What is borage and where does it come from?
Borage comes from a hardy Mediterranean herb which is sometimes perceived as a weed. and the leaves and flowers are extracted or the seeds pressed for oil. Borage is sometimes also called starflower (because the edible flowers on the shrub are star-shaped), bee bread or bugloss.
How is borage made into a skincare ingredient?
The borage leaves are ready to harvest once they turn brown. They're then left to dry fully before cold pressing into an oil which is filtered. Borage oil can be classed as a natural ingredient.
WHAT natural derivatives OF borage ARE THERE IN SKINCARE PRODUCTS?
Borage can be found in natural skincare products as a carrier oil and also as an extract.
WHAT WILL borage DO FOR YOUR SKIN?
Borage is a mineral rich oil and contains gamma-linoleic acid (making it ideal for use in baby massage), linoleic acid (omega 6), oleic acid (omega 9), potassium and calcium. It has anti-irritant, anti-inflammatory properties, keeps skin hydrated as well as helping to nourish and heal the skin.
WHAT SKIN TYPES IS borage SUITABLE FOR?
Borage is a great all-round natural skincare ingredient that helps to keep your skin well maintained and balanced. Because of its calming and nourishing properties, borage is good for sensitive skin types or for use after skin has had a reaction as well as eczema or dermatitis prone skin.
WHAT TYPE OF BEAUTY PRODUCTS WILL YOU FIND borage IN?
You'll find borage in natural skincare products that are designed to hydrate or help the skin retain moisture like face oils, baby massage oils and even hand sanitisers.
WHAT IS THE INCI NAME FOR borage?
Borago officinalis
Shop natural skincare products with borage
Sources & disclaimer
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Winter, Ruth. A Consumer's Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients, 7th Edition. Potter/Ten Speed/Harmony/Rodale.
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Milady Skincare and Cosmetic Ingredients Dictionary 4th Edition; M. Varinia Michalun, Joseph C. Dinardo
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An Atlas of Natural Beauty: Botanical ingredients for retaining and enhancing beauty L'Officine Universelle Buly
Whilst we hope the pages are informative it’s important to remember we’re organic beauty enthusiasts not scientists so the information is detailed here to the best of our knowledge or research we have conducted from third parties. Whilst we are continually updating our content based on new research, it may not always be up to date and as such it is the readers’ responsibility to conduct their own research in order to independently verify the information and make an informed decision on their beauty regime/lifestyle. Any opinion expressed on the efficacy of a product is based on tests performed by our team. As everyone has different skin types and concerns, please be advised that what works for them might not work for you but we try to give as much subjective information as possible which we hope you will find useful. If in any doubt, please consult a medical professional.