Supplement analysis backed by scientific evidence · PT

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Limited evidenceJoints & skin

Blackcurrant Seed Oil

A seed oil supplying gamma-linolenic acid, sold for dry skin and eczema. The best evidence for GLA oils as a class is negative, and the blackcurrant-specific trial found no benefit on its primary outcome.

Evidence last reviewed: August 2026

What the science says

  • Eczema and atopic dermatitis Limited evidence

    A Cochrane systematic review and meta-analysis of oral evening primrose and borage oil, the closest and best-studied GLA sources, concluded they are no more effective than placebo for eczema and recommended against further trials of that design. This is the strongest evidence available on GLA oils for skin.

  • Prevention in infants Limited evidence

    A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial gave blackcurrant seed oil to mothers and infants to prevent atopic dermatitis in newborns. The reduction observed was modest and the trial's findings have not been replicated.

  • Dry skin and inflammation Limited evidence

    No randomized trial supports blackcurrant seed oil for general dry skin or for joint inflammation. Older small studies looked at blood pressure and immune markers rather than skin outcomes.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseThe infant prevention trial used a few hundred milligrams per day of blackcurrant seed oil. Typical label doses are 500–1,000 mg once or twice daily, supplying roughly 15–17% GLA.
SafetyGenerally well tolerated; loose stools, nausea and headache are the main complaints. Like other seed oils, it may modestly increase bleeding risk with anticoagulants. Very high doses of GLA oils have been associated with seizure risk in people taking phenothiazines. Not adequately studied in pregnancy.

Scientific references

Where to buy

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