Effect of Borage Oil Supplementation on Skin Health: A Systematic Review of Randomized Control Trials

Subject Areas :

َSamira Movahed ¹ , Hoda Heidarali ² , Behnaz Kamali ³ , Mina Rashidipour ⁴ , Mina Moghadam Zarandi ⁵ , Behnood Abbasi ⁶

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Received: 2024-12-13 Accepted : 2025-02-18 Published : 2025-06-05

Keywords: Borage Oil, Dermatitis, Atopic, Acne Vulgaris, gamma-Linolenic Acid, Skin Care.,

Abstract :

Background: Borage oil, rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), has been widely used for its potential anti-inflammatory and skin-repairing properties. This systematic review aims to evaluate the current evidence on the efficacy of borage oil in improving skin health.

Method: A comprehensive literature review was performed across prominent databases including Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and the Scientific Information Database, extending until February 2025. This review was complemented by searches in the Elsevier and SpringerLink databases. The search strategy was formulated using the terms "Borage" OR "Borage oil", "Borage seed" in combination with "Skin" OR "Dermatitis" OR "Eczema" OR "skin health", along with all relevant components, to explore the articles and databases. Following the screening process, a total of 14 articles were identified.

Result: After screening 628 abstracts, 14 RCTs were identified and met the inclusion criteria. In general, the findings suggested that borage may alleviate itching and improve erythema. It positively affected vesiculation and reduced skin blood flow. Borage may enhance skin hydration, benefiting skin barrier function, crusting, acne severity, and oozing. Improvements were noted in skin roughness, smoothness, and dryness, along with increased hydration and humidity. GLA levels in plasma phospholipids rose, which also showed reduced interleukin-8 and TGF-beta markers.

Conclusion: Borage oil may effectively alleviate skin issues and is recommended as an adjunct therapy for skin disorders.

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