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Fatty-acid

GLA (Gamma-Linolenic Acid)

An omega-6 essential fatty acid found in evening primrose and borage oils — critical for skin barrier integrity and powerful anti-inflammatory effects in inflamed skin conditions.

Omega-6 Fatty AcidBarrier RepairAnti-InflammatoryEczema Support
⚠ Unknown
Comedogenic Rating
0/5
Irritation Potential
0/5

What is it?

An omega-6 fatty acid from evening primrose and borage oils that converts to anti-inflammatory DGLA — repairing barrier integrity and reducing chronic skin inflammation.

Repairs the skin barrier by replenishing essential fatty acid composition, and reduces chronic skin inflammation via the DGLA anti-inflammatory pathway.

Key Benefits

✦
Barrier Lipid Restoration
Replenishes the essential fatty acid composition of the stratum corneum, improving barrier integrity and reducing TEWL.
◈
Anti-Inflammatory Pathway
Converts to DGLA which produces anti-inflammatory PGE1 — countering the pro-inflammatory pathway that dominates in eczema and atopic dermatitis.
✧
Atopic Dermatitis Relief
Multiple clinical studies show significant symptom reduction in eczema and atopic dermatitis with GLA supplementation and topical application.
◉
Moisture Retention
As a structural component of barrier lipids, GLA improves the skin's capacity to retain moisture.

Suitable for

Eczema and atopic dermatitisBarrier-compromised skinDry and inflamed skinSensitive skin

Main Actions

✓ Barrier repair✓ Anti-inflammatory✓ TEWL reduction✓ Skin condition relief
Source Note

GLA is most concentrated in borage oil (20-25%), evening primrose oil (8-10%), and black currant seed oil. These oils should be stored in dark, cool conditions to prevent oxidation of their polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does GLA (Gamma-Linolenic Acid) do for skin?
Repairs the skin barrier by replenishing essential fatty acid composition, and reduces chronic skin inflammation via the DGLA anti-inflammatory pathway.
Who should use GLA (Gamma-Linolenic Acid)?
GLA (Gamma-Linolenic Acid) is suitable for: Eczema and atopic dermatitis, Barrier-compromised skin, Dry and inflamed skin, Sensitive skin.
Are there any warnings about GLA (Gamma-Linolenic Acid)?
GLA is most concentrated in borage oil (20-25%), evening primrose oil (8-10%), and black currant seed oil. These oils should be stored in dark, cool conditions to prevent oxidation of their polyunsaturated fatty acids.

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