Description

Borago Officinalis Extract, commonly known as borage extract, is derived from various parts of the Borago officinalis plant, including its leaves, flowers, and stems. This extract is highly valued in the cosmetic and personal care industry for its rich content of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), other essential fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants, making it a beneficial ingredient in various skincare and haircare products.

Chemical Composition and Structure
Borago Officinalis Extract contains a variety of bioactive compounds, including essential fatty acids, vitamins, antioxidants, and polyphenols. These compounds contribute to its beneficial effects on the skin and hair, such as providing hydration, anti-inflammatory properties, and nourishment. The specific composition includes:

Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA): An omega-6 fatty acid known for its anti-inflammatory and skin-nourishing properties.
Linoleic Acid: An essential fatty acid that helps maintain the skin's barrier function.
Oleic Acid: Provides moisturizing benefits.
Vitamins (such as Vitamin E): Offer antioxidant benefits.
Polyphenols and Flavonoids: Provide additional antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Physical Properties
Borago Officinalis Extract typically appears as a light to dark brown liquid with a characteristic mild odor. It is water-soluble, making it easy to incorporate into various water-based formulations.

Cosmetic and Personal Care Applications
Moisturizing: Borago Officinalis Extract has excellent moisturizing properties, helping to maintain skin hydration and prevent dryness.

Anti-Inflammatory: The high GLA content provides strong anti-inflammatory effects, helping to soothe and calm irritated skin.

Skin Barrier Support: The essential fatty acids help to reinforce the skin's barrier function, protecting it from environmental stressors and preventing moisture loss.

Anti-Aging: The antioxidant properties of the vitamins and polyphenols in the extract help to protect the skin from free radical damage, reducing the signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles.

Nourishing: Rich in bioactive compounds, Borago Officinalis Extract nourishes the skin and hair, improving overall health and appearance.

Hair Care: In haircare products, Borago Officinalis Extract helps to condition and protect the hair, improving its texture, manageability, and shine.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

Borago Officinalis Extract is generally considered safe for use in cosmetic and personal care products. It is non-irritating and suitable for all skin types. As a naturally derived ingredient, it poses minimal risk to the environment when sourced and disposed of responsibly. Utilizing Borago Officinalis Extract supports sustainable practices by promoting the use of plant-based ingredients.

Cosmetics - INCI Functions


Skin conditioning agent - Emollient. Emollients have the characteristic of enhancing the skin barrier through a source of exogenous lipids that adhere to the skin, improving barrier properties by filling gaps in intercorneocyte clusters to improve hydration while protecting against inflammation. In practice, they have the ability to create a barrier that prevents transepidermal water loss. Emollients are described as degreasing or refreshing additives that improve the lipid content of the upper layers of the skin by preventing degreasing and drying of the skin. The problem with emollients is that many have a strong lipophilic character and are identified as occlusive ingredients; they are oily and fatty materials that remain on the skin surface and reduce transepidermal water loss. In cosmetics, emollients and moisturisers are often considered synonymous with humectants and occlusives.

Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment as it has the function of restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants that can be added in the formulation.
Synonyms:

CAS: 84012-16-8 EC number 281-661-4