Everything You Need to Know About Borage Oil

Borage oil is a concentrate extracted from the seeds of the Borago officinalis herb.

This oil is valued for its elevated gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) concentration. GLA is believed to help lessen inflammation associated with various health issues.

Continue reading to discover more about the oil’s possible advantages, as well as its drawbacks and limits. Talk with your physician before using borage oil to address any medical problem.

About the borage plant

Recognized for its star-shaped blue blossoms, this sizeable plant is native to North Africa and the Mediterranean and has since been naturalized across North America and Europe. Commonly called starflower, its leaves are edible.

Borage oil benefits and uses

Borage seed oil is believed to offer potential for the following uses:

• inflammation
• acne
• breast tenderness
• cardiovascular issues
• eczema
• menopausal symptoms
• rosacea
• arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

There are anecdotal reports — but limited scientific study — suggesting borage oil might also be used for:

• adrenal fatigue
• increasing breast milk production
• diabetes
• epilepsy
• premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• scleroderma
• Sjogren’s syndrome

Gamma linolenic acid

As noted, borage oil is rich in GLA. This fatty acid is present in various seeds, nuts, and vegetable oils. The body converts GLA into prostaglandin E1 (PGE1).

PGE1 functions similarly to a hormone, helping to lower inflammation tied to skin disorders and heart-related problems. Borage oil attracts attention because it’s reported to have higher GLA levels than many other seed oils.

Although further research is necessary, studies examining borage oil’s GLA content have corroborated some anecdotal observations.

Anti-inflammatory

A 2014 trial comparing borage oil, fish oil, and their combination reported that daily intake of 1.8 grams of borage oil or 2.1 grams of fish oil (or both) reduced rheumatoid arthritis symptoms in 74 participants followed over 18 months.

The investigators suggested these oils might serve as alternatives to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for some individuals, potentially avoiding side effects linked to long-term NSAID use. They also proposed that people with RA might lower their doses of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs.

However, the authors noted a limitation: roughly 45% of participants had withdrawn by the study’s end. The remaining cohort was predominantly male and African American.

The researchers interpreted this pattern as possibly reflecting disparities in healthcare access among People of Color in the U.S., reasoning that individuals without access to insurance or conventional treatments may be more likely to stay in a study that provides care.

Skin barrier

Findings about borage oil’s impact on eczema are inconsistent.

A 2018 review of topical uses of borage and other GLA-rich plant oils found antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities that can help people with atopic dermatitis.

By contrast, a 2013 review analyzing oral borage oil concluded it provided no greater benefit for eczema than placebo, based on 19 studies.

This suggests that clinical evidence favors topical borage oil for skin issues more than oral formulations.

Other possible uses

Additional potential applications for borage oil include:

• adrenal gland disorders
• arthritis
• gum inflammation (gingivitis)
• cardiac conditions
• menopausal symptoms
• PMS complaints

Forms of borage oil

Borage oil is available as a seed-extracted oil and as dietary supplements, often in capsule or softgel formats for oral intake.

Every type contains GLA, regarded as the main active component. GLA is also present in other oils such as evening primrose and black currant seed oil.

The best form depends on your intended use. Topical preparations are generally better for skin and hair and are not intended for ingestion. Always read product labels for guidance and warnings.

Oral products may be preferable for systemic inflammation, including vascular inflammation.

Borage oil side effects

Although borage oil is usually seen as safe, it can cause adverse effects.

Common oral supplement side effects

Taking borage oil orally may lead to minor side effects. Though evidence is limited, reported symptoms include:

• bloating
• belching
• headache
• indigestion
• flatulence
• nausea
• vomiting

Long-term oral use may carry additional risks and is generally discouraged.

Allergic reaction signs

GLA and borage oil are not considered toxic, yet seek medical attention if you observe signs of an allergic reaction, such as:

• hives
• rash
• swelling
• sudden fatigue
• dizziness

If you have trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

Less common, serious side effects

Consult a healthcare provider before using borage oil if you:

• have liver disease
• are taking drugs that affect liver function
• are on medications that change blood clotting

Tell your doctor about any borage use, especially before surgery.

Although anecdotal concerns have been raised about carcinogenicity, processing typically leaves only trace amounts of pyrrolizidine alkaloids.

Caution

Some borage products may still pose risks to liver health, so choose supplements certified as free of hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids.

There are also reported instances of seizures linked to excessive borage oil intake.

For example, in one 2011 case, a woman experienced sudden seizures after taking 1,500 to 3,000 mg of borage oil daily for a week. This condition involves multiple seizures lasting at least five minutes consecutively.

While a single case does not prove causation, it illustrates why caution is warranted when ingesting herbal products. Overall safety remains uncertain due to limited research.

How to use borage oil for skin and hair

Topical borage oil should be diluted in a carrier oil before application. Always consult your physician prior to use.

Suggested steps:

1. Combine up to 12 drops of borage oil per ounce of almond, jojoba, or olive oil.
2. Apply a thin layer to the targeted area twice daily.
3. Alternatively, dab or coat an undershirt with the diluted oil and wear it next to the skin for hard-to-reach areas on the back, as described in 2007 research. Check with your doctor before trying this approach.

Clinical studies indicate it may require several weeks to months of consistent application to see full benefits, so be patient and follow a regular routine.

Patch test

Perform a patch test before applying diluted borage oil over a wide area, especially on eczema-prone skin. If no irritation or allergic signs appear within 48 hours on a small skin patch, diluted borage oil is likely safe for broader use.

Dosages

Oral dosing guidance for skin benefits is not well established. Although GLA levels may decline with age, there’s no universally recommended dose.

In one small 2000 trial, 40 breastfeeding women received 230 to 460 mg of GLA daily. Another study from the same year suggested 360–720 mg of GLA might improve skin health in adults over 65.

If you purchase oral borage supplements, follow the manufacturer’s directions, as standardized dosing may be lacking. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting.

Also, deficiencies in vitamin C and minerals like zinc and magnesium can impair your body’s ability to utilize GLA from borage oil. Vitamins and minerals play roles in lipid metabolism, as shown by research dating to 1982.

Read more about:

• foods high in vitamin C and the benefits of vitamin C supplements
• zinc-rich foods and considerations for zinc supplements
• magnesium-rich foods and information about magnesium supplements

Frequently asked questions

Have more questions about borage oil? See the FAQs below.

Does borage oil help hair grow?

Many users anecdotally praise borage oil for promoting hair growth; for example, forum discussions on the Hair Loss Talk site reference its use.

However, there is no solid peer-reviewed evidence confirming this benefit. Borage oil may assist scleroderma-related hair issues, which can indirectly help with hair loss.

Does borage seed oil smell?

Alexander Zuriarrain, a quadruple board-certified plastic surgeon with Zuri Plastic Surgery, notes that borage seed oil can have an aroma likened to cooked chicken, which most people do not find offensive.

Is borage seed oil hydrating?

Zuriarrain states that borage seed oil is moisturizing, which explains its inclusion in facial moisturizers, serums, and oils.

A 2017 literature review suggested topical application may improve seborrheic dermatitis and atopic dermatitis in infants and children and could reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL) on back skin, helping retain hydration.

Is borage oil a dry oil?

Borage oil is classified as a dry oil.

“It soaks in quickly and doesn’t feel heavy on the skin,” Zuriarrain says.

The takeaway

Borage oil appears promising for lowering inflammation throughout the body, and inflammation underlies many conditions such as eczema and heart disease.

However, evidence is not definitive. Exercise caution with borage oil and consult a healthcare professional or pharmacist before use.