Borage Oil Refined

INCI: Borago Officinalis Seed Oil 

Borage Oil Refined

Refined borage oil is typically a pale yellow to golden colour, with a light, smooth texture, making it easy to apply and quick to absorb into the skin. The refining process removes much of the natural aroma, resulting in a very mild, almost neutral scent. Borage oil is renowned for its exceptionally high content of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid.

The typical fatty acid profile includes:
•    Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA): ~18-25%
•    Linoleic Acid (Omega-6): ~35-40%
•    Oleic Acid (Omega-9): ~16-20%
•    Palmitic Acid: ~9-12%
•    Stearic Acid: ~2-4%
•    Eicosenoic Acid: ~1-3%
The high GLA content is particularly notable because GLA is a rare and valuable fatty acid.

Borage oil is obtained from the seeds of the borage plant (Borago officinalis), a herbaceous plant native to the Mediterranean region but now widely cultivated in various parts of the world, including the UK. The seeds are harvested from the borage plant after the flowers have bloomed and the seed pods have matured then cold-pressed to extract the oil. This involves mechanically pressing the seeds without the use of heat or chemicals, to preserve the oil’s beneficial compounds, particularly the GLA.

The crude oil undergoes a neutralisation process to remove any free fatty acids and impurities and is then filtered through activated clay or carbon to remove colour pigments and other impurities, resulting in a lighter, more consistent colour. It is then deodorised through a vacuum steam process, removing any strong odours leaving the oil with a neutral scent before being further filtered to ensure purity and clarity, producing a refined oil suitable for cosmetic use.

Borage oil is an excellent moisturiser, especially for dry, sensitive, or mature skin. The oil's rich omega fatty acid content helps to combat the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, promoting a youthful appearance.

Although borage oil is not commonly used as the primary oil in soap making due to its cost, it can be added in small amounts to improve the conditioning properties of the soap, making it gentler and more moisturising. Borage oil can be used in scalp care to reduce dryness and maintain a healthy scalp environment and added to conditioners and hair masks to moisturise and nourish the hair, leaving it soft and shiny.

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