Evening primrose oil

Evening primrose oil (CAS 308064-97-3), also known as Oenotherae biennis oleum and commonly abbreviated as EPO, is a cold-pressed seed oil valued across food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical supply chains. It is prized for its high gamma-linolenic acid content.

It functions as a bioactive lipid ingredient and skin-conditioning agent, sourced primarily for its fatty acid profile rather than as a neutral carrier oil. In nutraceutical and dietary supplement manufacturing, EPO is encapsulated in softgels.

This GLA-rich omega-6 supplement targets hormonal and skin health formulations. Personal care formulators incorporate it into facial serums, creams, and hair treatments where it supports moisture retention and skin barrier function.

Pharmaceutical-grade EPO is used in standardized oral dosage forms requiring documented GLA content and traceability. Food-grade material is also used in functional food enrichment, particularly in products positioned around essential fatty acid supplementation.

Evening primrose seed oil is supplied as a clear to pale yellow liquid, typically in bulk drums or IBCs for industrial buyers. Standard grades include food-grade, cosmetic-grade, and pharmaceutical-grade (BP/Ph. Eur. compliant).

Specifications often define minimum GLA content, which is commonly 8–10%. Refined and cold-pressed variants are both commercially available, with cold-pressed preferred in premium cosmetic and nutraceutical applications.