Best Blackcurrant Seed Oil Supplement UK 2026 — 5 Top Brands
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By Chris Jones
Last Updated: March 2026 | Written by Chris Jones | Social Media Manager at Nutrivity (7+ years in the UK supplement industry)
Blackcurrant seed oil is one of the richest natural sources of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid that the body cannot produce on its own. Valued for centuries in traditional wellness, blackcurrant seed oil supplements have gained popularity among people looking for a plant-based source of essential fatty acids to support skin health, hormonal balance, and general wellbeing — without relying on fish oil.
After spending over seven years working in the UK supplement industry at Nutrivity, I’ve compared five of the most popular blackcurrant seed oil supplements available in the UK. This guide covers oil strength, GLA content where stated, pricing, dietary suitability, and what differentiates each product. Full transparency — Nutrivity is one of the brands included, and it’s the company I work for. I’ve been honest about where competitors have genuine advantages.
What to Look for in a Blackcurrant Seed Oil Supplement
GLA Content
The primary reason people take blackcurrant seed oil is for its GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) content. GLA is an omega-6 fatty acid involved in numerous bodily processes, and blackcurrant seed oil is one of the few plant sources that provides it in meaningful amounts. Blackcurrant seed oil typically contains 15–20% GLA, meaning a 500mg capsule could provide approximately 75–100mg of GLA, while a 1000mg capsule could provide 105–140mg. Some brands specify the exact GLA content per capsule, which is helpful for comparison. Others list only the total oil amount — in these cases, the GLA content will vary depending on the quality and processing of the oil.
Oil Quality and Extraction
Cold-pressed blackcurrant seed oil retains more of its natural fatty acid profile and beneficial compounds than heat-processed alternatives. Hexane-free extraction is another quality marker — hexane is a chemical solvent sometimes used in oil extraction, and products labelled as hexane-free have been processed without it. Look for cold-pressed, hexane-free products where possible, as these indicators suggest a higher-quality oil.
Strength Per Capsule
Blackcurrant seed oil capsules in the UK range from 500mg to 1500mg per softgel. Higher-strength capsules reduce the number you need to take daily, which is more convenient for long-term use. However, a 1000mg capsule is not necessarily “better” than a 500mg capsule — it simply contains more oil. If a product specifies its GLA percentage, you can calculate the actual GLA intake regardless of capsule size.
Additional Ingredients
Some blackcurrant seed oil capsules include added vitamin E (tocopherol), which serves as a natural antioxidant to prevent the oil from oxidising inside the capsule and extends shelf life. This is a practical benefit for oil-based supplements, as unsaturated fatty acids like GLA are prone to oxidation. Products without added vitamin E may have a shorter effective shelf life once opened.
Capsule Shell and Dietary Suitability
Most blackcurrant seed oil softgels use gelatin capsule shells, which are not suitable for vegetarians or vegans. If you follow a plant-based diet, check whether the product uses a vegetable-based capsule shell. For halal diets, verify whether the gelatin is sourced from halal-certified bovine or from porcine sources.
The 5 Best Blackcurrant Seed Oil Supplements in the UK — Compared
| Feature | Nutrivity | Horbaach | Pure Encapsulations | Bodygenix | NOW Foods |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oil per capsule | 500mg | 1000mg | 500mg | 500mg | 500mg |
| GLA content per capsule | Not specified (naturally occurring) | 105mg (specified) | Not specified | Not specified | 70mg (specified) |
| Added vitamin E | Yes (10mg D-Alpha Tocopherol) | No | No | No | No |
| Pack size (largest) | 120 softgels | 90 softgels | 100 softgels | 60 softgels | 100 softgels |
| Supply duration | 4 months | 3 months | 100 days | 2 months | 100 days |
| Approx. price | £16.99 | £13.99 | £34.99 | £7.99 | £14.99 |
| Cost per day | ~14.2p | ~15.5p | ~35.0p | ~13.3p | ~15.0p |
| Extraction method | Cold-pressed | Cold-pressed | Not specified | Not specified | Expeller-pressed, hexane-free |
| Capsule shell | Gelatin (halal bovine) | Gelatin | Gelatin | Gelatin | Gelatin |
| Vegan | No | No | No | No | No |
| Halal suitable | Yes (halal-sourced bovine gelatin) | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
| UK manufactured | Yes (GMP) | UK | USA | UK | USA (GMP) |
| Available on Amazon UK | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (import) |
Prices are approximate and based on the most commonly available pack at the time of writing. Nutrivity also offers 30 softgels (£7.99) and 60 softgels (£9.99).
Individual Product Reviews
1. Nutrivity Blackcurrant Seed Oil 500mg Softgels
Best for: Halal suitability, added vitamin E for stability, UK manufactured, flexible pack sizes
Nutrivity’s blackcurrant seed oil softgels contain 500mg of cold-pressed blackcurrant seed oil with added natural vitamin E (10mg D-Alpha Tocopherol) per capsule. The vitamin E serves a dual purpose — it acts as a natural antioxidant to protect the oil from oxidation within the capsule, and provides an additional nutritional benefit.
At approximately 14.2p per day for the 120-capsule pack, Nutrivity offers competitive long-term value. The halal-sourced bovine gelatin capsule shell makes it the only product in this comparison with confirmed halal suitability. Three pack sizes (30, 60, and 120) allow buyers to trial before committing to a larger quantity.
The main limitation is that the GLA content per capsule is not specified on the label. While cold-pressed blackcurrant seed oil naturally contains GLA (typically 15–20% of the oil), buyers comparing products will notice that Horbaach and NOW Foods state their exact GLA figures. The product is UK manufactured to GMP standards.
Strengths: Added natural vitamin E for oil stability and nutritional benefit, halal suitable (confirmed halal bovine gelatin), cold-pressed oil, UK manufactured to GMP standards, competitive daily cost (14.2p), three pack sizes for flexibility, free UK delivery.
Weaknesses: GLA content not specified on label. Not suitable for vegetarians or vegans (gelatin shell). Lower strength per capsule (500mg) than some competitors. Smaller brand with fewer reviews than established supplement names.
Best price: nutrivity.co.uk (free UK delivery)
2. Horbaach Blackcurrant Seed Oil 1000mg
Best for: Highest strength per capsule, specified GLA content, established brand
Horbaach’s 1000mg blackcurrant seed oil softgels deliver double the oil content per capsule compared to 500mg products, with a clearly stated 105mg of GLA per capsule. This transparency on GLA content is a significant advantage — it allows buyers to know exactly how much of the key active fatty acid they’re getting per serving.
The 90-softgel pack provides a 3-month supply at one capsule daily. At approximately 15.5p per day, it’s similarly priced to Nutrivity on a daily cost basis, but delivers twice the oil per capsule. The product is manufactured in the UK and is cold-pressed.
The drawback is the larger capsule size — 1000mg softgels are physically bigger and may be harder to swallow for some people. The product uses gelatin with no confirmed halal sourcing, and no added vitamin E for oxidation protection.
Strengths: Highest oil strength per capsule (1000mg), clearly stated GLA content (105mg), cold-pressed, UK manufactured, 3-month supply, competitive daily cost, resealable pouch packaging.
Weaknesses: Larger capsule may be harder to swallow. No confirmed halal sourcing for gelatin. Not suitable for vegans. No added vitamin E. Only one pack size available.
Best price: Amazon.co.uk
3. Pure Encapsulations Blackcurrant Seed Oil 500mg
Best for: Premium hypoallergenic formula, healthcare practitioner recommended
Pure Encapsulations is a US-based brand widely recommended by healthcare practitioners, particularly for people with allergies or sensitivities. Their blackcurrant seed oil is free from artificial additives, common allergens, and unnecessary fillers — a “clean label” approach that appeals to health-conscious buyers.
At approximately 35p per day, it is by far the most expensive product in this comparison. The 100-softgel pack provides a 100-day supply. The premium pricing reflects the brand’s reputation, manufacturing standards, and practitioner endorsement rather than a fundamentally different oil quality. GLA content is not specified per capsule.
Strengths: Hypoallergenic formula free from common allergens and additives, widely recommended by healthcare practitioners, strong brand reputation for quality and purity, 100-day supply, third-party tested for potency.
Weaknesses: Most expensive per day in this comparison (35p), manufactured in the USA, GLA content not specified, gelatin capsule with no confirmed halal sourcing, no added vitamin E, only available through specialist retailers and Amazon.
Best price: Amazon.co.uk or specialist supplement retailers
4. Bodygenix Blackcurrant Seed Oil 500mg
Best for: Budget-friendly option, UK manufactured
Bodygenix offers the lowest daily cost in this comparison at approximately 13.3p per day for the 60-softgel pack. The product contains 500mg of blackcurrant seed oil in a gelatin softgel and is manufactured in the UK.
The formulation is straightforward — blackcurrant seed oil, gelatin, glycerin, and purified water, with no additional ingredients. This simplicity appeals to buyers who want a basic supplement without extras. Customer reviews on Amazon are growing, with users reporting improvements in skin and joint comfort.
GLA content is not specified, there is no added vitamin E, and halal suitability of the gelatin is not confirmed. The 60-capsule pack provides only a 2-month supply, meaning more frequent reordering compared to larger packs.
Strengths: Cheapest daily cost in this comparison (13.3p), UK manufactured, simple formulation, established Amazon seller.
Weaknesses: GLA content not specified. Only 2-month supply per pack. No confirmed halal sourcing. Not vegan. No added vitamin E. Limited product information compared to premium brands.
Best price: Amazon.co.uk
5. NOW Foods Black Currant Oil 500mg
Best for: Specified GLA content, hexane-free extraction, established global brand
NOW Foods is one of the most established supplement brands globally, with over 50 years of manufacturing experience. Their blackcurrant seed oil capsule provides 500mg of oil with a clearly stated 70mg of GLA per capsule (14% GLA content). The oil is expeller-pressed and hexane-free — meaning no chemical solvents are used in the extraction process.
At approximately 15p per day, it’s competitively priced for a brand with this level of recognition. The 100-softgel pack provides over 3 months of supply. NOW Foods holds NPA A-rated GMP certification, and their products undergo comprehensive in-house testing.
The product is manufactured in the USA and imported to the UK, which may mean slightly longer delivery times and potential stock variability. The GLA content (70mg) is lower than Horbaach’s 1000mg capsule (105mg), though this is expected given the smaller 500mg dose.
Strengths: Specified GLA content (70mg per capsule), expeller-pressed and hexane-free, over 50 years of manufacturing heritage, NPA A-rated GMP certified, soy-free, non-GMO, kosher, 100-day supply.
Weaknesses: Manufactured in the USA (imported), gelatin capsule with no confirmed halal sourcing, not vegan, no added vitamin E, may have variable UK stock availability.
Best price: Amazon.co.uk or specialist supplement retailers
Which Blackcurrant Seed Oil Supplement Should You Buy?
The right choice depends on your priorities:
If you want the highest GLA per capsule — Horbaach at 1000mg with 105mg specified GLA delivers the most in a single capsule. NOW Foods provides 70mg GLA per 500mg capsule, making it a good option at a smaller dose.
If you follow a halal diet — Nutrivity is the only product in this comparison with confirmed halal-sourced bovine gelatin. All other brands either don’t specify or don’t confirm their gelatin source.
If you want a clean, hypoallergenic formula — Pure Encapsulations is the premium choice for those with allergies or sensitivities, though you’ll pay significantly more per day for that assurance.
If you want the lowest daily cost — Bodygenix at 13.3p per day is the cheapest option, followed closely by Nutrivity at 14.2p. Both are UK manufactured at 500mg per capsule.
If you want hexane-free extraction with a specified GLA figure — NOW Foods combines transparent GLA labelling with a guaranteed hexane-free extraction process, backed by over 50 years of manufacturing expertise.
If you want oil stability and added nutritional value — Nutrivity is the only product that includes natural vitamin E (D-Alpha Tocopherol), which helps prevent the oil from oxidising and provides an additional antioxidant benefit.
Value Breakdown: Annual Cost Comparison
| Brand | Packs needed for 12 months | Annual cost | Daily cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bodygenix (60) | 6 packs | ~£47.94 | ~13.3p |
| Nutrivity (120) | 3 packs | ~£50.97 | ~14.2p |
| NOW Foods (100) | 3.65 packs | ~£54.71 | ~15.0p |
| Horbaach (90) | 4 packs | ~£55.96 | ~15.5p |
| Pure Encapsulations (100) | 3.65 packs | ~£127.71 | ~35.0p |
The annual cost range is relatively narrow for most products (approximately £48–£56), with Pure Encapsulations being the clear outlier at nearly £128. The key differentiators at similar price points are GLA transparency, extraction method, added ingredients, and dietary suitability rather than cost alone.
Our Methodology
This comparison was created by Chris Jones, Social Media Manager at Nutrivity with over seven years of experience in the UK supplement industry. Products were evaluated based on publicly available information including oil strength, GLA content, extraction method, pricing, dietary suitability, and customer reviews.
In the interest of transparency: Nutrivity is included as one of the five products reviewed. We have made every effort to present competitor products fairly, including acknowledging that Horbaach and NOW Foods provide specified GLA content per capsule — a transparency that Nutrivity does not currently offer. We have also highlighted Pure Encapsulations’ hypoallergenic credentials and NOW Foods’ hexane-free extraction as genuine quality differentiators. Pricing information was gathered in March 2026 and may have changed since publication.
This article provides general information about blackcurrant seed oil supplements. It is not medical advice. These are food supplements and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, particularly if you take prescribed medication (especially blood thinners), are pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is blackcurrant seed oil used for?
Blackcurrant seed oil is primarily valued as a plant-based source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 essential fatty acid. It is commonly taken as a supplement to support skin health, hormonal balance, and general wellbeing. Unlike many omega-6 sources, blackcurrant seed oil also contains omega-3 fatty acids (alpha-linolenic acid), giving it a more balanced fatty acid profile. It is often chosen as an alternative to evening primrose oil or fish oil by people looking for a plant-derived essential fatty acid supplement.
What is the difference between blackcurrant seed oil and evening primrose oil?
Both are plant-based sources of GLA, but blackcurrant seed oil typically contains a higher proportion of GLA (15–20%) compared to evening primrose oil (8–10%). Blackcurrant seed oil also contains alpha-linolenic acid (an omega-3 fatty acid), which evening primrose oil does not. This gives blackcurrant seed oil a broader essential fatty acid profile. Some people prefer blackcurrant seed oil for this reason, though both are widely used for similar purposes.
How much GLA should I look for in a blackcurrant seed oil capsule?
Most blackcurrant seed oil capsules provide between 70mg and 140mg of GLA per serving, depending on the oil quantity and quality. Products that specify their GLA content on the label allow for easier comparison. If the GLA content is not stated, a 500mg capsule of quality cold-pressed blackcurrant seed oil would typically provide approximately 75–100mg of GLA based on the natural GLA content of the oil (15–20%).
Is blackcurrant seed oil suitable for halal diets?
The oil itself is always halal as it is entirely plant-derived. The concern is the capsule shell — most blackcurrant seed oil softgels use gelatin, which can be sourced from either bovine (cow) or porcine (pig) sources. Nutrivity uses halal-sourced bovine gelatin, making it suitable for halal diets. For other brands, check with the manufacturer about their gelatin source if this matters to you.
Is blackcurrant seed oil suitable for vegans?
Most blackcurrant seed oil softgels are not vegan due to the gelatin capsule shell. None of the five products in this comparison use a plant-based capsule shell. If you follow a vegan diet, you may need to look for liquid blackcurrant seed oil instead, or search specifically for products using vegetable-based softgel shells, though these are currently rare in the UK market.
Can I take blackcurrant seed oil with other supplements?
Blackcurrant seed oil is generally well tolerated alongside other supplements. However, because it contains fatty acids that may have mild blood-thinning properties, you should consult your GP before combining it with blood-thinning medications (such as warfarin) or other supplements with similar effects (such as high-dose fish oil or vitamin E). If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking any prescribed medication, consult a healthcare professional before use.
How long does blackcurrant seed oil take to work?
As with most essential fatty acid supplements, consistent daily use over several weeks is typically needed before any effects are noticed. Most users report changes in skin quality or comfort after 4–8 weeks of daily use. It is not a fast-acting supplement and should be taken as part of an ongoing dietary routine rather than as a short-term remedy.
What does "cold-pressed" mean for blackcurrant seed oil?
Cold-pressed means the oil has been extracted from the seeds using mechanical pressure without the application of heat. This is important because heat can damage delicate fatty acids like GLA and reduce the nutritional value of the oil. Cold-pressed oils retain more of their natural fatty acid profile, antioxidants, and beneficial compounds. Products labelled as “hexane-free” have also avoided the use of chemical solvents during extraction, which is an additional quality marker.