Borage oil
Commonly known as: Borago Officinalis Seed Oil (INCI), Bee-bread, Borage officinalis, Starflower, Burrage, Ox's tongue, Father of sweat.
Botanical name: Borago officinalis L.
Extraction process: First cold pressing of organic borage seeds without solvents or chemical intervention, then refining.
Family: Boraginaceae.
Extracted part of the plant: Seeds.
Cultivation area, origin: Originally from the Middle East, namely Syria, but now widespread throughout Europe.
Blooming: May to August.
Origin, provenance: 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.
Sensory properties: Appearance: Viscous oily liquid; Colour: Light yellow to greenish; Scent: Characteristic of the plant, almost odourless; Feel: Dry.
Physical properties: Quality: 100% pure, refined and natural ingredients; Density: 0.910-0.925g/ cm3; Oxidative potential: Sensitive; Comedogenicity index: 2 (low comedogenic); Saponification index: 185-195mgKOH/ g; pH: N/A; Refractive index: 1.470–1.480; Insoluble in water; Very slightly soluble in ethanol.
Concerns: Regenerative, antioxidant, soothing, softening, nourishing, anti-inflammatory, restructuring, emollient, moisturising.
Effect: 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.
