Commonly known as: Borago Officinalis Seed Oil (I.N.C.), Bread of the bees, Borage officinale, Boursette, Stuffing, Tongue of ox, Father of the sweat.
Botanical name: Borago officinalis L.
Extraction process: Cold pressure of the seeds of borage resulting from the organic farming without any intervention of solvent or chemical product, then refining.
Family: Boraginaceae.
Extracted part of the plant: Seeds.
Cultivation area, origin: Native to the Near East and more precisely to Syria, but nowadays spread throughout Europe.
Blooming: From May to August.
Origin, provenance: Europe, Canada, Chile, China, New Zealand.
Phytochemical composition: Polyunsaturated fatty acids (linoleic acid, gamma-linolenic acid), monounsaturated fatty acids (nervonic acid, eicosenoic acid, oleic acid, erucic acid), saturated fatty acids (palmitic acid, stearic acid), phytosterols (campesterol, sitosterol), tocopherols.
Sensory properties: Appearance: Viscous oily liquid; Color: Light yellow to greenish; Odor: Characteristic of the plant, almost odorless; Touch: Dry.
Physical properties: Quality: 100% pure, refined and of natural origin ingredients; Density: 0.910 - 0.925 g/cm3; Oxidative potential: Sensitive; Comedogenicity index: 2 (low comedogenic); Saponification value: 185 - 195 mgKOH/g; pH: Not applicable; Refractive index: 1.470 - 1.480; Insoluble in water; Very slightly soluble in ethanol
Concerns: Regenerating, antioxidant, soothing, softening, nourishing, anti-inflammatory, restructuring, emollient, moisturizing.
Effect: All skin types and particularly mature, dry, sensitive and tired skin; All hair types and particularly dry, dull, damaged, brittle and weakened hair; Indicated for brittle nails and prevention of stretch marks.
Antioxidant: Protect the skin against oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals generated by UV, pollution ... thanks to the presence of anti-radical compounds such as tocopherols and phytosterols ;
Anti-inflammatory, soothing: Reduce the inflammatory reaction and relieve irritated areas, related to its very high level of polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially gamma-linolenic acid;
Hydrating, nourishing: Preserve the effectiveness of the hydrolipidic film of the skin and hair, property conferred by the presence of linoleic acid and oleic acid ;
Regenerating: To activate the renewal of the cells of the skin;
Restructuring: Stimulate the synthesis of substances responsible for the firmness and elasticity of the skin (collagen, elastin ...).
Face care (care oils, face creams, serums, cleansing gels, shaving oils, masks, make-up removers);
Body care (massage oils, hand and foot creams, milks, nail serums, stretch mark prevention lotions, shower creams, after-sun care);
Hair care (shampoos, conditioners, masks, hair balms, creams);
Make-up (lip gloss, nail polish).
Store in a cool, dark place at a moderate and stable temperature (maximum 15°C), away from air, heat and direct sunlight.
No contraindications to the cosmetic use of borage plant oil have been raised. It is non-irritating, whether on the skin or the eyes, and non-sensitizing. Pregnant women and young children might be able to use it.