What Is Borage Seed Oil Peg-7 Dimethicone Esters?
Borage Seed Oil Peg-7 Dimethicone Esters is a hybrid ingredient that combines natural borage seed oil with a lightweight silicone known as Peg-7 Dimethicone. Borage seed oil comes from the seeds of the Borago officinalis plant and is prized for its high content of gamma linolenic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid. Peg-7 Dimethicone is a water-dispersible silicone that lends slip and spreadability. Through a process called transesterification, chemists link the fatty acids of borage seed oil to Peg-7 Dimethicone, creating a single molecule that offers the softness of a plant oil and the silky finish of a silicone.
The blend appeared in cosmetic labs in the early 2000s when formulators began searching for ways to marry natural oils with silicone sensory benefits without relying on heavy occlusive agents. Its popularity grew as consumers looked for lighter textures and multi-functional ingredients that feel elegant yet nourishing.
Production starts with cold-pressed borage seed oil that is purified and blended with Peg-7 Dimethicone under controlled heat and catalysis. The resulting ester is filtered and stabilized, giving a clear to pale yellow liquid that is easy to incorporate into water-based or anhydrous products.
You will most often see Borage Seed Oil Peg-7 Dimethicone Esters in leave-in hair conditioners, shine sprays, light facial moisturizers, anti-aging serums, hand creams, after-sun gels and rinse-off masks where a non-greasy skin feel and conditioning effect are desired.
Borage Seed Oil Peg-7 Dimethicone Esters’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In formulas this ingredient serves two main purposes that enhance both performance and sensory appeal:
- Hair conditioning: Forms a thin, flexible film on hair that smooths the cuticle, helps detangle, adds shine and reduces static without weighing strands down
- Emollient: Softens and moisturizes skin by filling in surface gaps, improving slip and leaving a velvety finish that feels lighter than traditional oils
Who Can Use Borage Seed Oil Peg-7 Dimethicone Esters
This ingredient is generally considered suitable for all skin types. Oily and combination skins appreciate its ultralight texture that conditions without a greasy feel while dry or mature skins benefit from the added softness and barrier support. Sensitive skin usually tolerates it well because the silicone ester reduces the likelihood of the free fatty acids that sometimes trigger reactivity. The only group that may want to proceed cautiously is anyone with a known sensitivity to silicones since the molecule still contains a dimethicone backbone.
Borage Seed Oil Peg-7 Dimethicone Esters contains no animal derived components so it fits vegan and vegetarian lifestyles. The borage plant oil is botanical and PEG-7 dimethicone is synthesized from silica and ethylene oxide not animal sources.
Current research shows no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when this ingredient is used topically in normal cosmetic concentrations. That said this information is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should review all skincare products with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
The ingredient does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and can be worn during daytime without increasing the need for extra sun protection beyond your usual SPF routine.
Because it is water dispersible formulators can use it in both rinse-off and leave-on products so users who dislike heavy silicones can still enjoy a silky finish. It is also compatible with color cosmetics making it a handy choice for foundations and tinted moisturizers that aim for a weightless feel.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Response to any cosmetic ingredient can vary from one person to the next so the points below list potential reactions only. When properly formulated most people will not experience these issues.
- Mild skin irritation such as temporary redness or itching in very sensitive individuals
- Allergic contact dermatitis in those with an existing borage seed or silicone allergy
- Follicular congestion or breakout in users who are highly prone to clogged pores despite the low comedogenic profile
- Scalp or hair buildup leading to limp strands if used in large amounts without regular cleansing
If you notice any of the reactions listed above stop using the product and seek guidance from a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5 – The silicone backbone keeps the molecule lightweight and water dispersible while the borage fatty acids are locked into an ester form that is less likely to oxidize and clog pores than free oils. Most users will find it non occlusive and unlikely to trigger blackheads or whiteheads.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin in most cases, though overall formula and individual skin behavior still matter.
Keep in mind that very heavy application or pairing it with highly occlusive ingredients could raise the clogging potential slightly so product context counts.
Summary
Borage Seed Oil Peg-7 Dimethicone Esters acts as a silky emollient and a weightless hair conditioner. It does this by forming a flexible micro film that smooths cuticles, boosts shine, adds slip and softens skin without a greasy afterfeel.
It shows up in a growing number of leave-ins, serums, light creams and shine sprays yet it remains more of a niche helper than a mainstream headline ingredient because formulators still rely on simpler silicones or straight plant oils for cost reasons.
Topical safety data are reassuring with low irritation and low pore-clogging scores when used in normal cosmetic amounts. As with any new product perform a quick patch test first to make sure your skin vibes with it.