What is Echium?

Echium is the wonder ingredient in our Age Confidence range and eye cream and a highly effective skin booster we’ve adored for many years. But have you ever wondered what it is and what it does?

Echium (pronounced eck-ee-um, in case you were curious!) or Echium plantagineum is a shrub with striking purple-blue flowers typically found in Mediterranean climates.

In ancient Greece it was believed this powerful plant could protect against venomous snake bites, which is where the name comes from – Echis is Latin for Viper.

It’s the oil in the seeds which make this plant really special. They are thought to be the world’s richest plant source of Omegas 3, 6 and 9 – Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA), Stearidonic Acid (SDA) and Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA).

This incredibly effective form of ‘good fats’ is a wonderful source of essential fatty acids which can help cells regenerate, rebuild and strengthen the skin barrier to prevent moisture loss.

What’s more, Stearidonic acid has anti-inflammatory properties with a concentration of SDA, thought to be higher than any other vegetable oil.

Studies also show that echium oil can improve the texture of the skin, helping to plump and smooth skin.

All this makes echium seed oil a powerful, but gentle ingredient for healthy skin at any age, but it’s especially good for mature or very dry skin that’s prone to sensitivity.