Borage Oil — the single richest plant source of GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) at 20–25%, more than double evening primrose oil. The premium choice for anti-ageing skin formulations, eczema treatment, hormonal balance supplements, and inflammatory skin condition products.
Borage Oil (Borago officinalis), also known as Starflower Oil, is cold-pressed from the seeds of the borage plant — and contains the highest concentration of GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) of any commercially available plant oil at 20–25%. This is more than double the GLA content of evening primrose oil (8–12%) and makes borage the most potent natural GLA source for cosmetic and nutraceutical applications.
GLA is an Omega-6 fatty acid that the body converts to DGLA and then to anti-inflammatory prostaglandins — supporting skin barrier repair, hormonal balance, and inflammatory condition management. SV Botanica supplies borage oil with GLA content standardised and GC-certified per lot — the critical quality specification that separates therapeutic grade from commodity supply.
GLA deficiency is directly linked to skin ageing and barrier dysfunction. Borage oil's 20–25% GLA is the most potent topical GLA source for mature, dry, and ageing skin formulations.
The most GLA-concentrated oil for eczema, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis — both topical and oral applications clinically studied.
GLA supports prostaglandin synthesis for hormonal balance — widely used for menopausal skin and hormone-related skin changes.
The most cost-effective way to deliver high-dose GLA in nutraceutical formulations — fewer capsules needed versus evening primrose.
Borage oil's value is almost entirely in its GLA content — the highest of any commercially significant plant oil:
| GLA (C18:3 Ω6) | 20–25% — highest natural source; anti-inflammatory, skin barrier |
| Linoleic Acid (C18:2) | 35–40% — skin barrier support |
| Oleic Acid (C18:1) | 14–20% — emolliency |
| Palmitic (C16:0) | 9–12% — saturated emollient |
| Tocopherols | ~500 mg/kg — critical for stability |
| Erucic Acid (C22:1) | 1–4% — long-chain FA |
| Eicosenoic (C20:1) | 3–5% — minor long-chain MUFA |
Borage oil is in a category of its own for GLA content — more than double any other common source:
| Oil | GLA Content | Skin Feel | Best Known For |
| Borage Oil ★ | 20–25% GLA | Light-medium | Highest GLA — premium anti-ageing |
| Evening Primrose | 8–12% GLA | Light-medium | Half the GLA — well-studied |
| Black Currant Seed | 14–20% GLA | Medium | High GLA + ALA combination |
| Hemp Seed Oil | 1–4% GLA | Light | Balanced EFA — lower GLA |
| Rosehip Seed | <1% GLA | Dry | Retinoids — different actives |
Borage oil is the most unstable common carrier oil — very high PUFA/GLA content oxidises rapidly. ALWAYS add 0.3–0.5% Vitamin E, store refrigerated, and use nitrogen-flushed packaging. Typically used at 5–15% in formulations diluted in a stable carrier (argan, jojoba). GLA content must be GC-verified — this is the only quality indicator that matters.
Borage oil's fatty acid profile is defined by its extraordinary GLA content — more than double any other common oil:
Key bioactive compounds beyond the fatty acids:
| GLA | 20–25% — standardised per lot by GC; primary bioactive |
| Tocopherols | ~500 mg/kg — critical for oxidative stability |
| Erucic Acid | 1–4% — minor long-chain FA |
| Phytosterols | Anti-inflammatory, skin barrier |
We supply Borage Oil with GLA content standardised and GC-certified per lot for nutraceutical and cosmetic applications.
| INCI Name | Borago Officinalis Seed Oil |
| Botanical Source | Borago officinalis |
| GLA Content | 20–25% — standardised per lot (GC) |
| Appearance | Pale to golden yellow, clear |
| Specific Gravity | 0.921–0.928 g/ml |
| Saponification Value | 185–197 mg KOH/g |
| Iodine Value | 140–165 g I₂/100g |
| Moisture | NMT 0.1% |
| Heavy Metals | NMT 10 ppm |
| Shelf Life | 12 months — refrigerate, antioxidant essential |
Borage oil's exceptional GLA content makes it the most potent natural ingredient for GLA-based cosmetic and nutraceutical formulations.
5–15% borage for highest topical GLA delivery in luxury anti-ageing face oils and serums.
High-dose GLA softgels for menopausal symptoms, PMS, and hormonal skin balance.
Most GLA-concentrated topical oil for eczema and atopic dermatitis formulations.
Anti-inflammatory GLA in topical psoriasis and inflammatory skin condition formulations.
Oral GLA supplement for arthritis and inflammatory conditions.
GLA for skin changes associated with hormonal shifts in mature skin formulations.
Anti-inflammatory scalp oil for seborrheic dermatitis and dry scalp.
GLA-rich treatment for dry, mature eye area skin.
| Application | Recommended Level | Grade |
| Supplement softgel | Up to 100% | Nutraceutical grade |
| Anti-ageing serum | 5–15% | Cosmetic grade |
| Eczema treatment | 5–20% | Cosmetic grade |
| Mature skin cream | 5–15% | Cosmetic grade |
| Joint supplement blend | 20–50% | Nutraceutical grade |
| Eye cream | 5–10% | Cosmetic grade |
Borage oil is the most unstable carrier oil available — GLA oxidises very rapidly. Mandatory: (1) 0.3–0.5% Vitamin E in all formulations, (2) nitrogen-flushed packaging, (3) refrigerated storage. Always use diluted in a stable carrier at 5–15%. GC-verified GLA certificate mandatory with every lot.
Borage Oil is supplied in amber HDPE packaging with nitrogen flush — essential due to high GLA oxidation sensitivity.
10ml–100ml amber glass vials for evaluation and stability testing.
Amber HDPE or dark glass containers with tamper-evident caps.
Food/cosmetic grade HDPE drums with tamper-evident seals. Standard commercial pack.
Intermediate bulk containers for large commercial orders.
Store in cool (below 20°C), dark conditions away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Keep containers sealed — borage oil oxidises rapidly on exposure to air. Nitrogen blanket packing available on request to maximise shelf life. Recommended shelf life: 12–18 months from date of manufacture when stored correctly.
Minimum Order Quantity
Sample orders from 10ml. Trial orders from 1 kg. Commercial orders from 25 kg. IBC (180–200 kg) for high-volume buyers. Custom packaging and private-label bottling available on request.
We supply borage oil with GC-verified GLA. Share your specification.