Best Borage Oil Supplements (2026)

Borage oil is one of nature’s richest sources of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid that supports skin health, joint comfort, and hormonal balance. Derived from the seeds of the Borago officinalis plant (also known as starflower), borage oil contains roughly twice the GLA concentration of evening primrose oil, making it a more efficient source of this essential fatty acid. Here are the best borage oil supplements for skin, joints, and overall wellness.

Quick Comparison

Product	GLA per Serving	Form	Best For	Rating
NOW Foods Borage Oil 1000mg	240mg GLA	Softgels	Best Overall	9.5/10
Vital Nutrients Borage Oil 1000mg	200mg+ GLA	Softgels	Best Premium	9.3/10
Barlean’s Borage Oil	200mg GLA	Softgels	Best for Skin Health	9.2/10
Carlyle Borage Oil 2000mg	320mg GLA	Softgels	Best Value	9.1/10
Designs for Health GLA	240mg GLA	Softgels	Best Practitioner Grade	9.0/10
Horbäach Borage Oil 2000mg	320mg GLA	Softgels	Best High-Dose	8.9/10
BulkSupplements Borage Oil 1000mg	~200mg GLA	Softgels	Best Bulk Supply	8.7/10

1. NOW Foods Borage Oil 1000mg – Best Overall

NOW Foods delivers the gold standard in borage oil with 240mg of GLA per softgel, expeller-pressed and hexane-free.

Each softgel provides 1,000mg of borage seed oil with 240mg of gamma-linolenic acid — one of the highest GLA concentrations per capsule in the category. The oil is expeller-pressed and hexane-free, ensuring no chemical solvents touch the product during extraction. NOW Foods carries NPA A-rated GMP certification and is Non-GMO, Kosher, and made without gluten or soy. The 120-count bottle provides up to a 4-month supply at 1 softgel daily. If you’re interested in other skin-supporting supplements, see our guide to the best skin supplements.

• Pros:
• 240mg GLA per softgel — among the highest available
• Expeller-pressed and hexane-free extraction
• 120-count bottle for up to 4 months of supply

• Cons:
• Bovine gelatin softgels (not vegetarian)
• Large softgels may be difficult for some to swallow

Best for: Anyone wanting a high-GLA, hexane-free borage oil from the most trusted name in natural supplements

2. Vital Nutrients Borage Oil 1000mg – Best Premium

Vital Nutrients offers a practitioner-grade, hypoallergenic borage oil with third-party testing for purity and potency.

Each softgel delivers 1,000mg of borage oil with a high concentration of GLA for skin barrier support, joint comfort, and nerve function. Vital Nutrients is free from artificial fillers, coatings, binders, and colors — a truly clean-label formula. The company conducts third-party independent laboratory testing on both raw ingredients and finished products, giving healthcare practitioners and consumers confidence in what’s in every bottle. Founded 30 years ago by practitioners, Vital Nutrients is trusted worldwide.

• Pros:
• Third-party tested for purity and potency
• Hypoallergenic and non-GMO with no fillers or coatings
• Trusted by healthcare practitioners worldwide

• Cons:
• Premium pricing at 60 softgels per bottle
• Smaller supply than competitors at the same price point

Best for: Health-conscious consumers and practitioners who want clinical-grade quality assurance

3. Barlean’s Borage Oil – Best for Skin Health

Barlean’s cold-pressed formula delivers a balanced fatty acid profile specifically formulated for skin and hair nourishment.

Each 1,000mg softgel contains 360mg linoleic acid, 200mg GLA, and 170mg oleic acid — providing a complete omega-6 fatty acid profile. Barlean’s cold-presses their borage seeds without hexane or other solvents, and every batch is laboratory tested. The GLA content supports prostaglandin production for skin health, immune function, and healthy metabolism. The suggested dose is 2 softgels daily, and the formula is non-GMO and gluten-free. For those also interested in evening primrose oil supplements, borage oil provides roughly twice the GLA per serving.

• Pros:
• Cold-pressed without hexane or solvents
• Complete fatty acid profile (GLA + linoleic + oleic acid)
• Family-owned company focused on quality oils

• Cons:
• 60 softgels at 2/day is only a 30-day supply
• 200mg GLA per softgel is slightly lower than some competitors

Best for: Skin health, dry skin relief, and those who want a balanced fatty acid profile from a specialist oil brand

4. Carlyle Borage Oil 2000mg – Best Value

Carlyle delivers the best per-serving value with 200 softgels and 320mg of GLA per 2-capsule serving.

At 2,000mg of borage oil per 2-softgel serving (with 320mg GLA), Carlyle provides serious potency at a fraction of the cost of premium brands. The 200-count bottle delivers a full 100-day supply. The formula is cold-pressed, hexane-free, non-GMO, and gluten-free. Carlyle has over 40 years in the supplement industry and lab-tests each batch for purity and potency.

• Pros:
• 200 softgels — one of the largest bottles available
• Cold-pressed and hexane-free extraction
• 320mg GLA per serving at an outstanding price

• Cons:
• Gelatin softgels (not vegetarian)
• Contains vegetable glycerin as an excipient

Best for: Long-term supplementation at the lowest cost per serving without sacrificing quality

5. Designs for Health GLA – Best Practitioner Grade

Designs for Health is the most-recommended practitioner supplement brand, and their GLA softgels deliver 240mg per capsule from pure borage seed oil.

Each softgel provides 240mg of GLA from borage seed oil in a non-GMO formula. Designs for Health owns their manufacturing division for optimized quality control, and the brand is the most recommended and personally trusted practitioner supplement brand according to an independent survey of U.S. functional medicine practitioners. Take 1 softgel daily with a meal. The formula is designed to support healthy skin and hormonal balance.

• Pros:
• Most recommended practitioner brand in functional medicine
• In-house manufacturing for complete quality control
• 240mg GLA per single softgel

• Cons:
• 60 softgels per bottle at a premium price
• Less accessible than retail brands (primarily practitioner-sold)

Best for: Those working with functional medicine practitioners who recommend clinical-grade supplements

6. Horbäach Borage Oil 2000mg – Best High-Dose

Horbäach delivers 2,000mg of borage oil per serving with 320mg GLA in a cold-pressed, hexane-free formula.

Each 2-softgel serving packs 2,000mg of borage seed oil with 320mg of GLA, making this one of the highest-dose options available. The formula is cold-pressed, hexane-free, non-GMO, and free of gluten, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives. With 120 softgels per bottle (60 servings), it’s a solid 2-month supply. Horbäach brings over 40 years of supplement expertise to their formulations. For additional joint and inflammation support, check out our best anti-inflammatory supplements guide.

• Pros:
• 320mg GLA per serving — highest dose tier
• Cold-pressed and hexane-free
• 120 softgels provides a 60-day supply

• Cons:
• Large softgels may be challenging to swallow
• Gelatin capsules (not suitable for vegetarians)

Best for: Those who need a higher GLA dose for joint comfort or skin conditions

7. BulkSupplements Borage Oil 1000mg – Best Bulk Supply

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BulkSupplements delivers a straightforward, no-frills 180-count borage oil at one of the lowest costs per softgel.

Each softgel provides 1,000mg of borage oil as a gamma-linolenic acid supplement. BulkSupplements is known for their minimalist approach — pure ingredients without unnecessary additives. The 180-count bottle provides a 6-month supply at 1 softgel daily, making it the longest-lasting option on this list. The formula is gluten-free and tested for quality.

• Pros:
• 180 softgels for up to 6 months of supply
• Minimalist formula with no unnecessary extras
• Outstanding cost per serving for bulk buyers

• Cons:
• Less detailed GLA standardization than premium brands
• Basic packaging and labeling

Best for: Cost-conscious buyers who want the most softgels per dollar for long-term GLA supplementation

How to Choose the Best Borage Oil Supplement

The most important number on a borage oil label is the GLA content per serving, not the total oil amount. Borage oil typically contains 20-24% GLA, so a 1,000mg softgel should provide 200-240mg of GLA. Higher-dose products (2,000mg) deliver 320mg+ of GLA per serving. Choose based on the GLA amount that matches your needs.

Extraction method matters significantly. Cold-pressed and expeller-pressed oils retain more of their natural fatty acid profile than solvent-extracted versions. Always look for hexane-free products, as hexane is a chemical solvent that can leave residues in the oil. PA-free (pyrrolizidine alkaloid-free) is another important certification, as PAs are naturally occurring compounds in borage that can be harmful in large amounts.

Softgels are the standard form for borage oil supplements. They protect the oil from oxidation and make dosing consistent. Store borage oil supplements in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat to maintain potency. Look for GMP-certified manufacturing and third-party testing as quality indicators.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is borage oil and what does it do?

Borage oil is extracted from the seeds of the Borago officinalis plant (starflower). It’s one of the richest natural sources of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid that supports skin health, reduces inflammation, and helps regulate hormonal balance. GLA is a precursor to prostaglandins, which are hormone-like compounds involved in immune and inflammatory responses.

How much borage oil should I take daily?

Most studies use 1,000-2,000mg of borage oil daily, providing 200-320mg of GLA. For skin health, 240mg of GLA daily is a common therapeutic dose. For joint support, higher doses of 300-320mg GLA may be more effective. Start with the lower end and adjust based on your response.

When is the best time to take borage oil?

Take borage oil with a meal that contains some fat, as GLA is a fat-soluble fatty acid and absorbs better with dietary fat. Most people take it with breakfast or dinner. Consistency matters more than timing — take it at the same time each day for best results.

How does borage oil compare to evening primrose oil?

Borage oil contains approximately 20-24% GLA, while evening primrose oil contains about 8-10% GLA. This means borage oil provides roughly twice the GLA per serving, making it a more efficient (and often more cost-effective) source. Both oils serve similar purposes, but you’ll need fewer borage oil capsules to reach the same GLA dose.

Are there any side effects of borage oil?

Borage oil is generally well-tolerated. Possible side effects include mild digestive upset, bloating, or soft stools. People taking blood-thinning medications or NSAIDs should consult a healthcare provider before supplementing, as GLA may affect platelet function. Pregnant women should avoid borage oil unless directed by their provider.

How long does it take for borage oil to work?

Skin benefits typically become noticeable within 4-6 weeks of consistent daily use. Joint comfort improvements may take 6-12 weeks. GLA works gradually by influencing inflammatory pathways, so patience and consistency are key. Some users report improved skin hydration within 2-3 weeks.

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