Borage seed oil carries more gamma-linolenic acid than any other plant oil, and that one fatty acid explains most of what it does for skin. At roughly 20 to 26% GLA, borage oil has a higher concentration of this omega-6 fatty acid than any other botanical oil, about double that of evening primrose. In serums, soaps, lotions and body oils, borage seed oil helps the skin's lipid barrier hold on to water. It works best where the product stays on the skin.
What makes borage seed oil different
Borage seed oil is pressed from the seeds of Borago officinalis. Beyond GLA, the oil contains sterols, tocopherols, linoleic acid at about 38%, and oleic acid at 14.5 to 23%.
GLA is the part that matters. Human skin cannot make GLA from its precursor, linoleic acid, and GLA is believed to contribute to skin hydration. Your skin can't produce it, so it has to come from outside.
Borage seed oil benefits for the skin barrier
The research centres on transepidermal water loss, the rate at which water escapes through the skin. A weaker barrier loses more of it.
Applied to the skin
In a 1993 study of 37 infants with seborrheic dermatitis, all patients were symptom free within three to four weeks of daily topical borage oil containing 24% GLA. The investigators concluded that GLA is key to maintaining normal transepidermal water loss.
Taken as a supplement
When adults take it by mouth, the barrier responds too. In 29 healthy older adults, borage oil produced a statistically significant improvement in barrier function, with a mean 10.8% decrease in transepidermal water loss. In an animal study, borage oil raised epidermal levels of ceramides, the major lipid maintaining the epidermal barrier, more than evening primrose oil did.
Borage seed oil in serums, soaps, lotions and body oils
The format decides how much of these borage seed oil benefits actually reach your skin.
Serums
A serum is a good fit for anyone using exfoliating acids or retinoids. In patent research, borage seed oil was particularly effective at easing irritation from hydroxy acids or retinoids, and the effect was not down to GLA alone. Borage seed oil works well applied after water-based serums and before heavier occlusives.
Lotions
Lotions keep the oil on the skin long enough to do barrier work. That's the effect the topical research measured: less water lost, so skin stays comfortable for longer.
Body oils
A body oil gives the most direct dose. It suits skin that runs dry over large areas like shins, arms and shoulders, where barrier repair is most noticeable.
Soaps
In a soap, borage seed oil adds to the lather and the feel of the bar. Soap rinses off in seconds, though, so for barrier support, follow it with a leave-on product.
How to choose the best borage seed oil products in 2026
The best borage seed oil products in 2026 share three traits.
- Leave-on first. Serums, lotions and body oils keep GLA on the skin. Soaps are for cleansing.
- Cold-pressed oil. Organic farming combined with cold-pressing allows the maximum content and recovery of antioxidants in the seed oil.
- A clear role. Look for borage paired with what it does well: calming acids and retinoids, or protecting dry skin.
At Marianella, Marianella Febres-Cordero and her son David Foote make skincare, soaps, body oils and home fragrance in Brooklyn. The Face and Body collections start at $40.
FAQ
What are the main borage seed oil benefits for skin?
It supports the skin's lipid barrier and reduces water loss. It may also calm irritation from active ingredients. Most of this comes from its high GLA content.
Is borage seed oil better than evening primrose oil?
Both contain GLA, but borage has much more. Borage oil holds 24 to 25 g of GLA per 100 g, compared with 8 to 10 g in evening primrose oil.
Can I use borage seed oil with retinol or exfoliating acids?
Yes. Research found borage seed oil eases the irritation these ingredients can cause. It can be in the same product or applied separately.
Does borage seed oil work in soap?
It changes how the bar feels, but soap rinses off. For barrier support, follow it with a lotion, serum or body oil.
When should I apply a borage seed oil serum?
After water-based serums and before heavier creams or occlusives.
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