What it is
Evening Primrose Oil (10% GLA) is a dietary supplement derived from the seeds of the Oenothera biennis plant. It provides gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid crucial for skin barrier function and cellular health.
Supplement · Skin, Hair & Connective Tissue
Evening Primrose Oil (10% GLA)
500 mg · vegan · gluten-free · 90 caps
dull-skinhair-thinningpms skinconnective tissue
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How it works
GLA is converted in the body to prostaglandins, which help regulate inflammation and skin hydration. It supports the skin's natural lipid barrier, potentially improving moisture retention and reducing dryness and irritation. Its hormonal effects may also contribute to PMS symptom relief.
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 for skin?
Visible improvements in skin hydration and texture typically take 8-12 weeks of consistent daily use.
Can EPO help with acne?
EPO's anti-inflammatory properties may offer some benefit for inflammatory acne, but it is not a primary treatment. Consult a dermatologist for severe acne.
Is Evening Primrose Oil safe for long-term use?
At recommended doses, EPO is generally considered safe for long-term use. However, consult your clinician for personalized advice.
Research
6 studies · 2010–2024
Evidence grade
ABCD
C · C · emerging-to-moderate human evidence for skin, hair and connective-tissue health
From the blog
Editorial notes
SacredBod's longer take on Evening Primrose Oil (10% GLA) — context the structured blocks above don't capture.
About Evening Primrose Oil (10% GLA)
Evening Primrose Oil (10% GLA) is a skin, hair & connective tissue supplement used to support skin, hair and connective-tissue health. EPO for skin, PMS and hormones. It is available in capsule 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. Evening Primrose Oil (10% 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
Evening Primrose Oil (10% GLA) carries an evidence grade of C in the SacredBod catalog, reflecting emerging human evidence for skin, hair and connective-tissue health. EPO for skin, PMS and hormones. 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 500 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, Evening Primrose Oil (10% GLA) can be used on its own or layered into a broader protocol — see the Goes with panel for evidence-aligned pairings.
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