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Borage Oil

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.
Part of the plant extracted: Seeds.
Location: Native to the Near East and more precisely to Syria, but nowadays spread throughout Europe.
Flowering: From May to August.
Provenance, origin: 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.
Sensorial properties: Appearance: Viscous oily liquid; Color: Light yellow to greenish; Odor: Characteristic of the plant, almost odorless; Touch: Dry.
Physical characteristics: 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
Benefits: Regenerating, antioxidant, soothing, softening, nourishing, anti-inflammatory, restructuring, emollient, moisturizing.
Concerns: 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.

Details

Properties

  • 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 ...).

Uses

  • 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).

Preservation

Store in a cool, dark place at a moderate and stable temperature (maximum 15°C), away from air, heat and direct sunlight.

Contra-Indications and Precautions

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.

Find out more

Borage is an annual herbaceous plant that grows on wastelands and rubble in temperate climates. It is recognizable by its blue star-shaped flowers and hairy stem. Originally from the Middle East, it is now widespread in the uncultivated areas of Central and Southern Europe, as well as in North Africa. Its name comes from the Arabic word "abou-rach" which means "father of sweat". In Latin, "borage" comes from "burra" meaning "rough woolen irritating fabric". Its etymology refers to the sudorific/diaphoretic properties of the plant which is used in the formulation of the "four flowers tea", an effective treatment against colds, bronchitis and flu. Rich in omega-6, its oil is well-known in cosmetics for its restructuring, regenerating and emollient properties.