There are many benefits to using evening primrose oil. It's thought to help treat acne and skin problems, help tackle hot flushes, and even address women's health issues like breast pain. You can apply it to the body, hair and face, or take supplements in tablet form, with many suitable options for vegans and vegetarians.
We've put together this buying guide with key information on how to choose evening primrose oil. Then make sure to check out our ranking of the top 9 best evening primrose oil products available to buy online in the UK, including a great selection from trustworthy brands, available to buy from Boots, Asda, Tesco and Amazon!
Quick List - Top Evening Primrose
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Evening primrose oil has many potential benefits. For example, a few studies suggest that it helps ease symptoms of PMS, like depression, irritability and bloating. Some women even find it helps with breast pain and tenderness, which can happen before a period, and it's thought to relieve hot flashes caused by the menopause.
Evening primrose oil can also be used to treat common skin problems. In fact, some trials have found it may be useful in helping to improve acne, eczema and dry skin, as well as skin elasticity and firmness.
It's even suggested that evening primrose oil could be used to treat nerve pain and osteoporosis. Unfortunately, there hasn't yet been enough research carried out to confirm these claims. Therefore, we recommend consulting your doctor, before initiating any treatments or taking food supplements.
There are a few things you should consider before purchasing evening primrose oil, to get the most benefit. Read through our buying guide below, for key information on GLA and added vitamins to help you find the best one!
It's thought that evening primrose oil possesses many health benefits, because it contains linoleic acid and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which are omega-6 fatty acids found in various plant oils. Your body converts GLA to other substances that can combat inflammation and reduce cell growth.
The GLA content varies between different products, so it's important to check how much each supplement or oil contains, as those with more GLA are likely to produce better results. Look out for larger capsules and Efamol Rigel evening primrose oil, as these contain the most GLA.
You may also want to consider trying products that contain starflower. This is another oil with large amounts of omega-6, with GLA making up over one-third of the total composition. Therefore, products with a mix of both oils are likely to contain higher levels of the fatty acid.
You can either buy evening primrose as an oil or a supplement. In this section, we'll talk you through the benefits and uses of each type, to help you decide which one is most suitable for your needs!
Evening primrose can come as a liquid oil, which is best for those looking to treat skin problems like dryness, acne and skin elasticity. Bottle sizes range from 50 - 250 ml, so there's something to suit everyone's needs.
You can apply it directly to the face and body by simply dabbing a few drops onto the affected area. It can also be mixed with other oils like jojoba and lavender to create a face serum. It's an inexpensive, natural alternative to shop-bought cosmetics, and there are various tutorials online to help you out.
Some oils are of food-grade quality, and are therefore suitable for consumption. These can be added to salad as a dressing, or blended with olive oil as a dip for bread, providing a tastier way to consume your daily dose of omega-6.
Alternatively, you can take evening primrose oil as a supplement, either in the form of a capsule or a softgel. These usually have added vitamins, like E and A, both of which help to maintain healthy skin and can treat problems like acne. Vitamin E may also protect cells from oxidative stress, which could lead to problems like diabetes and heart disease.
Capsules and softgels are similar, but capsules have a hard shell that comes in two parts, whereas softgels are, well, soft. If you find yourself put off by the smell or taste of primrose oil, try softgels as they have a superior seal that best masks the oil inside.
Chewable vitamins with added primrose oil are usually better for kids and teenagers, as they have added sweeteners and flavours, giving them a better taste. These supplements also have extra vitamins added, like B vitamins which help the body's cells function.
Vitamin B6 is particularly important for teenagers, as it helps with hormonal balance. Although, they'll typically also contain vitamin C for healthy skin, and vitamin D for strong bones and teeth. These can be helpful for treating deficiencies, or for those who want to improve their overall health.
Most liquid oils will be suitable for vegans and vegetarians, as pure evening primrose is a plant-based product. However, supplements are a different matter, as the capsules and softgels the oil is contained in can be made from gelatine, which is a protein made from animal bones, skin, tendons and ligaments.
Luckily, there are a few options available, that are suitable for vegans and vegetarians. These supplements will typically be marked as such, but if in doubt, it's best to check the ingredients list to make sure it's suitable for you to consume.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Efamol High Strength Pure Evening Primrose Oil | ![]() | Reliable Capsules With 33% More GLA | |
2 | Seven Seas Evening Primrose Oil Plus Starflower Oil | ![]() | Added Starflower Oil for High Levels of GLA | |
3 | Bassetts Evening Primrose Soft and Chewy Multivitamins | ![]() | Perfect for Kids and Teens | |
4 | Naissance Organic Evening Primrose Oil | ![]() | Liven up Your Mealtimes | |
5 | Tesco Evening Primrose Oil | ![]() | Two Month’s Supply for an Inexpensive Price | |
6 | Aroma Labs Store 100% Organic Cold Pressed Evening Primrose Oil | ![]() | Helps Correct Skin Problems | |
7 | ALPHA01 Evening Primrose Oil Softgels | ![]() | Support British Industry and Charity | |
8 | Natures Aid Evening Primrose Oil | ![]() | A Tried and Tested Product | |
9 | Boots Evening Primrose Oil & Starflower Oil | ![]() | Suitable for Vegans and Vegetarians |
These unique supplements have earned our top spot, as the oil in these capsules has been extracted from Rigel evening primrose. The seeds of which have 33% more GLA, giving you the same total amount in each easy-to-swallow 50 mg capsule, as some 1000 mg ones.
These supplements have been used in over 300 clinical human trials, so you know you'll be receiving a safe and trustworthy product. They can even be taken by people with certain dietary intolerances and sensitivities, as they're free from dairy, lactose, yeast and sugar.
These capsules have some of the highest levels of GLA, as they contain both primrose oil and starflower oil. They're particularly good for people looking to treat skin problems, as they have added vitamin E, which helps support skin health and treat conditions like acne. Older adults should consider taking these too, as natural vitamin E levels can decrease with age.
Seven Seas is a trusted brand for supplements, as they've been developing healthcare products since 1935. Overall, these capsules are a top choice, and are very easy to swallow!
Children and teens can reap the benefits of evening primrose oil too, by taking these chewable multivitamins. They contain a whole host of vitamins, including A, B2, B6, B12, C, D and E. Vitamin B6 is especially useful for teenagers, as it helps support hormonal development.
These supplements also contain zinc, which is essential for healthy nails and hair. Plus, they're flavoured with orange and passionfruit, so the kids are sure to love them!
Get your daily dose of omega-6 by drizzling this oil on salad or bread. But that's not its only use, as you can also apply it directly to the body or hair to moisturise and help clear spots.
It's an ethical and organic product, and the company works directly with farmers to make sure all produce is brought at fair-trade prices. Furthermore, this oil is suitable for vegans, as it contains no animal byproducts, and hasn't been tested on them either!
If you're after inexpensive evening primrose oil capsules, look no further! These supplements come with a lower price tag to suit those on a budget. They also have added vitamin E, helping to protect cells from oxidative stress, which may lead to health problems like diabetes and heart disease.
There are 90 serving in each container, so they'll last you for around two months before you need to restock. Plus, they're Tesco's own brand, so you can purchase them together alongside your weekly shop - that's convenient!
Here's a topical oil that makes for a great alternative to supplements for addressing skin concerns. It can be used on all skin types, including dry, mature and sensitive skin. The oil is virgin and cold-pressed, keeping all the natural GLA content intact for the best benefits.
Furthermore, it's organic, meaning that the evening primrose used has been farmed without the use of pesticides, which is better for the environment. Depending on your needs, you can choose between a 50, 100 or 250 ml bottle, to ensure there's enough to last.
These softgels are suitable for certain food allergies and sensitivities, as they're free from gluten and dairy. Better yet, you're supporting local industry, as all ingredients are sourced in the UK, with 10% of profits going towards helping organisations to feed and clothe children in need!
Sad to say, these softgels don't have any added vitamins. Therefore, they're probably better for those who already get enough vitamins and minerals from their diet, or who take additional supplements.
This supplement has undergone testing, and has been manufactured to meet pharmaceutical standards, making it a more trustworthy choice. Plus, you get 33% extra free when you buy these softgels, which is a great price considering you get 120 per pack.
We like that they also contain vitamin E, to help boost the benefits. However, they do have much lower levels of GLA than some alternatives. That said, the small size of the softgels may be beneficial to some, as it makes them easier to swallow.
These supplements contain both starflower and evening primrose oil, which gives them slightly higher levels of GLA than many other supplements. They're free from artificial flavours, preservatives and colours, and are also suitable for both vegans and vegetarians as they don't include gelatine.
They can be taken by anyone over the age of 12, who wants to add more omega-6 into their diet. The only slight drawback is that the shell contains carrageenan, which may trigger IBS and bloating, but is generally safe for consumption.
Evening primrose oil isn't the only supplement with benefits for women's health. From Vitamin D to probiotics, check out our guides to some of the best dietary supplements for improving your wellbeing and overall health!
We hope you've found our article informative, and that it's aided you in your search for an effective evening primrose oil. Remember to check GLA content and added vitamins, to find a product that'll help you get the best benefits!
Author: Rosa Fairfield
No. 1: Efamol|High Strength Pure Evening Primrose Oil
No. 2: Seven Seas|Evening Primrose Oil Plus Starflower Oil
No. 3: Bassetts|Evening Primrose Soft and Chewy Multivitamins
No. 4: Naissance|Organic Evening Primrose Oil
No. 5: Tesco|Evening Primrose Oil
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