What Is Borago Officinalis Seed Oil?
Borago Officinalis Seed Oil comes from the small black seeds of the borage plant, a bright blue flowering herb native to the Mediterranean. The oil is prized for its unusually high level of gamma linolenic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid that the body converts into compounds that help keep skin calm and supple. Alongside GLA it carries linoleic and oleic acids, a touch of vitamin E and plant sterols that work together to support the skin’s barrier.
Borage has been cultivated for centuries as a culinary and skin-soothing herb. As interest in plant oils grew in modern skincare, formulators turned to its seed oil in the 1970s because it offers a far higher GLA content than evening primrose or blackcurrant oils, making it a stand-out option for dry or easily irritated skin.
The oil is made by cold-pressing cleaned, dried seeds then filtering away plant solids. Some batches go through gentle refining to remove odour or colour while keeping the fatty acid profile intact. The finished ingredient ranges from pale yellow to golden and has a light, slightly herbaceous scent.
You will spot Borago Officinalis Seed Oil in facial and body moisturizers, nourishing serums, anti aging creams, overnight masks, lip balms, cuticle oils, scalp treatments and baby care lotions where it delivers a boost of fatty acids without a heavy feel.
Borago Officinalis Seed Oil’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient is valued for the way it softens skin and supports a healthy moisture barrier.
- Skin Conditioning: Supplies essential fatty acids that reinforce the lipid layer, helping skin feel smoother, look plumper and recover more quickly from dryness or mild irritation
- Emollient: Creates a thin, breathable layer on the surface that traps water in the upper cells so skin stays soft and flexible while giving formulas a silky slip during application
Who Can Use Borago Officinalis Seed Oil
Because it is light yet rich in essential fatty acids, Borago Officinalis Seed Oil suits most skin types. Dry, mature and sensitive skin often find it especially comforting since it helps replenish a weak barrier and ease tightness. Normal and combination skin can use it as a booster in lotions or serums without feeling greasy. Very oily or acne-prone skin usually tolerates it well thanks to its high linoleic content, though anyone who clogs easily may prefer a patch of test area application first to be sure.
The oil is extracted from a plant seed and contains no animal by-products, so it is fully suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Topical use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding is generally viewed as low risk, but this is not medical advice. Anyone who is pregnant or nursing should show any new skincare product to their doctor before use just to be safe.
Borage seed oil is not known to increase photosensitivity and can be used morning or night alongside daily sunscreen. It plays well with most other skincare ingredients and does not interfere with common actives like vitamin C or retinol.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical Borago Officinalis Seed Oil differ from person to person. The points below list potential reactions only. When the ingredient is included at an appropriate level in a well-formulated product most users will not notice any of these issues.
- Allergic contact dermatitis – rare itching, redness or small bumps in those allergic to borage or related plants
- Breakouts or clogged pores – possible in individuals with very oily or congestion-prone skin if the formula is heavy or layered too thickly
- Irritation from oxidized oil – borage oil can turn rancid if stored in heat or direct sunlight leading to a sour smell and potential stinging
- Stinging on compromised skin – freshly exfoliated or inflamed areas may feel a brief tingling sensation that fades once the barrier recovers
If any discomfort, rash or persistent breakout occurs stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 2/5
Borago Officinalis Seed Oil is mostly composed of linoleic and gamma linolenic acids, both of which tend to absorb quickly and help dissolve hardened sebum rather than block pores. Its lightweight texture sits on skin without forming a thick film, keeping the likelihood of clogging fairly low. That said, the presence of a smaller amount of oleic acid means very oily or highly reactive skin could still experience the occasional bump if the oil is used in a rich formula or layered too heavily.
In short, the oil is generally suitable for acne-prone skin but may not work for everyone with stubborn or cystic breakouts. Using fresh, well-stored oil also matters because oxidized fatty acids are more likely to irritate and trigger blemishes.
Summary
Borago Officinalis Seed Oil acts primarily as a skin conditioning and emollient ingredient. Its unusually high level of gamma linolenic acid feeds the skin barrier with essential fatty acids that soothe dryness while the lighter linoleic acid helps maintain a smooth, flexible surface. Together these lipids reinforce the protective layer, reduce transepidermal water loss and leave skin feeling soft without a greasy afterfeel.
Although not as famous as argan or jojoba, borage seed oil enjoys steady popularity among formulators who want a natural source of GLA, so it often shows up in products aimed at sensitive, mature or post-treatment skin.
Topically applied borage seed oil has a strong safety record with side effects remaining rare when the oil is fresh and the formula is balanced. As with any new skincare ingredient, a quick patch test is smart to make sure your skin agrees with it.