BORAGO officinalis L.

ANTI AGING, ANTI-INFLAMMATORY, HORMONAL BALANCE. GENERAL SKIN HEALTH, SENSITIVE SKINS, SCALY AND DRY SKINS, REACTIVE SKINS, DELICATE AND FRAGILE (DAMAGED) SKINS, MATURE SKINS. ANTI-INFLAMMATORY TO SKIN, CALMING, RESTORING, HEALING HELP: DERMATOSES, ECZEMA, PSORIASIS, SKIN REDNESS. ANTI-INFLAMMATORY TO ARTICULATIONS. HORMONAL SYSTEM BALANCE: PMS, MENOPAUSE. DEEPLY MOISTURIZES AND PROTECT SKINS. IN HAIRCARE: DRY, FRAGILE, BRITTLE, DAMAGED HAIR.

IDENTIFICATION

INCI Name: Borago officinalis (Borage) seed oil

SYNONTYMS: Starflower Oil

CAS Number:84012-16-2

SKU code:

EXTRACTION METHOD: Cold-pressed

PARTS USED: Seeds

ORIGIN: UK (United Kingdom)

COMMON NAMES: Star flower oil, Bee bread oil, Bee oil, Huile vegetale de Bourrache.

APPEARANCE: Pale yellow to green-yellow, viscous liquid but easily absorbed and with a dry finish.

ODOUR NOTE: Characteristic, barely noticeable to slightly herbaceous

QUALITY: 100 % pure and natural carrier oil, from organic cultivation.

STORAGE CONDITIONS: Keep in a cool (refrigerated if possible), dry and dark place, in an airtight container.

COMPOSITION/ FATTY ACID PROFILE: 18.50% OLEIC ACID (OMEGA-9), 0.30% PALMITOLEIC ACID (OMEGA-7), 9.20% PALMITIC ACID (C16:00), 3.50% STEARIC ACID (C18:00), 39.90% LINOLEIC ACID (OMEGA-6), 0.30% ALPHA-LINOLENIC ACID (OMEGA-3), 20% GAMMA-LINOLENIC ACID(OMEGA-6), 3.80% 11-EICOSENOIC ACID (OMEGA-9), 2% ERUCIC ACID (OMEGA-9), 1.30% NERVONIC ACID (OMEGA-9), VIT. A, D, E, K.

SHORT DESCRIPTION - INTERESTING FACTS: 

Borage is an annual plant with hairy stems and leaves. Its beautiful pinkish-blue star-shaped flowers nectar are one of bee’s favourite. Cold pressed from the seeds, Borage oil, also known as Starflower oil or Beebread oil, is renowned for its exceptionally high polyunsaturated fatty acid content, notably in gamma-linolenic acid. GLA, an omega-6 fatty acid, plays a crucial role in supporting a healthy skin barrier function and regulating(calming) the skin inflammatory responses. Similar to Evening Primrose oil, Borage oil properties offer a much more concentrated source of GLA and contrary to Evening primrose, is almost odourless . Borage seed oil has been historically used in traditional wellbeing to ease a vast array of inflammations concerns and is recommended in a lot of applications for women hormonal support and balance.

Please note: The high content in GLA makes this oil more sensitive to light and heat. Keep your Borage oil in its original amber bottle, tightly closed, preferably in your refrigerator, to preserve its quality and extend its shelf life.

+++ Main property.    ++ Major property.   + Minor property

• COMEDOGENIC*: 2
• SKIN REGENERATION, CICATRIZING, SOOTHING.
• GENERAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY: SKIN, ARTICULATION, IMMUNITY BOOST.
• HORMONE BALANCING: REGULATOR, 
• SKIN SOFTENING AND NOURISHING  
• HYDRATING, MOISTURIZING: 
• GLA for Cardiovascular protection (hypertension, cholesterol, diabetes)
• GLA for Nervous system protection.

*COMEDOGENIC SCALE (Causes clogging of pores) 0=NO, 1 to 2 = HARDLY, 3 to 4 = YES, 5= VERY

Borage oil has been traditionally used: as is, as a massage oil, combined with essential oils or other carrier oils or added to calming lotions, balms, creams formulations:

• In body massage oils to hydrate skins, relax tension in muscles and articulations. 
• In cosmetic creams and “anti-aging” skin formulations.
• In Skin Conditions: Eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, as a skin anti-inflammatory, to help soothe uncomfortable, irritated skins, reduce redness, and calm inflammatory conditions.
• As a superior skin nourishing ingredient: deeply moisturizing and regenerating, supporting skin barrier function and improving overall skin health, especially for mature and “anti-aging” applications.
• To Promote lactation in nursing mothers
• In Hormonal Imbalance: PMS symptoms, menopausal symptoms
• For Inflammations, Swellings, Rheumatoid Arthritis: to help reduce inflammation and pain.

Is sometimes consumed internally for supplementing diets: in cases of essential fatty acid deficiency, has GLA dietary supplement status in many countries (Attention: read caution section), As a source of GLA for the elderly or convalescents.   

External Uses: Can be used pure on target areas. Generally used in combination (+/-10%) with other carrier oils for larger area of application (body massages, etc…)

FOR WELL BEING: 

• PMS, MENOPAUSE in Body/tummy massages: to help relieve PMS discomfort or pain, massage on stomach with a few drops of clary sage essential oil. For Menopause used in synergy with Clary sage, Niaouli (or Fragonia), Lentisque, Marjoram, Peppermint essential oils.
• Body care: for dry to very dry, scaly skins (Eczema, Dermatitis, Atopic conditions): apply a few drops morning and nights onto the affected areas. Can be associated with Tamanu oil and/or Evening primrose, Calendula oil, Shea butter.
• Articulations inflammations: apply a few drops (2-3) directly to the concerned areas and massage gently, 2-3 times a day.
• Soothing face applications: apply a few drops of Borage oil onto the tip of your fingers and lightly dab on affected areas, 2 to 3 times a day. Can be associated with Evening primrose, Black cumin seed oil.

FOR NATURAL SKINCARE: 

• Face care: Use 1-2 drops as a facial serum or add to your moisturizer (4 to 8%). 
• Hair, scalp, beard, and moustaches: Massage 2-3 ml (1/2 teaspoon) into the scalp or beard to nourish and condition. 
• Nails: Apply 1 drop to each nail and massage into the cuticles
• Mature skins: Use 1-2 drops daily to help improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

slight crystallization, cloudiness, or sediment in borage oil is completely normal, particularly in high-quality, cold-pressed, or unrefined oils stored in cool environments.

Why It Occurs

• Fatty Acid Profile: While borage oil is prized for its high polyunsaturated content (especially gamma-linolenic acid and linoleic acid), it also contains roughly 10–15% saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids (such as palmitic, stearic, and oleic acids).
• Differential Melting Points: Saturated fatty acids and natural botanical waxes freeze/solidify at higher temperatures than polyunsaturated fats. When ambient temperatures drop below roughly 12°C to 15°C, these fractions naturally precipitate out, appearing as fine needle-like crystals, "feathering," or a cloudy layer near the bottom.
• Absence of Winterization: Virgin/unrefined borage oil is not chemically refined or "winterized" (a commercial chilling and filtering process that strips out natural waxes to keep oil clear at all temperatures).

How to Clear the Crystals

1. Place the tightly sealed bottle in a bowl of lukewarm water (around 30°C–35°C) for 10 to 15 minutes.
2. Gently swirl or invert the bottle once warmed to re-homogenize the fatty acid profile.
3. Avoid high heat or microwaving, as high temperatures quickly oxidize fragile GLA and degrade the oil's therapeutic value.

Crystallization vs. Spoilage

• Crystallization (Normal): Fully reversible with gentle warmth; no impact on quality, potency, or shelf life.
• Rancidity (Spoiled): Irreversible chemical breakdown. Characterized by a pungent, paint-like, or acrid aroma, a darkened tint, and no change in texture when warmed.

Borage oil is exceptionally prone to rapid oxidation because it contains over 55–60% polyunsaturated fatty acids (primarily gamma-linolenic acid and linoleic acid). Preserving its therapeutic integrity requires strict control over temperature, light, and oxygen exposure.

Core Storage Protocols

• Refrigeration by Default: Always store active bottles in a refrigerator at 4°C to 8°C. If slight crystallization occurs due to saturated fat drop-out, warm gently before dispensing.
• UV & Light Shielding: Store strictly in dark amber, cobalt blue glass, or epoxy-lined aluminum containers. Clear glass and unlined plastic allow photo-oxidation via UV and ambient light.
• Headspace Management: As oil is consumed, transfer the remaining liquid into progressively smaller bottles to minimize contact with headspace oxygen.
• Inert Gas Purging: For bulk containers or professional blending stock, blanket the container headspace with inert nitrogen or argon gas before resealing.
• Natural Antioxidant Stabilization: Blending in 0.1% to 0.5% natural Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E) or 0.05% Rosemary CO2 extract significantly delays lipid peroxidation without altering therapeutic properties.

Sensory Indicators of Oxidation

• Aroma: Shifts from a subtle, earthy, mildly nutty scent to a sharp, pungent, paint-like, or rancid crayon odor.
• Viscosity & Tint: Noticeable darkening of color or a gummy, sticky residue forming around the bottle neck and dropper cap.
• Reversibility Test: If cloudiness does not completely clear when warmed to 30°C, the oil has oxidized into insoluble polymers and should be discarded.

Borage seed oil is most often used in combination with other carrier oil

Ex:

For eczema: with Tamanu (Foraha) oil, Calendula oil, Hemp seed oil, Shea butter or shea oil;

For Psoriasis: with Black cumin (Nigella), Argan oil, Shea oil;

For Dry and Very dry skins: with Calendula oil;

For radiant skin: with Carrot root oil;

In Preventing or limiting stretch marks: with Macadamia and Avocado

In anti-aging serums: with Hemp seed oil, Sesame seed oil, Rosehip oil;

In eye contour serums: with Rosehip oil.

Night Calming Facial Serum (20 ml): 

Blend together and apply just a drop of your serum to the tip of your finger and dab gently directly on those concerned areas of your face. Massage softly and let your blend do its work during the night. 

• 5 ml (1 teaspoon) Borage Oil
• 5 ml (1 teaspoon) Black cumin Seed Oil
• 5 ml (1teaspoon) Argan Oil
• 5 ml (1 teaspoon) Shea nut oil

Soothing nighttime body oil for dry skins (30 ml):

Blend together, and apply a few drops directly on the dry areas of concern or add to your preferred neutral body cream/lotion, let the oils work overnight: 

•          20ml (2Tablespoon) Borage Oil

•          10ml (2teaspoon) Calendula oil

Soothing Dry Scalp Treatment (20 ml): 

Apply a few drops of your blend to the scalp with a pipette and massage with the tip of your fingers. Leave 15 minutes (or overnight) before shampooing. Alternatively add a few drops of this blend to your neutral hair conditioning cream/lotion. 

• 10 ml (2 teaspoons) Borage Oil
• 10 ml (2 teaspoons) Jojoba Oil
• 3 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil

Soothing PMS tummy and lower back massage oil:

 in a 5 ml amber glass bottle 

Add:

• 60 drops Petitgrain essential oil
• 30 drops Tarragon essential oil
• 30 drops Clary sage essential oil
• Top up with Borage essential oil. 

Close tightly with your dropper cap, label and date. Shake to mix. During cramping periods times, apply 5-6 drops of your blend to the lower tummy area and back and massage gently until absorbed. You can do these 3 to 4 times a day, until you feel better.

Do not use during the first 3 months of pregnancy / breastfeeding 

Keep out of reach of children and pets.

As a general rule, always perform a skin patch test before using your essential oils for the first time.

Due to the natural origin of our products, some ingredients may contain trace proteins or allergens, especially in unrefined oils. 

We strongly recommend performing a patch test on a small skin area 48 hours before full use to check for sensitivities. 

Always dilute essential oils appropriately and follow our recommended usage guidelines to ensure safe application. 

If you experience any irritation or allergic reaction, discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional

For more detailed information, please go check this LINK TO Instructions of use essential oils page

DO NOT USE UNDILUTED and SEEK MEDICAL AND SPECIALIST ADVISE WHEN IN DOUBT.

SEE OUR PAGE ON PRECAUTION - HOW TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS SAFELY