic labs began looking for ways to capture its benefits without the heavy feel of pure oil. The aminopropanediol reaction was one answer, giving brands a lightweight, skin conditioning lipid that mixes well with water based lotions.
The ingredient is produced in a controlled setting where the oil and aminopropanediol are gently heated together. The resulting amides are filtered and purified, then shipped as a smooth liquid or soft paste ready for formulators.
You will most often find Borage Seed Oil Aminopropanediol Amides in moisturizers, anti aging serums, overnight masks, soothing after sun lotions, scalp care creams and body butters that promise deep comfort without a heavy finish.
Borage Seed Oil Aminopropanediol Amides’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient is mainly prized for one key job in skin care formulas
Skin conditioning: The amides mimic skin’s own lipids, helping replenish lost moisture and reinforce the protective barrier. This leaves skin feeling softer, smoother and less prone to tightness. Unlike straight oils it absorbs quickly and does not leave a slick film, making it ideal for lightweight day creams as well as rich night treatments.
Who Can Use Borage Seed Oil Aminopropanediol Amides
This lipid-like ingredient is gentle enough for almost every skin type. Dry and mature skin appreciate the extra barrier support while normal and combination skin enjoy the light feel that sinks in fast. Even oily or acne-prone skin usually tolerates it because the amide form is far less greasy than straight plant oil. The only group that may want to steer clear is anyone with a known allergy to borage or other boraginaceae plants, as a reaction could still occur.
Borage Seed Oil Aminopropanediol Amides comes from a plant source and a lab-made helper molecule, so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians provided the finished product has not been tested on animals.
No data suggest any special risk for pregnant or breastfeeding women when this ingredient is applied to intact skin, yet this is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should run all skincare choices past a doctor just to be safe.
The ingredient does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight, so there is no extra photo-protection step required beyond daily sunscreen.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Borage Seed Oil Aminopropanediol Amides differ from person to person. The points below outline possible side effects but they are uncommon when the ingredient is used correctly in a well-formulated product.
- Mild redness or stinging in very sensitive skin
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals allergic to borage or similar plants
- Rare clogged pores or breakouts if layered with many heavy products
- Rancid or oxidized material could cause an unpleasant odor and minor irritation
If you notice any discomfort or skin changes you believe are linked to this ingredient stop using the product and seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5. The amide form of borage oil has been chemically tweaked to be lighter and less greasy than the raw oil, so it sits on the skin without forming a heavy film that could trap debris. Its fatty profile is closer to the skin’s own lipids, which generally keeps pores clear. Most formulators use it at modest levels in moisturizers, further lowering any clogging risk. For these reasons it earns a very low score.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin in most cases.
If the product also contains thick occlusive waxes or butters the overall formula could still block pores, so check the full ingredient list if you are highly reactive.
Summary
Borage Seed Oil Aminopropanediol Amides acts mainly as a skin conditioner, replenishing lipids, calming dryness and supporting the barrier. The amide structure lets it soak in quickly while holding moisture, giving a soft smooth feel without shine.
It is not a blockbuster ingredient yet, but niche brands that focus on barrier care and gentle formulas are starting to use it because it offers plant-derived comfort with a light finish.
Current safety data show a low chance of irritation or pore blockage, with allergy being the main but rare concern for those sensitive to borage. As with any new skincare item doing a small patch test first helps you spot any issues early.