03/02/2026
Starflower oil (also known as borage oil) is a natural plant oil extracted from the seeds of the starflower plant, hence the name. The oil is known and appreciated for the high concentration of gamma linolenic acid (GLA) which it contains. GLA is an omega 6 fatty acid and supports good health and wellbeing in humans.
Because of this nutritional profile, starflower oil is a commonly-used ingredient in many supplements and health products. You’ll find it in the ingredient list of many supplements that focus on skin health, joint support and hormonal balance.
Starflower oil comes from the seeds of the Borago officinalis plant. Native to Europe, the Borago officinalis plant is a flowering herb with star-shaped blue flowers, from which the name starflower derives.
The starflower seeds are cold pressed to release the oil while maintaining nutritional integrity, including that incredibly rich and abundant GLA. Having such a high concentration of GLA makes it a valuable ingredient for supplement manufacturers like Parkacre working with health and wellbeing brands.
As already outlined, the primary active component in starflower oil is GLA or gamma linolenic acid – a polyunsaturated omega 6 fatty acid that the body converts into prostaglandins. These compounds are involved in regulating inflammation, immune responses and hormone activity within the human body.
Starflower oil does not only contain GLA, but other fatty acids that also enhance its stability and effectiveness as a supplement ingredient.
Starflower oil is associated with a range of potential health benefits, making it a versatile option for many supplement formulations. We have listed the most commonly accepted health benefits of starflower oil below, but research is always ongoing.
Supports Skin Health
Starflower oil contains an abundance of GLA, plays a role in maintaining the skin’s natural barrier function and moisture levels. As a result, many supplements aimed at healthy skin support include starflower oil.
Joint Comfort
GLA is also involved in inflammatory pathways, heavily linking starflower oil with joint health. Starflower oil supplements are frequently used as part of formulations aimed at supporting mobility and everyday comfort.
Hormonal Balance Support
GLA also contributes to the production of hormone-like substances in the body. This has led to starflower oil being used in supplements designed to support hormonal balance, particularly during different life stages like menopause when supplemented GLA can help with hot flashes, night sweats, breast tenderness and mood swings.
Cardiovascular Health
It’s widely accepted that omega fatty acids have a role in supporting heart health. While omega 6 fats are often discussed alongside omega 3s, balanced intake is key. This means starflower oil can form part of a well-rounded fatty acid profile in heart-health supplements.
The most common supplement dosage form you will find containing starflower oil is capsules, generally packages in bottles. In capsules, starflower oil can be combined with other nutrients to enhance its benefits and consumer appeal. It’s also known to have a neutral taste which is ideal for supplement capsules.
Manufacturers developing oil based supplements often choose capsule formats due to their stability and consumer familiarity. You can learn more about this process through our capsule manufacturing services.
As a world-leading supplement manufacturer, we at Parkacre manufacture high quality food supplements using carefully sourced ingredients, including starflower oil. Our expertise covers the full production process, from ingredient handling through to encapsulation and packaging.
Whether you are developing a new supplement or expanding an existing product range, our experienced team can help you bring your formulation to market efficiently and compliantly. If you are considering oil-based supplements, our softgel and encapsulation capabilities support a wide range of formulations.
If you would like to discuss manufacturing food supplements containing starflower oil, please get in touch with Parkacre to speak to our expert team.
