Fatty Acid
GLA (Evening Primrose Oil)
Also known as: Evening primrose oil, EPO, Gamma-linolenic acid
Gamma-linolenic acid omega-6 for skin health, PMS, and inflammation. Anti-inflammatory despite being omega-6.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every GLA (Evening Primrose Oil) 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 |
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 GLA (Evening Primrose Oil) should I take?
The typical range is 500-3000 mg EPO daily (providing 40-300mg GLA). Benefits develop over weeks
When should I take GLA (Evening Primrose Oil)?
With meals. Yes.
Which form of GLA (Evening Primrose Oil) is best?
Softgel — Most common. Other forms in the catalog: Oil.
Is GLA (Evening Primrose Oil) safe?
Commonly reported: GI upset, Headache. Serious warnings: May lower seizure threshold. Safe
Which GLA (Evening Primrose Oil) 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
- Skin health
- PMS symptoms
- Inflammation
- Hormone balance
How it works
- GLA converts to anti-inflammatory DGLA
- Supports skin barrier
- May help PMS symptoms
Dosage
- Typical range
- 500-3000 mg EPO daily (providing 40-300mg GLA)
- Timing
- With meals
- With food
- Yes
- Duration
- Benefits develop over weeks
- Special populations
- PMS, eczema, skin concerns
Forms
- Softgel
- Oil
Safety
Common side effects
- GI upset
- Headache
Contraindications
- Seizure disorders
- Before surgery
Products containing GLA (Evening Primrose Oil)
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list GLA (Evening Primrose Oil) on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Evidence notes
Anti-inflammatory omega-6
Grade B: Some human trials support key claims; further confirmation needed.
Related in Fatty Acid
Check a full stack
Formulate's free interaction checker lets you paste in any combination of supplements and medications at once — every pairing flags severity, timing, and cited evidence.
Open the checkerWhere does GLA (Evening Primrose Oil) fit in your stack?
Answer two questions and get a stack graded on research — every ingredient scored on the evidence behind it, not the marketing.
Build my stack2 questions · free · no account needed to start
Also on iPhone — get the free app
Evidence-based supplement guides, no spam
We send a short digest when new guides drop — nothing else. No affiliate pushes, no sponsored content, unsubscribe anytime.
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.