Borage seed oil (Borago officinalis)

Borage seed oil is extracted from the seeds of Borago officinalis, an annual herbaceous plant native to the Mediterranean basin and now cultivated in many regions of the world. It is typically obtained by cold pressing, a process that preserves the full integrity of its active compounds. Its exceptionally high content of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a long-chain omega-6 fatty acid, makes it one of the most concentrated plant-based sources of this nutrient. GLA is a precursor to prostaglandins involved in the regulation of inflammatory processes and contributes to the maintenance of the skin barrier. Borage oil also contains linoleic acid, tocopherols, and other minor lipid compounds. Supplementation with borage seed oil is of particular interest for those looking to support skin suppleness and hydration from within, especially when dietary intake of this type of omega-6 is insufficient. It is often combined with other oils rich in essential fatty acids for a complementary effect.