What it is
Borage oil is a dietary supplement derived from the seeds of the Borago officinalis plant, rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid. It is used to support skin hydration, reduce inflammation, and promote hair health.
Supplement · Skin, Hair & Connective Tissue
Borage Oil (High GLA)
1000 mg · vegan · gluten-free · 90 caps
dry-skinhair-thinningskin-breakouts skinconnective tissue
Affiliate link · we earn from qualifying purchases. No paid placements.
How it works
GLA in borage oil is converted in the body to prostaglandins, which have anti-inflammatory properties. This mechanism helps to soothe skin irritation and improve the skin's barrier function, reducing moisture loss. It also influences hair follicle health.
Who should take it
Adults looking to address dull skin, hair thinning, premature ageing. Particularly relevant for people who prefer a targeted single ingredient and who have ruled out an underlying condition that needs medical care first.
Avoid / careful
Pregnant or nursing women without clinician oversight. People on prescription medication affecting the same pathway should consult a doctor before combining. Side effects are uncommon at recommended doses but mild GI upset can occur when starting.
When to take it
Morning
Noon
Evening
Night
How to take it
With food
Empty stomach
Before food
FAQs
Frequently asked
How long does it take to see results?
Visible skin changes and improvements in hydration can typically be observed within 8 to 12 weeks of consistent daily use.
Can borage oil help with acne?
Borage oil's anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce redness and irritation associated with acne, but it is not a primary treatment for severe acne.
Is borage oil the same as evening primrose oil?
Both are sources of GLA, but borage oil generally contains a higher concentration of GLA, potentially offering more potent anti-inflammatory effects for skin concerns.
Research
6 studies · 2010–2024
Evidence grade
ABCD
B · B · emerging-to-moderate human evidence for skin, hair and connective-tissue health
From the blog
Editorial notes
SacredBod's longer take on Borage Oil (High GLA) — context the structured blocks above don't capture.
About Borage Oil (High GLA)
Borage Oil (High GLA) is a skin, hair & connective tissue supplement used to support skin, hair and connective-tissue health. Highest-GLA seed oil for skin and inflammation. It is available in softgel form and dosed for adults in India and internationally. As a western-tradition entry in the SacredBod catalog, it is positioned as a single-ingredient option that can be used on its own or layered into a broader protocol. Borage Oil (High GLA) works through the mechanisms characteristic of its class — see the mechanism and research sections for detail. It primarily acts on the skin, hair, connective tissue, and effects are dose-dependent, typically becoming measurable within 8-12 weeks for visible skin changes. Consistency matters more than dose size for this category.
Evidence
Borage Oil (High GLA) carries an evidence grade of B in the SacredBod catalog, reflecting good-but-limited human evidence for skin, hair and connective-tissue health. Highest-GLA seed oil for skin and inflammation. Benefits are cumulative rather than immediate, typically becoming noticeable within 8-12 weeks for visible skin changes, and individual response varies.
Dosing
A typical dose is 1000 mg, taken with food, usually in the morning. Start at the lower end, assess tolerance, and stay consistent; more is not automatically better.
Cautions
Pregnant or nursing women without clinician oversight. People on prescription medication affecting the same pathway should consult a doctor before combining. Side effects are uncommon at recommended doses but mild GI upset can occur when starting.
Who it’s for
Adults looking to address dull skin, hair thinning, premature ageing. Particularly relevant for people who prefer a targeted single ingredient and who have ruled out an underlying condition that needs medical care first.
As part of the Skin, Hair & Connective Tissue category, Borage Oil (High GLA) can be used on its own or layered into a broader protocol — see the Goes with panel for evidence-aligned pairings.
Added to your stack.