Borage oil (Borago officinalis), also known as starflower oil, is a quietly powerful ingredient with a big skincare reputation. Naturally rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) – an essential fatty acid – borage oil is celebrated for its ability to soothe, strengthen and calm sensitive skin.
Here at Neve’s Bees, it’s one of our favourite ingredients to use in formulas designed to support skin through life’s ups and downs… gently, naturally and effectively.
Quick facts
Botanical name: Borago officinalis
Texture: Lightweight, silky, easily absorbed
Best for: Sensitive, dry or hormonally challenged skin
Key benefits: Calms irritation, supports barrier function, improves suppleness
Used in:
- Facial Serums like Happy Glow Lucky Daily Serum – borage oil helps nourish and calm skin in this serum formula
- Hand Salves & Moisturising Balms across the range
Borage Oil & the bees
Borage is famously loved by bees. Its vivid blue, star-shaped blooms are full of nectar, and the plant flowers over a long season: sometimes right through into late autumn. Bumblebees, in particular, can often be found buzzing happily from flower to flower. Planting borage is one of the best things you can do for pollinators in your garden. And the bees return the favour by pollinating the flowers and ensuring the plant’s survival.
This mutual friendship between bees and borage mirrors what the oil does for skin, a supportive, soothing partnership.
Origins
Native to the Mediterranean, borage has been cultivated since Roman times, valued for both its culinary and medicinal uses. The leaves were once steeped in wine as a tonic to boost courage: hence its old nickname, the “herb of gladness.” Today, the seeds are pressed for their oil, which has become a go-to for sensitive or eczema-prone skin.
How it's made
Borage oil is extracted by cold-pressing the tiny black seeds of the borage plant. This process preserves the oil’s delicate fatty acids, especially GLA, which is what makes borage so special in skincare.
Skin benefits of Borage Oil
- Soothes irritation: Its high GLA content calms inflammation and redness.
- Supports eczema-prone skin: Regular use can help reduce dryness and itchiness.
- Strengthens the skin barrier: Helps prevent water loss and maintain hydration.
- Restores suppleness: Ideal for mature or sensitive complexions.
Well-being benefits
Historically, borage was said to give courage to those who drank it. While we may not reach for it before battle today, the plant’s cheerful blue flowers and history as a tonic remind us of the strong link between plants and emotional wellbeing.
The experience
Borage oil is pale and lightweight, with a mild herbal scent. It absorbs easily, leaving skin feeling nourished but never greasy.
Why we use Borage Oil in our skincare
We turn to borage when we want to bring comfort to sensitive skin. For us, it’s like a hug in oil form, protective, soothing, and quietly powerful. Its close relationship with bees makes it an even more natural choice for Neve’s Bees.
Sustainability and sourcing
Borage grows easily in UK fields and gardens, requiring little intervention and supporting pollinators in abundance. Our suppliers use sustainable farming and careful pressing to ensure the oil is pure and effective.
Fun fact
In medieval times, knights would sip wine infused with borage flowers before going into battle, believing it gave them bravery and lifted the heart, today its flowers are sometimes added to the summer drink, Pimms
Used in
- Neve’s Bees Nourishing Facial Oils
- Neve’s Bees Moisturising Serums
Final thoughts
Borage oil is one of nature’s most generous gifts to sensitive skin. It comforts, restores, and protects, while its blue star-flowers light up the garden for bees. A true example of how beauty, resilience and biodiversity go hand in hand.
Julie Macken
After graduating with a Chemistry Degree and subsequent MBA, Julie spent 25 years 'in corporate life' working in Sales and Marketing for companies including Unilever and GSK. Her 'aha moment' came whilst running a marketing workshop in Brazil persuading South Americans to eat plastic-packed frozen chips instead of fresh potato.
Realising there were more fulfilling ways to utilise her skills, Julie founded Neve's Bees a family skincare business – creating a unique range of waterless skincare, using only natural and sustainable ingredients blended with Oxfordshire beeswax, promoting healthy skin and a healthy eco-system. Following a lifelong passion, Julie is also studying part time for a degree in Traditional Herbal Medicine.
Julie lives in Rural Oxfordshire with her husband, 2 children, 3 cats, 4 hens, 5 beehives, 6-acre wildflower meadow…and Bella the Dog.
