Product Image

Borage Oil

Barlean's
4.5
(157 ratings)
Linoleic Acid 360 mg
Gamma Linolenic Acid 200 mg
Oleic Acid 170 mg
Product Image
Score 88.0

Barlean's Borage Oil is a highly concentrated and cost-effective source of GLA, making it a superior choice for anti-inflammatory, skin, and joint health benefits compared to Evening Primrose Oil.

Quantity: 60 Softgel(s)Servings size: 1 Softgel(s) (60 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
Fitness
Heart Health
Weight Loss
Skin Health
Joint Health

Score 88.0

Barlean's Borage Oil is a highly concentrated and cost-effective source of GLA, making it a superior choice for anti-inflammatory, skin, and joint health benefits compared to Evening Primrose Oil.

Analysis

Barlean's Borage Oil stands out as an excellent source of Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA), boasting a significantly higher concentration (typically 18-24%) of this crucial Omega-6 fatty acid than Evening Primrose Oil. This higher potency means consumers can achieve desired GLA intake with fewer softgels or a more efficient dose, which is often reflected in a better price per milligram of GLA. Nutritionists often recommend Borage Oil when a higher therapeutic dose of GLA is desired for conditions like severe skin issues or inflammatory responses. Online reviews, though fewer than for EPO, are consistently positive, highlighting its effectiveness for skin and joint health, reinforcing Barlean's reputation for quality in the omega oil market.

Pros
  • Significantly higher concentration of Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) compared to Evening Primrose Oil.
  • More cost-effective per milligram of GLA, providing better value.
  • Reputable brand with a focus on quality and purity of oils.
  • Offers a higher number of servings per bottle, ensuring a longer supply.
Cons
  • While generally well-reviewed, it has fewer total reviews compared to Evening Primrose Oil, potentially indicating less market visibility.
  • As an Omega-6 source, maintaining a balanced Omega-3 to Omega-6 intake is crucial for overall health benefits.
Warnings
  • Individuals currently on blood-thinning medications should consult their doctor due to GLA's potential impact on coagulation.
  • Some individuals may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort, such as bloating or soft stools, especially when first starting supplementation.
  • It is advised for individuals with a history of seizure disorders to consult a healthcare professional, as GLA has a theoretical, albeit rare, potential to lower the seizure threshold.
$32.39($0.53 per serving)
Pure Formulas
$ 32.39
iHerb
$ 32.39
Ingredients
IngredientAmount per serving
Calories 10 Calorie(s)
Total Fat 1 Gram(s)
Linoleic Acid 360 mg
Gamma-Linolenic Acid 200 mg
Oleic Acid 170 mg
Gluten Free Adults 18–50
Categories
Gamma Linolenic Acid 90.0
This product excels as a highly concentrated and efficient source of Gamma-Linolenic Acid, providing a potent dose of this key fatty acid, which is crucial for its various health benefits.
Linoleic Acid 75.0
Present in a moderate amount, Linoleic Acid is an essential Omega-6 fatty acid and a precursor for GLA, contributing to the overall essential fatty acid intake while maintaining a good balance with the higher GLA concentration.
Oleic Acid 65.0
Contains a beneficial amount of Oleic Acid, a healthy monounsaturated Omega-9 fatty acid, which contributes positively to the overall fatty acid profile and supports general dietary health.
Goals
Skin Health 90.0
Due to its superior GLA concentration, Borage Oil is highly effective in promoting healthy skin barrier function, reducing inflammation, and alleviating symptoms of conditions like eczema, making it a top choice for skin health support.
Joint Health 80.0
The potent anti-inflammatory properties of concentrated GLA in Borage Oil can significantly help reduce joint pain and stiffness, particularly in inflammatory joint conditions, offering stronger support compared to less concentrated sources.
General Health 75.0
As a highly concentrated source of essential GLA, this product contributes effectively to various cellular functions, prostaglandin synthesis, and overall inflammatory balance, thus promoting enhanced general well-being.
77 Value

Evening Primrose Oil

Barlean's
4.7
(514 ratings)
Although slightly higher in price per serving compared to the original, this Evening Primrose Oil offers a modest increase in Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) concentration (234mg vs 200mg) from a trusted brand. It presents a good balance of enhanced potency and brand reliability for a slightly higher investment, appealing to those who prioritize a modest upgrade within a reputable line.
82 Value

MEGA 3/6/9 Lime Flavor

Nature's Way
4.7
(129 ratings)
This liquid blend provides a diverse array of essential fatty acids from borage oil (containing GLA), flax seed oil, and fish oil, offering comprehensive Omega 3-6-9 support. While its price per serving is higher than the original, the versatility of the liquid format for flexible dosing and the broad spectrum of benefits derived from multiple sources can offer better overall value for daily omega intake, as noted by nutritionists for holistic support.
55 Value

Spirulina Natural Tablets

Earthrise
4.8
(1455 ratings)
While this product contains a minimal amount of Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) (30mg), it offers excellent value as a comprehensive superfood. It provides a wide array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants at a lower cost per serving compared to the original. This makes it a budget-friendly option for general nutritional support, especially for those seeking overall wellness benefits beyond just high-dose GLA.
90 Performance

Mega GLA Sesame Lignans

Life Extension
4.6
(735 ratings)
This Life Extension product delivers a significantly higher concentration of Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) per serving (400mg), which is double the amount in the original Barlean's Borage Oil, making it a more potent option for targeted GLA benefits. The inclusion of sesame lignans may also enhance its efficacy by supporting fatty acid metabolism, a feature often noted by nutritionists and users seeking advanced support.
78 Performance

Evening Primrose Oil

Barlean's
4.7
(519 ratings)
As a direct competitor from the same reputable Barlean's brand, this Evening Primrose Oil offers a slightly higher concentration of Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) (234mg vs 200mg) per serving. This provides a mild potency advantage for those specifically seeking GLA benefits from a trusted and familiar source, often recommended by nutritionists for similar inflammatory and hormonal support.
85 Performance

Omega 3-6-9

Source Naturals
4.6
(294 ratings)
While containing slightly less Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) (180mg) than the original borage oil, this product provides a comprehensive blend of Omega-3 (EPA, DHA, ALA), Omega-6 (Linoleic Acid), and Omega-9 (Oleic Acid) fatty acids. This broader spectrum makes it a better choice for overall essential fatty acid intake, supporting not just skin and joint health, but also heart and brain function, appealing to nutritionists for holistic wellness.
98 Budget

Hemp Oil

Manitoba Harvest
4.7
(1165 ratings)
This hemp oil offers more than double the Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) per serving (420mg vs 200mg) at a substantially lower cost. It also provides a rich profile of other essential Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, making it an incredibly economical and comprehensive choice for essential fatty acid intake. Online reviews frequently praise its broad health benefits and excellent value.
97 Budget

Organic Hemp Oil

Manitoba Harvest
4.7
(1245 ratings)
Similar to its non-organic counterpart, this product provides an exceptional amount of Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) (420mg) along with a rich spectrum of other essential Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, all at a fraction of the cost per serving compared to the original borage oil. It is highly regarded by consumers for its broad nutritional value and organic certification.
65 Budget

Omega Plus

Thorne
4.8
(249 ratings)
While its Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) content (40mg) is significantly lower than the original product, this supplement is cheaper per serving. It offers a combination of a small amount of GLA with beneficial Omega-3s (EPA and DHA), providing diversified fatty acid support at a more budget-friendly price point for general omega intake.
77 Value

Evening Primrose Oil

Barlean's
4.7
(514 ratings)
Although slightly higher in price per serving compared to the original, this Evening Primrose Oil offers a modest increase in Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) concentration (234mg vs 200mg) from a trusted brand. It presents a good balance of enhanced potency and brand reliability for a slightly higher investment, appealing to those who prioritize a modest upgrade within a reputable line.
82 Value

MEGA 3/6/9 Lime Flavor

Nature's Way
4.7
(129 ratings)
This liquid blend provides a diverse array of essential fatty acids from borage oil (containing GLA), flax seed oil, and fish oil, offering comprehensive Omega 3-6-9 support. While its price per serving is higher than the original, the versatility of the liquid format for flexible dosing and the broad spectrum of benefits derived from multiple sources can offer better overall value for daily omega intake, as noted by nutritionists for holistic support.
55 Value

Spirulina Natural Tablets

Earthrise
4.8
(1455 ratings)
While this product contains a minimal amount of Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) (30mg), it offers excellent value as a comprehensive superfood. It provides a wide array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants at a lower cost per serving compared to the original. This makes it a budget-friendly option for general nutritional support, especially for those seeking overall wellness benefits beyond just high-dose GLA.
90 Performance

Mega GLA Sesame Lignans

Life Extension
4.6
(735 ratings)
This Life Extension product delivers a significantly higher concentration of Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) per serving (400mg), which is double the amount in the original Barlean's Borage Oil, making it a more potent option for targeted GLA benefits. The inclusion of sesame lignans may also enhance its efficacy by supporting fatty acid metabolism, a feature often noted by nutritionists and users seeking advanced support.
78 Performance

Evening Primrose Oil

Barlean's
4.7
(519 ratings)
As a direct competitor from the same reputable Barlean's brand, this Evening Primrose Oil offers a slightly higher concentration of Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) (234mg vs 200mg) per serving. This provides a mild potency advantage for those specifically seeking GLA benefits from a trusted and familiar source, often recommended by nutritionists for similar inflammatory and hormonal support.
85 Performance

Omega 3-6-9

Source Naturals
4.6
(294 ratings)
While containing slightly less Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) (180mg) than the original borage oil, this product provides a comprehensive blend of Omega-3 (EPA, DHA, ALA), Omega-6 (Linoleic Acid), and Omega-9 (Oleic Acid) fatty acids. This broader spectrum makes it a better choice for overall essential fatty acid intake, supporting not just skin and joint health, but also heart and brain function, appealing to nutritionists for holistic wellness.