What is it? |
A carrier oil pressed from the seeds of the borage flower. It is primarily comprised of linoleic and γ–linolenic acid. |
INCI |
Borago Officinalis Seed Oil |
Appearance |
Pale yellow liquid oil |
Usage rate |
Up to 100% |
Texture |
A thick, heavy oil |
Scent |
It smells very distinctly oily/fishy; I recommend blending it with other carrier oils and perhaps some essential oils to dilute/mask the scent. |
Absorbency Speed |
Slow |
Solubility |
Oil |
Why do we use it in formulations? |
Borage oil is recommended for acne-prone, mature, dry, and/or sensitive skin. |
Do you need it? |
No, but it is useful to have one of either Evening Primrose, Black Currant Seed, or Borage oil. They all have a similar fatty acid profile so there’s no real need to have more than one of them. |
Refined or unrefined? |
I have tried the unrefined stuff and it’s fine, but if you are quite scent sensitive you might prefer to source the refined variety. |
Strengths |
It’s amazing for battling acne and tacking problematic skin. It’s also recommended for aging skin. |
Weaknesses |
It’s pretty heavy and doesn’t smell amazing. |
Alternatives & Substitutions |
Evening primrose and black currant seed oils have a similar fatty acid profile. They are also similarly heavy and oily-smelling. |
How to Work with It |
Include it in the oil phase of your recipes; avoid extended exposure to heat where possible. I typically aim to dilute it with a lighter oil or in an emulsion. |
Storage & Shelf Life |
Stored somewhere cool, dark, and dry, borage oil should last up to two years. I recommend storing it in the fridge. |
Tips, Tricks, and Quirks |
Try blending it with a faster absorbing oil, like argan or pomegranate seed, to help it sink into the skin faster. |
Recommended starter amount |
100mL (3.3fl oz) or less |
Where to Buy it |
Buy it from an online DIY ingredient supplier or Amazon. |