other · for dry skin
Evening Primrose Oil
Meant to rebuild the skin barrier and supply an anti-inflammatory fat.
Say that in clinical terms
Gamma-linolenic acid restores epidermal barrier function, DGLA conversion provides anti-inflammatory prostaglandins.
How strong is the research?
A Cochrane review of 27 trials in 1,596 people found it did no better than placebo for eczema.
2 papers read, 1 supporting, 1 against.
Who was studied: Studied in people with atopic eczema — a diagnosed skin condition, not ordinary dry skin.
How much to take
daily
240–480 mg
GLA content standardized to 8-10%. Effects visible after 8-12 weeks.
What we make of it
The Cochrane review we cite contradicts the claim, and the UK licence was withdrawn on the same grounds.
The detail
The review found no convincing evidence that evening primrose oil helps eczema — so our own source argues against this rather than for it. The UK medicines regulator withdrew the product licence for eczema in 2002 for the same reason. Most of the underlying trials were also industry-funded.