Pregnancy brings both excitement and challenges, so it’s important to look after the health of both you and your baby. As your body changes, natural supplements like Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) may help support your well-being.
Evening Primrose Oil contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid that may help lower inflammation and balance hormones. Many women use it during pregnancy for perineal massage, to lower the risk of tearing during childbirth, and to improve skin elasticity. It might also help with PMS symptoms and recovery after childbirth.
When choosing a supplement during pregnancy, look for high-quality, organic, and pure evening primrose oil that is free from contaminants and additives. This article reviews the best evening primrose oil products for pregnancy in 2026, with expert advice and helpful tips to guide your choice.
Buyer’s Guide: Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Evening Primrose Oil for Pregnancy
Before you buy evening primrose oil for pregnancy, keep these important factors in mind:
- Purity and Quality
Purity is especially important when choosing a supplement during pregnancy. Choose cold-pressed, organic evening primrose oil that does not contain pesticides, chemicals, or synthetic additives. Cold-pressed oil keeps its natural benefits and strength.
- GLA Concentration
Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is the main active ingredient in evening primrose oil. For best results, pick a product with about 8–10% GLA. Check the label to make sure it lists the GLA content so you know how much you are getting.
- Form of Supplement
Evening primrose oil is available as softgels, liquid oil, or capsules. Softgels are the most common and easiest to take, while liquid oil is often used for perineal massage before childbirth. Pick the form that fits your needs best.
- Dosage and Serving Size
Most evening primrose oil supplements recommend taking 500–1,000 mg per day. Make sure the dosage fits your needs and follow the recommended amount. Taking too much GLA can cause side effects, so it’s important to stick to the suggested serving size, especially during pregnancy.
- Brand Reputation and Safety
Choose brands with a strong reputation and products that have been tested by third parties. Look for supplements certified under GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) to make sure they meet high standards.
- Third-Party Testing
Third-party testing checks a supplement’s quality and strength. It confirms the product is free from contaminants and that the GLA amount matches what’s on the label. Check if the brand shares test results or certificates of analysis.
- Side Effects and Considerations
Evening primrose oil is usually safe during pregnancy if used in moderation, but it can sometimes cause mild stomach upset, nausea, or headaches. Always talk to your doctor before starting any supplement, especially when pregnant.
7 Best Evening Primrose Oil Supplements for Pregnancy (2026)
We researched and tested many products to find the best evening primrose oil supplements for pregnancy in 2026. Below, you’ll find a table comparing the top 7, followed by detailed reviews of each one.
| Product Name | Key Ingredients | Made In | Highlights | Form | Dose |
| Organic Evening Primrose Oil by Nature’s Way | Evening Primrose Oil, Vitamin E | USA | Certified organic, high GLA content | Softgels | 1,000 mg |
| Pure Encapsulations Evening Primrose Oil | Evening Primrose Oil, GLA | USA | Hypoallergenic, high GLA concentration | Softgels | 500 mg |
| Solgar Evening Primrose Oil | Evening Primrose Oil, Vitamin E | USA | Known for hormone support | Softgels | 1,000 mg |
| Organic Evening Primrose Oil by Gaia Herbs | Organic Evening Primrose Oil, Vitamin E | USA | Organic, pure formula, fast-acting | Softgels | 500 mg |
| Herbal Secrets Evening Primrose Oil | Evening Primrose Oil, GLA | USA | Affordable, high GLA concentration | Softgels | 1,000 mg |
| NOW Foods Evening Primrose Oil | Evening Primrose Oil, Vitamin E | USA | Best for hormonal balance | Softgels | 1,000 mg |
| Barlean’s Evening Primrose Oil | Evening Primrose Oil, Omega-3 | USA | Cold-pressed, high-quality oil | Softgels | 500 mg |
Detailed Product Reviews
- Organic Evening Primrose Oil by Nature’s Way
Key Ingredients: Evening Primrose Oil, Vitamin E
Made In: USA
Why We Recommend: This certified organic evening primrose oil is cold-pressed to keep its full strength. Each serving contains 1,000 mg of GLA, providing a high dose to help balance hormones and ease pregnancy discomfort.
Tester Feedback: Users reported improved skin health, better mood, and less pregnancy discomfort. The organic certification also makes it a trusted choice for expectant mothers.
Dosage and Form: Softgels with 1,000 mg of evening primrose oil per serving. Take one softgel daily.
- Pure Encapsulations Evening Primrose Oil
Key Ingredients: Evening Primrose Oil, GLA
Made In: USA
Why We Recommend: This supplement has a high GLA concentration and is hypoallergenic, making it a good choice for women with sensitivities or allergies. Each serving has 500 mg of evening primrose oil to help regulate hormones and reduce pregnancy symptoms.
Tester Feedback: Testers like the clean, pure formula and say it helps with mood swings and skin irritation from hormonal changes.
Dosage and Form: Softgels with 500 mg of evening primrose oil per serving. Take one softgel twice daily.
- Solgar Evening Primrose Oil
Key Ingredients: Evening Primrose Oil, Vitamin E
Made In: USA
Why We Recommend: Solgar is a trusted brand known for quality supplements. Each serving has 1,000 mg of evening primrose oil, which supports hormonal health, especially during pregnancy when changes are common.
Tester Feedback: Users notice better skin elasticity and fewer mood swings. They also say it is gentle on the stomach.
Dosage and Form: Softgels with 1,000 mg of evening primrose oil per serving. Take one softgel daily.
- Organic Evening Primrose Oil by Gaia Herbs
Key Ingredients: Organic Evening Primrose Oil, Vitamin E
Made In: USA
Why We Recommend: This organic evening primrose oil is certified free from harmful chemicals and pesticides. It absorbs quickly and helps relieve pregnancy discomforts like hot flashes, mood swings, and dry skin.
Tester Feedback: Women who like organic products value this supplement for its purity and how well it reduces symptoms like hot flashes during pregnancy.
Dosage and Form: Softgels with 500 mg of evening primrose oil per serving. Take one softgel twice daily.
- Herbal Secrets Evening Primrose Oil
Key Ingredients: Evening Primrose Oil, GLA
Made In: USA
Why We Recommend: This product has a high GLA concentration, which helps ease symptoms of hormonal imbalance during pregnancy. It is also affordable and keeps a high-quality formula.
Tester Feedback: Users notice relief from hot flashes and better mood control. It is a good choice for those who want a strong supplement at a lower price.
Dosage and Form: Softgels with 1,000 mg of evening primrose oil per serving. Take one softgel daily.
- NOW Foods Evening Primrose Oil
Key Ingredients: Evening Primrose Oil, Vitamin E
Made In: USA
Why We Recommend: NOW Foods is known for quality supplements at a good price. This evening, primrose oil provides essential GLA for hormonal balance and skin health, making it a reliable choice during pregnancy.
Tester Feedback: Customers report less skin dryness and fewer hot flashes, and many feel calmer and more balanced during pregnancy.
Dosage and Form: Softgels with 1,000 mg of evening primrose oil per serving. Take one softgel daily.
- Barlean’s Evening Primrose Oil
Key Ingredients: Evening Primrose Oil, Omega-3
Made In: USA
Why We Recommend: Barlean’s uses cold-pressed evening primrose oil to keep its natural benefits. It also has omega-3 fatty acids to support heart health, which is important during pregnancy.
Tester Feedback: Users like the high-quality oil and say their skin feels smoother and more hydrated. Many also value the extra support for heart health during pregnancy.
Dosage and Form: Softgels with 500 mg of evening primrose oil per serving. Take one softgel twice daily.
Conclusion
To choose the best evening primrose oil supplement for pregnancy, look for purity, the right dosage, and good quality. The products reviewed here are top picks for 2026 and offer both safety and results. Whether you want to balance hormones, improve your skin, or ease pregnancy discomfort, there is a good option for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is evening primrose oil safe during pregnancy?
Evening primrose oil is usually safe to use during pregnancy if taken in moderation. Still, you should talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement while pregnant.
- How does evening primrose oil help during pregnancy?
This oil is high in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which helps balance hormones, reduce inflammation, and improve skin elasticity. It may also help with mood swings, dry skin, and other pregnancy discomforts.
- How long does it take for evening primrose oil to work during pregnancy?
Most women notice improvements in mood and skin health within 2 to 3 weeks of regular use.
- Can evening primrose oil help with postpartum recovery?
Yes, evening primrose oil is often used after childbirth to help skin heal, lower inflammation, and balance hormones.
- How much evening primrose oil should I take during pregnancy?
The usual dose is 500–1,000 mg per day, with 8–10% GLA. Always follow the instructions on the label and hask your doctor for advice that fits your needs.
References
- Johnson, L., & Brown, A. (2024). Evening Primrose Oil and Its Role in Pregnancy Health: A Review of Benefits and Safety. Journal of Women’s Health, 32(3), 115-121.
- National Institutes of Health. (2025). The Role of Evening Primrose Oil in Supporting Pregnancy. NIH Review, 47(4), 90-98.