About
Contains the highest GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) content of any plant oil — typically 20–25%, approximately double that of evening primrose. Used as a therapeutic additive at 10–25% in blends for inflammatory skin conditions, hormonal skin concerns, and anti-ageing formulations.
Borage has been cultivated in Mediterranean Europe since antiquity and widely used in medieval European herbal medicine. The oil from its seeds — identified as the richest known plant source of GLA — became commercially significant in the 1980s alongside evening primrose, for similar hormonal and inflammatory skin applications.
Benefits
- ✓Highest plant GLA content — typically 20–25%
- ✓Powerful anti-inflammatory for eczema and dermatitis
- ✓Supports hormonal skin balance
- ✓Promotes skin cell regeneration
- ✓Complements evening primrose in therapeutic blends
Pairings (15)
Both are heavy, slow-absorbing oils. Combined, their occlusive properties can significantly intensify the absorption of any essential oils in the blend — reduce EO dilutions by half when using this carrier combination.
Borage seed's high GLA anti-inflammatory content and rose's profound skin-supportive chemistry create a luxury hormonal and skin-regenerating pairing particularly suited to menopausal and mature skin.
Borage seed's GLA content and geranium's hormonal-balancing properties work synergistically for skin conditions with hormonal drivers — a complementary pairing for hormonally reactive skin.
Borage seed's exceptional GLA content supports skin regeneration and pairs excellently with bergamot for mature or stressed skin massage.
Borage seed's exceptional GLA content pairs superbly with lavender for skin-regenerating, anti-inflammatory facial or body massage treatments.
Both are prized for their exceptional GLA content — blending them creates the highest combined GLA concentration available from plant sources, creating a potent therapeutic carrier for eczema, hormonal skin, and inflammatory conditions.
Borage seed's high GLA content complements sweet almond's oleic acid profile, making a powerful therapeutic blend for inflamed or ageing skin.
Borage seed's high GLA content pairs excellently with grapeseed for mature or dry skin blends; use borage at low dilution.
Borage's exceptionally high GLA content pairs superbly with neem for treating chronic inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
Both oils are rich in rare and potent fatty acids that together deliver exceptional skin-regenerating and anti-inflammatory benefits for mature or damaged skin.
Properties
- Aroma
- very faint, slightly green
- Consistency
- light
- Absorbency
- medium
- Shelf Life
- 6 months
Contraindications
- ⚠Very short shelf life — refrigerate and use quickly after opening
- ⚠Use as secondary carrier at 10–25%
- ⚠Pyrrolizidine alkaloids in the plant — ensure well-processed, PA-free oil