Starflower (Borage) cold pressed oil
A common plant with uncommon properties, starflower (borage) plant hides powerful skin-soothing benefits behind its vivid blue blooms—thanks to its uniquely high content of GLA, a rare omega-6 fatty acid that supports skin barrier repair and calms inflammation.
[INCI] Borago Officinalis Seed Oil
[category] cold pressed plant oil
[why we love it] anti-inflamatory effects, skin hydration and barrier repair powers and a rich fatty acids content
A rich, cold-pressed plant oil extracted from the seeds of Borago officinalis has one of the highest natural source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid known for its skin-soothing and barrier-restoring properties.
It is especially beneficial for dry, sensitive, or inflamed skin, including those with eczema or acne-prone conditions.`
Why we love it in skincare?
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Borage oil helps reduce inflammation in the skin thanks to its high content of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which supports the production of anti-inflammatory compounds. This makes it especially useful for calming redness, irritation, and flare-ups in conditions like eczema, dermatitis, and acne.
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Borage oil supports the repair of the skin barrier by replenishing essential lipids in the stratum corneum. This strengthens the skin’s natural defense against environmental stressors and reduces inflammation. Evidence from clinical trials shows that it can normalize TEWL and restore barrier function in sensitive or compromised skin.
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Borage oil helps improve skin hydration by reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL), thanks to its rich content of linoleic acid and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). Clinical studies show that regular topical use can enhance moisture retention, making it especially beneficial for dry or flaky skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis and atopic dermatitis.
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Borage oil is especially prized for its high content of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), but it also contains linoleic acid, which helps maintain hydration and elasticity, and oleic acid, known for its softening and nourishing properties. Smaller amounts of saturated fatty acids like palmitic and stearic acid contribute to skin protection and texture.
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Throughout history, borage has been valued for its mood-lifting and calming properties. In Ancient Greece and Rome, it was used as a herb of courage—believed to dispel sadness and bring comfort to the heart. The Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder even described it as a remedy for melancholy. In medieval times, borage leaves and flowers were often steeped in wine to create a tonic said to uplift the spirit and ease anxiety. It was also used to support adrenal function and calm nervous tension, making it popular in herbal traditions across Europe.
How has it been used - Borage has a rich history in traditional medicine and folklore, once known as a “herb of courage” used to lift mood, ease anxiety, and dispel melancholy. From Ancient Greece to medieval Europe, it was often prepared as a calming tonic to support emotional well-being and nervous system balance.
What science says – Topical borage oil is backed by clinical studies showing its ability to calm inflammation, improve skin hydration, and support barrier repair—especially in sensitive or eczema-prone skin.
Kanehara et al. (2007) – Topical Borage Oil in Atopic Dermatitis:
A double-blind, placebo-controlled study tested the effects of undershirts coated with borage oil in children with mild atopic dermatitis. After 2 weeks, the borage group showed significant improvements in skin redness and itching, along with a decrease in transepidermal water loss (TEWL)—indicating enhanced barrier function and hydration.
Puch et al. (2008) – Skin Barrier Support in Dry, Sensitive Skin:
In a placebo-controlled trial, participants with dry and sensitive skin consumed a fermented milk drink enriched with borage oil (GLA), green tea extract, and vitamin E. Results showed measurable improvement in skin barrier function and reduced TEWL throughout seasonal changes, highlighting the potential systemic benefits of borage-derived GLA for skin health.
Branka et al. (2015) – Anti-Inflammatory Lipid Mediators from Borage:
This study explored a biotechnologically modified borage seed extract for its effects on inflammation resolution. The extract increased levels of lipid mediators like resolvins and lipoxins, which are crucial for calming chronic skin inflammation. In topical application, it helped improve skin affected by eczema and psoriasis.
