Best Evening Primrose Oil Supplements (2026)

Evening primrose oil (EPO) is a rich source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid that supports hormonal balance, skin health, and inflammatory response. Extracted from the seeds of the Oenothera biennis plant, EPO has been widely used by women for PMS relief, menopausal support, and promoting healthy skin from the inside out. Here are the best evening primrose oil supplements available.

Quick Comparison

Product	Dosage	GLA Content	Best For	Rating
OmniBiotics Organic Evening Primrose Oil 1500mg	1500mg	150mg (10%)	Best Overall	9.5/10
Sports Research Evening Primrose Oil 1300mg	1300mg	130mg (10%)	Best Third-Party Tested	9.3/10
Nutricost Evening Primrose Oil 1300mg	1300mg	~130mg (10%)	Best Value	9.2/10
Vital Nutrients Evening Primrose Oil 1000mg	1000mg	76mg (7.6%)	Best Practitioner-Grade	9.1/10
Zeal Naturals Evening Primrose Oil 1300mg	1300mg	130mg (10%)	Best High-Count Bottle	9.0/10
Sports Research Evening Primrose Oil 500mg Mini-Gels	500mg	50mg (10%)	Best Mini Softgels	8.9/10
Nature’s Truth Evening Primrose Oil 2000mg	2000mg (2 softgels)	180mg GLA	Most Potent	8.8/10

1. OmniBiotics Organic Evening Primrose Oil 1500mg – Best Overall

OmniBiotics delivers the highest single-capsule dose of organic evening primrose oil at a clinical strength 1500mg with 10% GLA.

Each vegan softgel capsule contains 1500mg of cold-pressed organic evening primrose oil providing 150mg of GLA per serving — the highest single-capsule dose in this roundup. The oil is cold-pressed from organic evening primrose seeds to preserve the delicate fatty acid profile. The 120-capsule bottle provides a generous 4-month supply. Vegan, non-GMO, and free from common allergens. The organic certification ensures the seeds were grown without synthetic pesticides, which is particularly important for oil-based supplements where fat-soluble contaminants can concentrate.

• Pros:
• Highest single-capsule potency at 1500mg with 150mg GLA
• Organic, cold-pressed, and vegan-friendly
• 120 capsules for a 4-month supply

• Cons:
• Larger softgel size due to high oil content
• Organic premium reflected in slightly higher price

Best for: Women who want the strongest single-capsule evening primrose oil with organic certification

2. Sports Research Evening Primrose Oil 1300mg – Best Third-Party Tested

Sports Research sets the standard for quality assurance with non-GMO tested, third-party verified evening primrose oil in a one-a-day formula.

Each softgel delivers 1300mg of cold-pressed evening primrose oil with 10% GLA (130mg per capsule). The product is manufactured in cGMP-compliant facilities in the USA and undergoes third-party testing for quality verification. The formula is gluten-free, soy-free, and hexane-free — the hexane-free extraction is notable since many cheaper oils use hexane solvents that can leave residues. The 120-count bottle offers a 4-month supply. Sports Research has been a family-owned supplement company since 1980 with a strong reputation for transparency. For women also looking to support their skin from within, our guide to skin supplements covers additional options.

• Pros:
• Third-party tested and non-GMO verified
• Hexane-free cold-pressed extraction
• Trusted family-owned brand with 40+ year track record

• Cons:
• Contains gelatin (bovine) — not suitable for vegans
• Some users with sensitive stomachs report mild discomfort

Best for: Quality-focused consumers who prioritize third-party testing and clean extraction methods

3. Nutricost Evening Primrose Oil 1300mg – Best Value

Nutricost delivers a straightforward, high-quality evening primrose oil at one of the lowest per-capsule prices in the category.

Each softgel provides 1300mg of cold-pressed evening primrose oil naturally rich in omega-6 fatty acids and GLA. The 120-count bottle provides a 4-month supply at one capsule daily. Nutricost’s philosophy centers on simplicity — pure evening primrose oil in a gelatin softgel with no unnecessary fillers or additives. Non-GMO and gluten-free. The brand is known for consistent quality at accessible price points across their supplement line. Made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients.

• Pros:
• Excellent value — one of the most affordable 1300mg options
• Simple, clean formula with no unnecessary additives
• 120-count bottle lasts a full 4 months

• Cons:
• Not organic or hexane-free certified
• Gelatin softgels are not vegan-friendly

Best for: Budget-conscious shoppers who want a reliable, high-dose evening primrose oil without premium pricing

4. Vital Nutrients Evening Primrose Oil 1000mg – Best Practitioner-Grade

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Vital Nutrients is a practitioner-trusted brand that manufactures evening primrose oil in an NSF-certified facility with rigorous third-party testing of every batch.

Each two-softgel serving delivers 1000mg of cold-pressed evening primrose oil with 76mg of GLA. The 250-softgel bottle provides 125 servings. What sets Vital Nutrients apart is their quality control: the company was founded 30 years ago by healthcare practitioners and maintains NSF certification at their manufacturing facility. Every batch undergoes independent laboratory testing for purity and potency. The formula is free from gluten, dairy, peanut, tree nut, fish, shellfish, sesame, and egg — one of the cleanest allergen profiles available. No artificial fillers, coatings, or binders.

• Pros:
• NSF-certified facility with independent batch testing
• Trusted by healthcare practitioners worldwide for 30+ years
• 250-count bottle with clean allergen profile

• Cons:
• Requires 2 softgels per serving for 1000mg dose
• Higher price point reflects practitioner-grade quality

Best for: Those who want a practitioner-recommended, NSF-certified evening primrose oil with exceptional quality standards

5. Zeal Naturals Evening Primrose Oil 1300mg – Best High-Count Bottle

Zeal Naturals provides 150 softgels per bottle, offering a 5-month supply of premium cold-pressed evening primrose oil.

Each softgel delivers 1300mg of evening primrose oil with 10% GLA (130mg). The standout here is the 150-count bottle, which is 25% more capsules than most competitors in the same price range. The oil is cold-pressed from evening primrose seeds and provides essential omega-6 fatty acids for hormonal balance and skin health. The formula is designed as a natural hormone support supplement for women, targeting PMS symptoms, menstrual comfort, and skin vitality.

• Pros:
• 150 softgels per bottle — one of the largest counts available
• 5-month supply with strong value per serving
• 10% GLA content for effective hormonal support

• Cons:
• Less well-known brand compared to heritage supplement companies
• Limited third-party certification information available

Best for: Long-term EPO users who want to minimize reordering with a high-count bottle at a fair price

6. Sports Research Evening Primrose Oil 500mg Mini-Gels – Best Mini Softgels

These smaller 500mg mini-gels from Sports Research are ideal for anyone who struggles to swallow large oil-filled softgels.

Each mini softgel delivers 500mg of cold-pressed evening primrose oil with the same 10% GLA concentration as the full-size version. The 240-count bottle provides a 4-month supply at two softgels per day (or an 8-month supply at one per day for a lower maintenance dose). Same rigorous quality standards as the full-size version — gluten-free, non-GMO tested, and manufactured in cGMP facilities. The smaller pill size makes a significant difference in daily compliance for women who find standard-size oil capsules difficult to swallow. Women looking for complementary hormonal support may also want to explore dong quai supplements, another traditional herb for women’s health.

• Pros:
• Smaller softgel size — much easier to swallow than 1300mg versions
• 240-count bottle provides exceptional supply
• Flexible dosing — take 1-3 per day based on needs

• Cons:
• Need to take 2-3 softgels to match standard 1300mg dose
• More capsules needed daily increases overall pill burden

Best for: Anyone who has difficulty swallowing large softgels or wants flexible, lower-dose options

7. Nature’s Truth Evening Primrose Oil 2000mg – Most Potent

Nature’s Truth delivers the highest total dose at 2000mg per two-softgel serving with 180mg of GLA and 1300mg of linoleic acid.

This is the most potent evening primrose oil option in the roundup, with each two-softgel serving providing 2000mg of cold-pressed EPO alongside 180mg of GLA and 1300mg of linoleic acid — two important omega-6 fatty acids. The cold-pressed extraction preserves the beneficial nutrients within the oil. Nature’s Truth focuses on meeting wellness needs with products that go above and beyond standard formulations. The formula is non-GMO and gluten-free. Available in quick-release softgels for efficient absorption. For women also seeking broader PCOS support, evening primrose oil can be a useful addition to a comprehensive supplement routine.

• Pros:
• Highest total EPO dose at 2000mg per serving
• Provides both GLA (180mg) and linoleic acid (1300mg)
• Cold-pressed for maximum nutrient preservation

• Cons:
• Requires 2 softgels per serving — up to 6 per day at max dose
• Smaller bottle count runs out faster at recommended dosing

Best for: Women who need a high-dose EPO formula for targeted hormonal or skin health support

How to Choose the Best Evening Primrose Oil Supplement

The most important factor in an evening primrose oil supplement is GLA content. GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) is the active fatty acid responsible for most of EPO’s benefits. Look for products that provide at least 8-10% GLA, which translates to roughly 100-150mg of GLA per 1300mg capsule. Some premium products offer up to 16% GLA for enhanced potency.

Extraction method matters significantly for oil quality. Cold-pressed EPO retains more of the delicate fatty acids compared to heat-extracted or solvent-extracted oils. Hexane-free processing is another quality marker — hexane is a chemical solvent that some manufacturers use to increase oil yield, but residues may remain in the final product.

Standard dosages range from 500mg to 2000mg daily, with most clinical research using 1000-1500mg per day. Softgel capsules are the most common and convenient delivery format. Consider capsule size if swallowing pills is an issue — some brands offer mini-gels at lower per-capsule doses that are much easier to take.

Look for products from reputable manufacturers with third-party testing, GMP certification, and transparent ingredient lists. Organic certification is a plus since fat-soluble contaminants like pesticides can concentrate in oil-based supplements. Non-GMO verification and clean allergen profiles add additional quality assurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is evening primrose oil and what does it do?

Evening primrose oil is extracted from the seeds of the evening primrose plant (Oenothera biennis). It is one of the richest natural sources of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid that the body uses to produce anti-inflammatory compounds called prostaglandins. EPO is commonly used to support hormonal balance, relieve PMS symptoms, promote skin health, and reduce inflammation.

How much evening primrose oil should I take daily?

Most clinical research uses doses of 1000-1500mg per day, though some protocols go up to 3000mg daily for specific conditions. A standard starting dose is 1300mg (one softgel) per day with food. Consult with a healthcare provider for dosing guidance specific to your health goals.

When is the best time to take evening primrose oil?

Take evening primrose oil with a meal that contains some fat, as the GLA and other fatty acids absorb better alongside dietary fats. Many women take it with breakfast or dinner. Consistent daily intake is more important than specific timing.

How long does it take for evening primrose oil to work?

For PMS-related benefits, most women notice improvements within 2-3 menstrual cycles (2-3 months) of consistent daily use. Skin health benefits may be noticeable within 4-6 weeks. Like most nutritional supplements, EPO works gradually through cumulative effects on fatty acid balance in the body.

Can I take evening primrose oil with other supplements?

Evening primrose oil generally combines well with other supplements. It pairs particularly well with fish oil (for a balanced omega-3 to omega-6 ratio), vitamin E (which helps protect the delicate fatty acids from oxidation), and vitex for enhanced hormonal support. Avoid combining with blood-thinning supplements or medications without medical guidance, as GLA has mild anticoagulant properties.

Are there any side effects of evening primrose oil?

EPO is generally well-tolerated when taken with food. The most common side effects are mild digestive issues including bloating, nausea, or soft stools, especially when starting or taking high doses on an empty stomach. Headache is occasionally reported. People with bleeding disorders or those taking blood-thinning medications should use caution, as EPO may have mild blood-thinning effects.

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