Essential Fatty Acid
Evening Primrose
Also known as: EPO, GLA source, Oenothera biennis oil, Evening Primrose Oil
GLA-rich oil traditionally used for PMS, breast tenderness, and women's health.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every Evening Primrose product we have scored
| # | Product | Score | Per serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nutricost Evening Primrose Oil Softgels | 86 A- | $0.17 |
| 2 | Pure Encapsulations E.P.O. (Evening Primrose Oil) | 84 A- | $0.33 |
| 3 | Natural Factors PS-IQ Memory | 81 A- | $0.60 |
| 4 | NOW Foods Omega 3-6-9 | 67 B | $0.16 |
| 5 | Bluebonnet Nutrition EVENING PRIMROSE OIL 500 mg | 67 B | $0.19 |
| 6 | Bluebonnet Nutrition EVENING PRIMROSE OIL 1300 mg | 67 B | $0.55 |
| 7 | Vital Nutrients Evening Primrose | 67 B | $0.50 |
Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing. Per-serving cost is list price divided by servings per container. No brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Common questions
How much Evening Primrose should I take?
The typical range is 500-3000mg daily (providing 40-300mg GLA). 2-3 months for PMS effects
When should I take Evening Primrose?
Divided doses with meals. Yes, fat-soluble.
Which form of Evening Primrose is best?
Softgels — Standard. Other forms in the catalog: Liquid oil.
Is Evening Primrose safe?
Commonly reported: GI upset, Headache, Soft stools. Serious warnings: May lower seizure threshold, Stop before surgery. Safe
Which Evening Primrose supplement scores highest?
Nutricost Evening Primrose Oil Softgels, at 86/100. Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing — no brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Primary uses
- PMS breast tenderness
- Hormonal skin
- Menopause (mild)
- Hot flashes (mild)
- Skin health
- Breast tenderness
How it works
- Provides GLA (gamma-linolenic acid)
- Precursor to anti-inflammatory prostaglandins
- Traditional for breast tenderness
- Skin and hormone support
Dosage
- Typical range
- 500-3000mg daily (providing 40-300mg GLA)
- Timing
- Divided doses with meals
- With food
- Yes, fat-soluble
- Duration
- 2-3 months for PMS effects
- Special populations
- Women with PMS, cyclic breast tenderness
Forms
- Softgels
- Liquid oil
Safety
Common side effects
- GI upset
- Headache
- Soft stools
Contraindications
- Seizure disorders
- Before surgery (blood thinning)
Products containing Evening Primrose
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Evening Primrose on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Evidence notes
Mixed evidence, may help PMS breast symptoms
Grade C: Mostly observational or small trials; mechanism is plausible but unproven at scale.
Related in Essential Fatty Acid
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Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.