Borage Oil
Borage oil is a nutrient-rich plant oil prized in skincare for its exceptionally high levels of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). It helps nourish, soothe and restore the skin’s natural barrier, making it a popular choice in creams, serums and facial oils. Gentle enough for daily use, it leaves skin feeling soft, supple and comfortable.
How it works in skincare
In cosmetics borage oil works as an effective emollient and skin-conditioning agent. Its high GLA content helps reinforce the skin’s lipid barrier, reducing moisture loss while calming visible redness and dryness. The lightweight yet deeply penetrating texture makes it an excellent addition to moisturisers, night oils and hair treatments, delivering essential fatty acids that support a healthy-looking complexion and smooth hair.
Key benefits
- Helps strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier
- Provides intense nourishment for dry or dehydrated skin
- Helps calm the appearance of redness and irritation
- Supports skin softness and elasticity
- Conditions and smooths dry or frizzy hair
- Helps restore comfort to tight, flaky skin
Best for
dry skin, dehydrated skin, sensitive skin, mature skin, irritated skin
Where it comes from
Borage oil is cold-pressed from the seeds of the borage plant (Borago officinalis), a hardy herb with bright blue star-shaped flowers also known as starflower.
Products with Borage Oil
Not every product on UK Lips lists a full ingredient breakdown — so there may be many more formulas that contain Borage Oil than we can show here. These are the comparisons where we’ve confirmed it in the listed ingredients.