Borage oil

Functions
Antioxidant
Barrier enhancer
Hydrating
Regeneration booster
Skin whitening agent
Skin conditioning
Emollient
CAS Number(s)
225234-12-8
FDA UNII
F8XAG1755S

Borage oil is derivative from the seeds of the Borage (Borago Officinalis). It's the richest (around 24%) known natural source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which has anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic properties and is valuable for treating eczema and atopic dermatitis. Borage Oil is light in color and fragrance.

The body cannot produce Omega-6 lipids; thus, after topical application, they can be used by the skin cells and directly integrated into the ceramides (structural lipids of the epidermis), which are the building blocks of the water barrier, preventing transdermal water loss. Borage Oil (the latter also known as Starflower Oil) is a rich source of Omega-6 lipids, particularly Gamma-Linolenic Acid.

Insignificant levels of GLA are detected in the skin because the epidermis lacks the enzymes necessary to convert linoleic acid into gamma-linolenic acid. Thus, there is a need to provide the body with products containing this ingredient. The topical application of Borage Oil significantly increases the level of GLA in the stratum corneum.

Borage oil controls the activity and degeneration of tyrosinase, an important enzyme involved in the synthesis of melanin in murine melanocytes. As a result, it reduces melanin levels and makes skin brighter.

Borago Officinalis seed oil is used in cosmetics as an emollient, antioxidant, and cell regulator. It is used to promote healthy skin growth and is an anti-inflammatory agent.

Active ingredients (or INCI)

Borago Officinalis Seed Oil
Synonyms
Borage Seed Oil
F.A.Q.

What are the benefits of Borago Officinalis seed oil?

The most critical topical benefits are:

  • Help repair the Natural Moisture Barrier of the skin by maintaining the multiple extracellular sheets of the bilayers in the stratum corneum.
  • Enhance the moisture retention ability (MRA) of the skin from within (non-conclusive moisturization), thus keeping it moist and supple.
  • Induce the proper differentiation of the epidermal cells into normal and effective stratum corneum.
  • It inhibits melanin synthesis and makes skin brighter.

 

Related ingredients

1,2-Hexanediol
1,2-Hexanediol
1,2-Hexanediol is glycol alcohol (with two hydroxy groups on 1 and 2 positions and six carbon atoms), a multifunctional ingredient used as a solvent, emollient, moisturizing agent, and preservative in skin and hair care applications.
Abyssinian Oil
Abyssinian Oil
Abyssinian oil (Crambe oil) achieves a significant improvement on the surface structure as well as the evenness of the skin tone.
Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl ester
Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl ester
This lipopeptide exhibits good stimulating results on elastin production. As a result, Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl ester fights against cutaneous sagging and decreases the visible effects of gravity on the skin.
Acetyl Heptapeptide-9
Acetyl Heptapeptide-9 mimics the TGFβ. Acetyl Heptapeptide-9 effects on fibroblasts, stimulating collagen, elastin, and other components of ECM production.
Acetyl octapeptide-3
Acetyl octapeptide-3
Acetyl Octapeptide-3 is a brilliant, new, deep penetrating, powerful amino-peptide with a fantastic ‘BOTOX® like’ effect.
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5 is a fantastic, super effective, naturally derived tetrapeptide that helps reduce the look of puffy eye bags and dark circles under the eyes and helps prevent them from reappearing.
Acmella Oleracea Extract
Acmella Oleracea Extract
Acmella Oleracea is an exotic plant, also known as Paracress. In the Indian Ocean region, it is called "Mafane". Reduces facial muscle micro-contractions, smoothes and reduces lines and wrinkles.
Adenosine 5 Triphosphate (ATP)
Adenosine 5 Triphosphate (ATP)
Naturally existing in our bodies as part of the molecule adenosine triphosphate (ATP), responsible for transporting energy for numerous cellular and muscular functions in our body
Alanine
Alanine
Alanine is an amino acid permanently produced in the human body. It is included in beauty formulations as an effective skin humectant.
Algae Extract
Algae Extract
Contains micro-nutrients such as iron, manganese, zinc, magnesium, copper.
Alistin®
Alistin®
Alistin® (Decarboxy Carnosine) is a synthetic antiaging pseudodipeptide with high stability and resistance to enzymatic hydrolysis, that cell membranes oxidative stress and dermal fiber from cross-linking.
Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide
Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide
Thanks to the specificity of its inter-glycosidic bonds, Alpha-Glucan is a selective substrate for the nutrition and development of the skin's saprophytic (beneficial) flora to the detriment of undesirable opportunists flora (pathogenic or not) ready to invade the skin at the slightest sign of imbalance.