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Borage Seed

Carrier Oil

Borago officinalis

Origin: Mediterranean Europe, introduced widely

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 (37)

Caution
Castor

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.

Excellent
Rose Otto

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.

Excellent
Geranium

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.

Excellent
Nigella

Borage seed's exceptionally high GLA content pairs synergistically with nigella for anti-inflammatory skin and joint blends.

Excellent
Frankincense

Borage Seed's exceptional GLA content makes it an outstanding carrier partner for Frankincense in anti-inflammatory and skin-regeneration treatments.

Excellent
Bergamot

Borage seed's exceptional GLA content supports skin regeneration and pairs excellently with bergamot for mature or stressed skin massage.

Excellent
Calophyllum

Both oils are exceptional for skin regeneration and together provide a powerful blend for scarring, eczema, and inflammatory skin conditions.

Excellent
Copaiba

Borage seed's exceptional GLA content supports skin regeneration and inflammation reduction, perfectly aligning with copaiba's anti-inflammatory profile.

Excellent
Carrot (Essential)

Borage seed's exceptionally high GLA content synergises powerfully with carrot seed for regenerative and anti-ageing facial massage formulations.

Excellent
Lavender

Borage seed's exceptional GLA content pairs superbly with lavender for skin-regenerating, anti-inflammatory facial or body massage treatments.

Excellent
Carrot (Carrier)

Borage seed's exceptionally high GLA content synergises with carrot oil to create a powerful anti-inflammatory, regenerative blend for eczema and mature skin.

Excellent
Clary Sage

Borage seed's exceptional GLA content synergises with clary sage's hormone-balancing action, making an outstanding combination for menopausal or PMS blends.

Excellent
Olive

Borage seed's exceptional GLA content combines with olive's oleic acid richness to create a highly therapeutic blend for mature or very dry skin conditions.

Excellent
Clove Bud

Borage Seed's high GLA content and anti-inflammatory properties pair well with clove bud's analgesic action, providing skin support in the carrier base.

Excellent
Sandalwood

Exceptionally high GLA content in borage seed synergises with sandalwood for mature, sensitive, and inflamed skin care.

Excellent
Evening Primrose

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.

Excellent
Sweet Almond

Borage seed's high GLA content complements sweet almond's oleic acid profile, making a powerful therapeutic blend for inflamed or ageing skin.

Excellent
Grapeseed

Borage seed's high GLA content pairs excellently with grapeseed for mature or dry skin blends; use borage at low dilution.

Excellent
Neem

Borage's exceptionally high GLA content pairs superbly with neem for treating chronic inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

Excellent
Pomegranate Seed

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.

Excellent
St John's Wort

Borage seed's exceptional GLA content and anti-inflammatory power works synergistically with St John's Wort, making it ideal for nerve-related skin sensitivity and inflammation.

Excellent
Rosehip Seed

Borage seed's exceptional GLA content pairs synergistically with rosehip for a powerful anti-aging and skin-repair facial blend.

Excellent
Sunflower Seed

Borage seed's exceptionally high GLA content creates a potent skin-rejuvenating combination when blended with sunflower as the primary carrier.

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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