Evening Primrose Oil

Product Description: Evening Primrose Oil is a cold pressed carrier oil extracted from the seeds of the evening primrose plant (Oenothera biennis), a flowering plant once referred to as the King's Cure-All in traditional Western herbalism. The oil is pale yellow to golden in colour with a mild, earthy scent and a light to medium texture. Evening Primrose Oil has built a strong reputation among formulators for its place in facial serums and treatments aimed at dry, sensitive, and mature skin. At Maduras Herbals, we supply Evening Primrose Oil as a raw material for cosmetic manufacturers, DIY formulators, and skin care product developers looking for a nourishing, lightweight carrier oil. Botanical and Trade Names Botanical Name: Oenothera biennisEnglish Name: Evening Primrose OilINCI Name: Oenothera Biennis OilOther Common Names: Evening Star Oil, King's Cure-All Oil Key Properties Cold pressed from evening primrose seeds with no heat and no chemical solvents involved Light to medium texture with a mild, earthy scent 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 Well suited for dry, sensitive, and mature skin formulations Non comedogenic profile suited for facial and scalp applications Compatible with other carrier oils, butters, and oil-phase ingredients About Evening Primrose Oil Evening primrose oil has a long history in skincare that predates modern cosmetic formulation by a considerable stretch. Native Americans used the plant to treat various skin conditions and also consumed its roots as food. The oil itself is extracted from the seeds of Oenothera biennis using a cold-pressing method, and what makes it genuinely valuable in cosmetic formulation is its fatty acid composition, particularly its gamma-linolenic acid content. This oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, with linoleic acid making up the bulk at 60 to 85%, followed by gamma-linolenic acid at 7 to 12%. That GLA content is the key reason evening primrose oil is so widely used in products for dry, acne-prone, and irritated skin. It helps improve the skin barrier function, reduces transepidermal water loss, and provides both anti-inflammatory and repairing properties. Its unsaponifiable portion, which comprises around 1.5 to 2% of the oil, contains triterpenes, tocopherols, and phytosterols that have been studied for anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal activities. Because of its high unsaturated fatty acid content, the oil is very sensitive to oxidation and can go rancid quickly if not stored correctly. Keeping it away from light, heat, and oxygen is important to protect its shelf life and therapeutic value. Property Detail INCI Name Oenothera Biennis Oil Sourced From Native to Central America; now cultivated across North America and Europe Processed & Packed Processed & Packed in India Function Emollient Absorption Rate Typically fast; may vary slightly between batches Recommended Usage Amount Typically up to 100%; often blended with more stable oils in formulations Heat Stability Generally poor; must be added below 40°C — heat sensitive due to high GLA content Colour Typically yellow to greenish yellow; colour intensity may vary slightly between batches Scent Typical, slightly tart odour Oxidation Stability Generally unstable; antioxidant protection, cool dark storage, and addition during cool-down phase essential Restrictions None Substitution Borage oil Working with Evening Primrose Oil in Your Formulations Evening primrose oil works well in lip care, haircare, anhydrous creams, balms, masks, butters, scrubs, and emulsions. It is also a good fit for anti-ageing products and nourishing salves where barrier repair and skin conditioning are the primary goals. When adding it to emulsions, it should go into the cool-down phase rather than the main heated oil phase to protect its heat-sensitive fatty acids. Quality & Formulation Notes Heat sensitivity is the main thing to plan around with evening primrose oil. It should only be added to formulations once the temperature is below 40°C, and in emulsions it must be added during the cool-down phase. It is also very prone to oxidation, so cool dark storage and antioxidant protection within the formula are both worth factoring in from the start to ensure a reasonable shelf life. Applications Skin Care Formulations: Facial serums, anti-ageing creams, body lotions, balms, dry and sensitive skin formulations Hair Care Formulations: Scalp serums, leave-in conditioning blends, hair masks Cosmetic Formulation: Carrier base for essential oil blends, lotion and cream oil-phase ingredient, soap making in small percentages 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, ideally refrigerated to maintain freshness. Keep the container tightly sealed when not in active use. As an unrefined, cold pressed oil rich in essential fatty acids, Evening Primrose Oil is more prone to oxidation than many other carrier oils. Best before 9 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.Representative Documents: COA Show more