Bo
Borage Oil
Borago Officinalis Seed OilBarrier
GLA-rich seed oil. Used in eczema-prone and barrier-compromised routines for its omega-6 profile.
What it does
Borage oil is one of the highest natural sources of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA, ~20%), an omega-6 fatty acid that's metabolized into anti-inflammatory eicosanoids. Topical use shows modest improvement in barrier function in some studies. Often paired with evening primrose oil. Oxidizes quickly; needs proper storage.
The evidence, graded
expert consensusIf skin is reactive, peeling, stinging, or burning unexpectedly, pause all actives and rebuild the barrier with simple cleanser, ceramide-rich moisturizer, and SPF for 2–4 weeks before re-introducing actives one at a time.Lodén 2003 · American Journal of Clinical Dermatology ↗
emergingThe skin's barrier is built from ceramides, cholesterol, and free fatty acids in a roughly 1:1:1 to 3:1:1 ratio. Moisturizers formulated to mimic that ratio support barrier repair more than any one lipid alone.Man 1996 · Journal of Investigative Dermatology ↗
Graded per the methodology: strong · moderate · emerging · expert consensus. A weak source on a strong claim gets the weaker label.
Also known as
starflower oil
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