Evening primrose seed oil (Oenothera biennis)

Evening primrose seed oil is extracted from the seeds of Oenothera biennis, a yellow-flowering plant native to North America and widely cultivated in Europe. It is particularly rich in polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acids, especially linoleic acid (LA) and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), two compounds the body cannot synthesise in sufficient quantities and which must therefore be obtained through diet or supplementation. Gamma-linolenic acid plays a key role in maintaining the skin barrier and contributes to skin suppleness and hydration. It is also involved in regulatory processes related to mild skin inflammation. These properties make evening primrose oil a well-recognised ingredient for supporting the quality of skin, hair and nails. Supplementing with evening primrose seed oil is of particular interest for individuals whose diet is low in essential omega-6 fatty acids, or whose skin needs are increased. It provides a concentrated, standardised source of GLA that is difficult to achieve through common dietary sources alone.