Kerfoot Group, a supplier of natural, organic and essential oils, waxes and butters for the personal care products sector in the UK, insists that borage oil, also known as starflower oil,  continues to gather momentum in new product formulations. As a result, Kerfoot calls borage oil "one to watch" for 2021. The oil has seen surging demand in skin and hair care applications, due to its powerful natural hydration. According to retail intelligence agency Grand View Research, the global borage oil market is projected to surpass a value of $54.9 million by 2024, buoyed by a robust compound annual growth rate of 5.5%. Oil is harvested from the Borage plant, which has a short cycle of less than four months, making the plant an ideal rotation crop, according to Kerfoot.

The ingredient is finding use as a food supplement thanks to its nutritional profile, but its most promising area for growth lies in personal care and cosmetic formulations. Borage oil is known to restore moisture and smoothness to dry and damaged skin by reducing trans-epidermal water loss, according to the company. Its unique range of natural benefits sets it apart from many of its contemporary alternatives, and the Kerfoot Group has predicted that its growth is set to accelerate through 2021 as it finds a strong foothold in new formulations. 

“Our unique birds eye view of the personal care sector helps us stay one step ahead of consumer trends," explained Dora Bert, supplier development manager, Kerfoot Group. "What we are seeing is a real upswing in demand for borage oil, and we expect this to accelerate through the coming year. Our role as a market leader means we always need to stay ahead of consumer demand. We are seeing borage oil making real inroads with the consumer, which should capture the attention of personal care brands of every size."

According to Bert, consumers are putting a close focus on nutritional content. Borage oil shines here, with generous gamma linoleic acid (GLA) content.

"The versatile oil can prove a powerful addition to personal care formulations and is beginning to gather real pace," she said. "It’s a natural hydrator, but it’s also a mild anti-inflammatory that’s kind on sensitive skin. We expect the oil to continue its strong performance through 2021.”

Kerfoot Group operates as a supply partner across the personal care sector, with a portfolio of high-performance natural oils and ingredients. As authenticity becomes ever more crucial to consumers, the business puts a keen focus on quality and provenance. Kerfoot Group backs up its enviable range with the technical expertise and stockholding to support businesses of every size, and product formulations of any complexity. 

“As new product development kicks back into high gear in the personal care products industry, Borage Oil is set to play a more prominent role moving forwards. We’re proud to offer it in our portfolio in 19% and 22% GLA concentrations," explained Bert. "By meeting the consumer demand for performance and authenticity, while also offering the versatility that brands need, Borage Oil is proving one to watch. We are excited to see how its global market penetration continues as we move forwards, and we look forward to supporting personal care brands on this innovation journey.”