This article originally appeared in Bloomi's Intimate Talk.

Looking for glowy and youthful skin? How about a new way to elevate your sexual wellness journey? Evening primrose oil—the cult-following skincare step—can be used for both.

According to a recent study on this luxurious oil, it was found that “The consumption of evening primrose oil capsules can improve sexual function in women of reproductive age, particularly in orgasm and sexual satisfaction dimensions.”

But whether you take it in oil or capsule form, expect big (and sexy) benefits. Used for centuries for its healing and anti-inflammatory properties — in sexual wellness, as an aphrodisiac, and of course, its skin benefits — it’s one new item to add to your routine that you won’t want to miss.

Evening primrose oil 101: what it is, what it's used for, and the benefits

What is evening primrose oil? 

If you’re unfamiliar, you might be wondering: what is evening primrose oil? At its core, this oil is extracted from the seeds of the evening primrose flower (also known as Oenothera Biennis). It's often used in supplements and beauty products for its health benefits — plus, it can be applied either right to the skin or ingested.

A fun fact about the name: it comes from the evening primrose flower, which is small and only blooms at night, with the petals opening at sunrise and closing during the day. We think that’s kind of beautiful.

It can be used for so many things, too:

• Improving symptoms to period-related experiences, including PCOS and menopause
• It can also be used as an aphrodisiac, boosting libido in folks with vulvas
• And of course, skincare

Evening primrose oil skin benefits

As a skincare product, evening primrose oil takes the cake. For anyone who suffers from dry, irritated or inflamed skin, dermatologists can recommend it. A study from 2005 found that evening primrose oil (EPO), or more specifically, the gamma-linolenic acid found in it, helps soothe the skin and improve the overall appearance of elasticity, firmness, moisture and fatigue resistance.

Evening primrose oil for sexual health

As for adding to your sexual wellness routine, evening primrose oil can do that, too. It has benefits for our sexual health as well.

Because it is rich in omega-6 fatty acids, including gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), it has the power to boost libido in folks with vulvas. On the opposite end, for people with penises, that same gamma-linolenic acid is said to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. 

Wherever you are on the gender spectrum, the fatty acids found in evening primrose oil can help improve blood flow — and increased blood flow is never bad for your sex life.

Evening primrose for menopause 

As if skincare and sexual health weren’t enough, another potential benefit of the oil lies in menopause. It is thought to help with the severity of hot flashes, one of the most uncomfortable side effects of menopause.  In a study from 2018, looked into how effective evening primrose oil was at helping with hot flashes, and researchers saw an improvement in the symptoms.

Plus, a more recent 2021 study compared EPO and placebo effects when treating hot flashes in perimenopause women. They found no difference between hot flashes but found that night sweats were less severe in the group that took evening primrose oil.

Evening primrose oil for PCOS

There is also some evidence to show that taking evening primrose oil as a supplement can help reduce the symptoms of PCOS.

One study published in 2018 surveyed 60 women with PCOS over the course of 12 weeks. They found that taking vitamin D and EPO supplements for 12 weeks significantly improved triglycerides . a type of fat in your blood, and other hormonal levels. 

Are there any side effects to using evening primrose oil?

Naturally, not everything is good about this lush oil — and it doesn’t work for everyone. Here are a few things to note before trying it:

• It has a thick consistency and can clog pores more than other oils. If you have acne-prone or oily skin, we suggest staying clear of it
• In rare cases, it can also cause an allergic reaction. If you notice common allergy symptoms like itchiness, rash, or burning sensation on the skin, refrain from using it.
• For most folks, using evening primrose oil topically and internally are considered generally safe. But when ingested, it can sometimes cause upset stomach, nausea, headache and abdominal pain.
  It's advised to check in with your health provider before you decide to take evening primrose oil as a supplement because supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA.)

How Bloomi uses evening primrose oil in our products

At Bloomi, we have a selection of intimate care products that contain evening primrose oil. But remember: We only use the best quality evening primrose oil that fits our Clean Standard.

Bloomi's Desire is a sensual pleasure oil that has a feel-good formula to increase pleasure before and during intimate moments alone or with a partner. Apply 2-4 pumps to your intimate skin (breasts, nipples, vulva, penis, etc.) and gently rub it in a few minutes before intimacy.

For a more luxurious experience, Bloomi's Luxe Arousal Oil is the way to go. The squalene in the formula adds extra moisture and hydration to your intimate areas. Apply 2-4 pumps to your intimate skin (breasts, nipples, vulva, penis, etc.) a few minutes before intimacy, and gently rub it into your skin to activate it. 

Both products have evening primrose oil to help increase the blood flow to the genitals and help improve arousal.