What Is Borage Oil? | GLA-Rich Seed Oil Explained

Borage oil is a seed oil from the borage plant, prized for its gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) content and often used as a dietary supplement.

Borage oil comes from the seeds of Borago officinalis, an annual herb with star-shaped blue flowers. The oil is extracted for its rich supply of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid that the body can convert into anti-inflammatory compounds. While it appears on labels as a dietary supplement and in some cosmetic products, its actual benefits for specific conditions are still being studied—and the evidence is mixed. Here is what borage oil is, what it contains, and what the science actually says.

What Is In Borage Oil?

Borage oil is primarily valued for its GLA content. GLA is an omega-6 fatty acid that the body uses to produce compounds involved in inflammation regulation. Beyond GLA, borage seed oil also contains linoleic acid, oleic acid, and other fatty acids common in plant oils.

The exact composition varies by product. The NIH’s Dietary Supplement Label Database lists two real examples showing how potency differs between brands:

• A 1,000 mg borage oil softgel providing 160 mg GLA, 280 mg linoleic acid, and 90 mg oleic acid.
• A 1,200 mg borage seed oil softgel providing 240 mg GLA, and labeled as “cold pressed, hexane free and stabilized.”

That difference matters if you are comparing products: 160 mg GLA per 1,000 mg oil is not the same potency as 240 mg per 1,200 mg. Labels are not interchangeable, so always check the supplement facts panel for the actual GLA amount per serving.

How Is Borage Oil Used?

Borage oil is most commonly taken orally as a dietary supplement in softgel form. Labeled directions vary by product. One NIH label example says to take “one (1) softgel daily, preferably with a meal”, while another directs users to take “1 softgel 1 to 2 times per day with meals.”

The oil also appears in topical and cosmetic products, often marketed for skin health. In the U.S., the FDA’s DailyMed database shows borage oil even appears in certain oral OTC drug products, typically combined with vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol), which acts as a stabilizer to keep the oil fresh.

For most people, the oil is well tolerated. Short-term studies on borage oil for atopic dermatitis reported that it was “well tolerated”, though the same review found no long-term tolerability data are available.

What Are The Health Benefits Of Borage Oil?

The evidence behind borage oil’s health effects is mixed. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) notes that GLA-containing oils like borage oil “may have some benefit in relieving rheumatoid arthritis symptoms”, but the research base is limited to only a few studies.

For atopic dermatitis (eczema), the results are more cautious. A review of studies found the research “highly variable”, and one trial summary concluded borage oil is “unlikely to have a major clinical effect” on the condition. In other words, the oil has shown promise in some areas, but it is not a proven treatment for any specific condition.

If you are considering borage oil for a health condition, the honest answer is that the science is not settled. It appears safe in the short term for most people, but it is not a substitute for medical treatment. If you decide to try a supplement, focus on products with a clear GLA amount on the label and follow the dosage directions printed on the bottle.

Borage Oil vs. Evening Primrose Oil: Key Differences

A common mistake is confusing borage oil with evening primrose oil or black currant oil. All three contain GLA, but they come from entirely different plants and have different fatty acid profiles. Evening primrose oil comes from the seeds of Oenothera biennis, a flowering plant native to North America. Borage oil comes from the seeds of Borago officinalis, an herb in the borage family.

These oils are not interchangeable in terms of their full fatty acid composition, even though they share GLA as a key component. If a product is labeled “evening primrose oil,” it does not offer the same profile as borage oil, so pick the one that matches the specific product you intend to buy.

When shopping for a borage oil supplement, check the label for the actual GLA amount and the extraction method. For a tested roundup of quality options, see our borage oil supplement recommendations here. The right product will clearly state its GLA content per serving and follow good manufacturing practices.

The bottom line: borage oil is a legitimate source of GLA with a growing but not conclusive body of research behind it. It is safe for short-term use for most people, but it is not a proven cure for any condition. Read labels carefully, know that potency varies by brand, and treat any health claim with healthy skepticism.