Evidence supporting the use of: Borage
For the health condition: Skin Care (general)

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Borage (Borago officinalis) is primarily used in skin care due to its high content of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid thought to play a role in maintaining healthy skin barrier function and reducing inflammation. Scientific studies have investigated borage oil supplementation (both topical and oral) for skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis (eczema) and dry or sensitive skin. Clinical trials have found mixed but generally positive results, with some studies reporting improvements in skin hydration, barrier repair, and reduced inflammation in subjects using borage oil, particularly for mild to moderate atopic dermatitis. For example, a double-blind, placebo-controlled study in children with atopic dermatitis found that regular application of borage oil led to significant improvement in symptoms compared to placebo. However, other studies have yielded less conclusive results, and systematic reviews have noted methodological limitations in many trials. Despite these inconsistencies, borage oil remains popular in skin care products for its emollient and anti-inflammatory properties. Its traditional use is less well-documented than its scientific study, but it is commonly found in herbal and natural remedy literature for promoting skin health. Thus, while more rigorous research is needed to establish its efficacy definitively, there is moderate scientific support for the use of borage in general skin care.

More about Borage
More about Skin Care (general)

Products containing Borage

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.