Definitions and Manufacturing Processes 

1. Definition: Borage oil is a functional vegetable oil extracted from the seeds of Borago officinalis, a plant belonging to the Boraginaceae family. With a γ-linolenic acid (GLA) content of 20%–26%, it is the plant oil with the highest GLA concentration in nature, significantly surpassing that of evening primrose oil (8%–10%). 
2. Appearance: A pale yellow, clear, oily liquid with a slight characteristic odor. 
3. Alternative names: borage oil, starwort oil. 
4. Manufacturing Process 
• Cold-pressed (mainstream): A low‑temperature (below 60°C) physical pressing process that preserves GLA and vitamin E, delivering a natural flavor and making it the preferred choice for premium products. 
• Leaching + Refining: After solvent extraction, the oil undergoes deacidification, decolorization, and deodorization, resulting in a high yield and low cost; however, there is a slight loss of GLA. 
• Molecular distillation: Enables deep refining, removes alkaloids and impurities, and enhances purity and stability. 

Nutritional Information (per 100 g) 

1. Fatty acids (core) 
• Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA, ω-6): 20–26% (a key active ingredient). 
• Linoleic acid (ω-6): 35%–38%. 
• Oleic acid (ω-9): 16%–20%. 
• Alpha-linolenic acid (ω-3): approximately 2%. 
• Saturated fatty acids: approximately 10%. 
2. Other Nutrients 
• Vitamin E: 40–80 mg (powerful antioxidant). 
• Phytosterols, phospholipids, and minerals (zinc, selenium). 

Main Effects 

1. Anti-inflammatory and soothing, improves skin health: GLA is converted into prostaglandin E1, which suppresses inflammation and helps alleviate eczema, dermatitis, and sensitive skin; it also strengthens the skin barrier, provides moisturization and anti-aging benefits, and lightens dark spots. 
2. Regulates blood lipids and protects the cardiovascular system: lowers LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, improves vascular elasticity, and helps manage blood pressure. 
3. Balances hormones and alleviates menstrual and menopausal discomforts: reduces dysmenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), hot flashes, and mood swings. 
4. Antioxidant and anti‑aging: Vitamin E and GLA work synergistically to neutralize free radicals, reduce oxidative damage, and support the health of skin and organs. 
5. Supports immunity and metabolism: modulates immune responses, enhances insulin sensitivity, and promotes metabolic health. 

Application Areas 

• Internal health support: Rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), it helps regulate female hormonal balance, alleviates premenstrual and menopausal discomforts, reduces inflammation and supports cardiovascular health, and improves dry skin and joint discomfort. 
• Makeup & Skincare: As a premium carrier oil, it is used for moisturizing and repairing the skin, soothing sensitivity, reducing inflammation and acne, and restoring the skin barrier. It is commonly found in facial creams, serums, eye creams, and hair care products. 
• Pharmaceutical excipient: Used as a pharmaceutical excipient to help alleviate chronic inflammation, eczema, atopic dermatitis, and metabolic and neurological discomforts. 
• Functional foods: formulated as soft capsules, oral liquids, and other dietary supplements, or incorporated into health foods to enhance their nutritional value.