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SkinCited

Borage Oil for Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

C

Contains 2x more GLA than EPO. Some RCTs showed improved skin barrier function and reduced TEWL in atopic dermatitis. Cochrane review findings are mixed for GLA oils overall.

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            C

        

        

            
The Bottom Line

            
            
Contains 2x more GLA than EPO. Some RCTs showed improved skin barrier function and reduced TEWL in atopic dermatitis. Cochrane review findings are mixed for GLA oils overall.

            
            
        

    











    
    

        
        

            

  
Key Statistics





            


    

        
8

        
Studies

    

    

        
500

        
Participants

    

    

        
            
            ↔
            
        
        
Mixed

    

    

        C

        
Grade

    




        


        
        

        
        
        

            

  
Dosage & Usage





            
mg = milligrams · mcg = micrograms (1,000× smaller) · IU = International Units


            
            

                
Commonly Used Dosages

                

                    
                    

                        
general:

                        
500-1,000 mg/day

                    

                    
                    

                        
skinhealth:

                        
1,000-2,000 mg/day (providing 200-500 mg GLA)

                    

                    
                

                
                

                    Upper limit: Not established; generally well-tolerated
                

                
            

            

            

            
            

                Best taken: With meals
            

            
        

        

        
        
        

            

  
Safety & Side Effects





            

                
                

                    
Reported Side Effects

                    
    
                        
                        
  • 
                            ⚠
                            Mild gastrointestinal discomfort
                        
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  • 
                            ⚠
                            Soft stools
                        
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  • 
                            ⚠
                            Possible hepatotoxicity with PA-containing preparations (use PA-free only)
                        
    • 
                        
                    

                

                

                
                

                    
Known Interactions

                    
    
                        
                        
  • 
                            ●
                            Anticoagulants (may have antiplatelet effects)
                        
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                            ●
                            Anticonvulsants (theoretical seizure threshold concern)
                        
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  • 
                            ●
                            Hepatotoxic medications (PA content concern — use PA-free)
                        
    • 
                        
                    

                

                

                
                

                    

                        Tolerable upper intake: Not established; generally well-tolerated
                    

                

                
            

            

                Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.
            

        

        

        
        
        

            

  
Frequently Asked Questions





            




    
    

        
            Does Borage Oil help with Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)?
            
        
        

            Based on 8 studies with 500 participants, there is limited but promising evidence that Borage Oil may support Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) management. Our evidence grade is C (Some Evidence).
        

    

    
    

        
            How much Borage Oil should I take for Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)?
            
        
        

            Studies have used various dosages. A commonly studied range is 500-1,000 mg/day. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.
        

    

    
    

        
            Are there side effects of Borage Oil?
            
        
        

            Reported side effects may include Mild gastrointestinal discomfort, Soft stools, Possible hepatotoxicity with PA-containing preparations (use PA-free only). Most side effects are mild and dose-dependent. Consult your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions.
        

    

    
    

        
            How strong is the evidence for Borage Oil and Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)?
            
        
        

            We rate the evidence as Grade C (Some Evidence). This rating is based on 8 peer-reviewed studies with 500 total participants. The overall direction of effect is mixed.
        

    

    




        

        

        
        
        

            

  
Related Evidence





            

                
                
                

                
            

        

        

    


    
    












    

        FDA Disclaimer:
        These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and information on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The evidence grades presented are based on our analysis of published peer-reviewed research and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.