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botanical

Borage Leaf Extract

Anti-inflammatory botanical extract present in premium body oils with soothing and barrier-support positioning. Should be distinguished from borage seed oil — different active profile.

Benefits
  • Anti-inflammatory via rosmarinic acid and polyphenols
  • Antioxidant activity
  • Skin conditioning and soothing
  • Mild astringent via tannin content
  • Distinct from GLA-rich borage seed oil
Example uses
  • Calming body oils
  • Sensitive-skin serums
  • Multi-botanical face creams
  • Anti-redness toners
  • Soothing body lotions
Mechanism of action
Rosmarinic acid inhibits complement activation and blocks 5-lipoxygenase activity, reducing leukotriene B4 synthesis. Polyphenols contribute ROS scavenging. Rosmarinic acid content variable but mechanism well-characterised.
Clinical evidence · Emerging

In vitro anti-inflammatory studies; some clinical data for rosmarinic acid. Specific RCTs for borage leaf extract as cosmetic active lacking.

Effective concentration range
0.1–2%
Formulation notes
Aqueous or hydroalcoholic extract; rosmarinic acid content varies by extraction. Tannin content may interact with metal ions — avoid iron-containing vessels.
Watchouts
Not to be confused with borage seed oil. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids present in whole plant — reputable suppliers minimise PA content but verification is inconsistent across supply chains.
Controversies & overclaims
Pyrrolizidine alkaloid presence creates theoretical safety question rarely disclosed in cosmetic ingredient communication. Supply chain CoA verification inconsistent.
Market positioning
Positioned as calming botanical. Anti-inflammatory mechanism via rosmarinic acid is real; PA safety question should be resolved at supply chain level.
Comedogenicity

1 / 5

Sensitisation risk

Low

INCI & aliases

Borago Officinalis Leaf Extract

borago officinalis leaf extract · starflower leaf extract

Clean beauty perception

Generally accepted. Botanical soothing narrative straightforward. PA concerns not widely communicated.

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