We evaluated evening primrose oil supplements across GLA content, extraction method, softgel size, purity, and value. Our picks prioritize cold-pressed oils with high gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) content.
Best Evening Primrose Oil Supplements (2026)
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer
Our Verdict
The best evening primrose oil delivers high GLA content (at least 9-10%) from cold-pressed seeds in easy-to-swallow softgels, with NOW Foods offering the best balance of quality and value.
Best By Category
TL;DR — Quick Answer
NOW Foods Evening Primrose Oil 1000mg is our top pick — it delivers 120mg GLA per softgel from cold-pressed, hexane-free oil at just $0.13/serving. For a higher-dose option, Solgar Evening Primrose Oil 1300mg provides 156mg GLA per softgel.
Our recommendations are based on published research, not commission rates. Some links below are affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How we evaluate products
3+ products evaluated · Ratings based on published research, not commissions
Quick Comparison
#1NOW Foods Evening Primrose Oil 1000mg
9/10
NOW Foods
Best for: Best overall value and quality EPO
Cold-Pressed Evening Primrose Oil (min. 12% GLA) · 1000mg evening primrose oil (120mg GLA) per softgel
Softgel · GMP Certified, Third-Party Tested
$0.13
#2Solgar Evening Primrose Oil 1300mg
8.8/10
Solgar
Best for: Highest GLA per softgel, fewer capsules needed
Cold-Pressed Evening Primrose Oil · 1300mg evening primrose oil (156mg GLA) per softgel
Softgel · Third-Party Tested, Non-GMO
$0.24
#3Nordic Naturals Evening Primrose Oil
8.5/10
Nordic Naturals
Best for: Smaller softgels from a premium oil brand
Cold-Pressed Evening Primrose Oil · 500mg evening primrose oil (68mg GLA) per softgel
Softgel · Third-Party Tested for Purity
$0.28
| # | Product | Best For | Ingredient & Dose | Form & Testing | Price | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NOW Foods Evening Primrose Oil 1000mg NOW Foods | Best overall value and quality EPO | Cold-Pressed Evening Primrose Oil (min. 12% GLA) 1000mg evening primrose oil (120mg GLA) per softgel | Softgel GMP Certified, Third-Party Tested | $0.13 | 9/10 | |
| 2 | Solgar Evening Primrose Oil 1300mg Solgar | Highest GLA per softgel, fewer capsules needed | Cold-Pressed Evening Primrose Oil 1300mg evening primrose oil (156mg GLA) per softgel | Softgel Third-Party Tested, Non-GMO | $0.24 | 8.8/10 | |
| 3 | Nordic Naturals Evening Primrose Oil Nordic Naturals | Smaller softgels from a premium oil brand | Cold-Pressed Evening Primrose Oil 500mg evening primrose oil (68mg GLA) per softgel | Softgel Third-Party Tested for Purity | $0.28 | 8.5/10 |
Detailed Reviews
Top Pick
1
NOW Foods Evening Primrose Oil 1000mg
NOW Foods
9/10
$0.13/serving
Ingredient: Cold-Pressed Evening Primrose Oil (min. 12% GLA)
Dose: 1000mg evening primrose oil (120mg GLA) per softgel
Form: Softgel
Testing: GMP Certified, Third-Party Tested
1000mg evening primrose oil (120mg GLA) per softgelClinical range: 500-3000mg EPO (60-360mg GLA) daily
Clinical dose
Why we recommend it: Delivers 120mg GLA per softgel from cold-pressed, hexane-free evening primrose oil. GMP-certified facility with third-party testing for purity and potency. At $0.13/serving, it's the best value EPO with quality extraction. Over 10,000 positive Amazon reviews.
Ideal for: Best overall value and quality EPO
Not ideal for: Those wanting the highest GLA per softgel or having difficulty swallowing large capsules.
Pros
- Cold-pressed, hexane-free extraction
- 120mg GLA per softgel (12%)
- Excellent value at $0.13/serving
- GMP certified with third-party testing
Cons
- Standard large softgel size
- May need multiple softgels for clinical dose
- No added omega-3s
2
Solgar Evening Primrose Oil 1300mg
Solgar
8.8/10
$0.24/serving
Ingredient: Cold-Pressed Evening Primrose Oil
Dose: 1300mg evening primrose oil (156mg GLA) per softgel
Form: Softgel
Testing: Third-Party Tested, Non-GMO
1300mg evening primrose oil (156mg GLA) per softgelClinical range: 500-3000mg EPO (60-360mg GLA) daily
Clinical dose
Why we recommend it: Delivers the highest GLA content in our lineup — 156mg per softgel from 1300mg of cold-pressed EPO. Fewer softgels needed to reach clinical doses. Solgar has over 75 years of supplement manufacturing experience. Non-GMO and free of common allergens.
Ideal for: Highest GLA per softgel, fewer capsules needed
Not ideal for: Those who struggle with large softgels or want the cheapest option.
Pros
- Highest GLA per softgel (156mg)
- Fewer capsules for clinical dose
- 75+ years of Solgar manufacturing quality
- Non-GMO, allergen-free
Cons
- Large 1300mg softgel
- Premium price ($0.24/serving)
- Only 60 softgels per bottle
3
Nordic Naturals Evening Primrose Oil
Nordic Naturals
8.5/10
$0.28/serving
Ingredient: Cold-Pressed Evening Primrose Oil
Dose: 500mg evening primrose oil (68mg GLA) per softgel
Form: Softgel
Testing: Third-Party Tested for Purity
500mg evening primrose oil (68mg GLA) per softgelClinical range: 500-3000mg EPO (60-360mg GLA) daily
Partial dose
Why we recommend it: Nordic Naturals is a leader in oil supplement quality, known for rigorous third-party testing and freshness standards. Smaller 500mg softgels are easier to swallow than 1000-1300mg alternatives. Every batch is tested for purity, freshness, and potency. Excellent choice for those prioritizing oil quality above all else.
Ideal for: Smaller softgels from a premium oil brand
Not ideal for: Those wanting the highest GLA per capsule or best value.
Pros
- Premium oil quality and freshness standards
- Smaller, easier-to-swallow softgels
- Nordic Naturals purity testing
- Ideal for sensitive individuals
Cons
- Most expensive ($0.28/serving)
- Lower GLA per softgel (68mg)
- Needs 2-4 softgels for clinical dose
How to Choose
Why GLA Content Matters
Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is the key active compound in evening primrose oil. The body converts GLA to anti-inflammatory prostaglandins. Look for products listing specific GLA content per softgel — typically 8-12% of total oil weight. A 1000mg EPO softgel should contain approximately 100-120mg GLA.
Cold-Pressed vs Solvent-Extracted
Cold-pressed evening primrose oil is extracted without heat or chemical solvents, preserving GLA integrity and avoiding hexane residues. Solvent-extracted oils are cheaper but may contain trace solvents and have degraded fatty acid profiles. Always choose cold-pressed, hexane-free EPO.
Dosing for Different Goals
Breast tenderness / PMS: 1000-3000mg EPO daily (starting 2 weeks before menstruation). Skin health (eczema): 2000-4000mg EPO daily. General omega-6 support: 500-1000mg daily. Take with food for best absorption of fat-soluble fatty acids.
How We Evaluate
Every product is scored against these weighted criteria. Our ratings reflect clinical evidence and product quality, not commission rates.
GLA Content
30%Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is the primary active fatty acid in evening primrose oil, typically comprising 8-12% of the oil. Higher GLA content per softgel means fewer capsules needed to reach clinical doses.
Extraction Method
25%Cold-pressed, hexane-free extraction preserves GLA integrity and avoids solvent residues. Heat and chemical solvents can degrade delicate omega-6 fatty acids.
Softgel Size
15%Evening primrose oil softgels can be large (1000-1300mg oil). Smaller, easier-to-swallow softgels improve compliance, especially for daily long-term use.
Third-Party Testing
20%Independent testing verifies GLA content, screens for heavy metals and oxidation markers. Oil supplements are susceptible to rancidity if poorly manufactured.
Value
10%Cost per serving and cost per mg of GLA. Higher-dose softgels can offer better value per mg of active GLA.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best evening primrose oil supplement?
What is the best evening primrose oil supplement?
NOW Foods Evening Primrose Oil 1000mg is our top pick — it delivers 120mg GLA per softgel from cold-pressed, hexane-free oil at $0.13/serving. For a higher-dose option, Solgar Evening Primrose Oil 1300mg provides 156mg GLA in a single softgel.
How much evening primrose oil should I take daily?
How much evening primrose oil should I take daily?
Common doses range from 500mg to 3000mg daily depending on your goal. For PMS and breast tenderness, 1000-3000mg daily is typical. For skin health support, 2000-4000mg daily has been studied. Start with 1000mg daily and increase as needed. Always take with food.
What does GLA in evening primrose oil do?
What does GLA in evening primrose oil do?
GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) is an omega-6 fatty acid that the body converts to dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA), which produces anti-inflammatory prostaglandins. This is why evening primrose oil is used for inflammatory skin conditions, PMS, and breast tenderness.