Borage Oil

Product Description: Borage Oil is a cold pressed carrier oil extracted from the seeds of the borage plant (Borago officinalis), also known as starflower for its bright blue, star shaped blooms. The plant has been recognised and used for centuries across different cultures. The oil is pale yellow to golden in colour with a mild, almost neutral scent and a light, fast absorbing texture. Borage Oil is well known among formulators for its place in facial oils, serums, and creams aimed at dry or sensitive skin care. At Maduras Herbals, we supply Borage Oil as a raw material for cosmetic manufacturers, DIY formulators, hair care brands, and skin care product developers looking for a light, fast absorbing carrier oil. Botanical and Trade Names Botanical Name: Borago officinalisEnglish Name: Borage Oil / Starflower OilINCI Name: Borago Officinalis Seed OilOther Common Names: Borage Seed Oil Key Properties Cold pressed from borage seeds with no heat and no chemical solvents involved Light, fast absorbing texture with a non greasy after-feel Naturally rich in essential fatty acids, including a notably high gamma linolenic acid content Unrefined and supplied in its natural state without bleaching or deodorisation Mild, almost neutral scent that blends easily into finished formulations Well suited for dry, sensitive, and mature skin formulations Compatible with other carrier oils, butters, and oil-phase ingredients About Borage Seed Oil Borage seed oil is cold-pressed from the tiny black seeds of the Borago officinalis plant, also known as starflower — a name that comes from the distinctive star-shaped flowers the plant produces. It's native to Syria and the wider Mediterranean region, and what sets it apart from most other carrier oils is its fatty acid profile: borage seed oil holds the highest known concentration of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) of any plant oil, typically sitting between 18–25%. That single fact is what drives most of its use in cosmetic formulation. GLA is an omega-6 fatty acid with a well-documented role in skin barrier repair and lipid rebalancing, making borage seed oil particularly valuable for dry skin conditions where the skin's natural barrier has been compromised. Alongside its GLA content, the oil also carries high amounts of linoleic acid, and its unsaponifiable fraction includes vitamin E (mainly gamma and delta-tocopherol), squalene, and phytosterols — avenasterol, campesterol, and beta-sitosterol — which collectively bring anti-inflammatory activity. Evidence points to borage seed oil being able to calm inflamed and irritated skin, improve suppleness and elasticity, and support barrier function recovery in acne-prone and dry skin alike. Property Detail INCI Name Borago Officinalis Seed Oil Sourced From Syria and the Mediterranean region (Southern Europe & North Africa) Processed & Packed Processed & Packed in India Function Emollient, skin conditioning Absorption Rate Typically slow; may vary slightly between batches Recommended Usage Amount Typically up to 100%; often blended with other carrier oils to balance its slow absorption Heat Stability Generally poor; must be added below 40°C — heat sensitive due to high GLA content Colour Typically light yellow to greenish; colour may vary slightly between batches Scent Distinctive oily smell, sometimes considered unpleasant Oxidation Stability Generally very unstable; antioxidant protection and cool dark storage are essential Restrictions None Substitution Evening primrose or blackcurrant oils (note: these contain alpha-linolenic acid and significantly less GLA than borage) Working with Borage Seed Oil in Your Formulations Best suited to creams and anhydrous products designed to moisturise and actively support skin barrier repair — particularly products targeting dry and sensitive skin where barrier recovery is the primary goal. Quality & Formulation Notes Borage seed oil is one of the more heat-sensitive carrier oils and needs to be handled carefully in formulation. It should only be added once your formula has cooled below 40°C — in emulsions, this means adding it during the cool-down phase rather than the main oil phase. Its oxidation stability is very low, so antioxidant protection in the formulation and cool, dark storage are both important for shelf life. Its scent can also be a factor to work around in lighter formulations. Applications Skin Care Formulations: Facial oils, serums, anti-ageing creams, body lotions, balms, dry and sensitive skin formulations Hair Care Formulations: Hair oils, scalp serums, leave-in conditioning blends Cosmetic Formulation: Carrier base for essential oil and aromatherapy blends, lotion and cream oil-phase ingredient, massage oil blends General Use: Bulk supply for cosmetic manufacturers, DIY skin and hair care kits, salon and spa product formulations Packing and Storage Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep the container tightly sealed when not in active use. Recommended storage temperature below 25°C. Refrigeration is acceptable for extended shelf life. Best before 12 months from packaging date. Natural variation in colour and scent between batches is characteristic of a cold pressed, unrefined oil. Caution Patch test is recommended before use on skin. In case of any allergic reaction, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist or physician. 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