What is sea buckthorn oil?
Sea buckthorn oil is a nutrient-dense botanical oil pressed or extracted from the berries, seeds, or pulp of the sea buckthorn plant (Hippophae rhamnoides). In the world of botanical skincare, few ingredients are as nutrient dense: this vibrant superfruit contains close to 190 bioactive compounds and over a dozen vitamins, making it a powerful ally for supporting healthy, resilient skin.[1]
When thoughtfully sourced and properly extracted, sea buckthorn oil delivers meaningful skin benefits without overwhelming sensitive skin.
What are the benefits of sea buckthorn oil for skin?
Skin regeneration and barrier repair
Sea buckthorn oil contains approximately 20–30% unsaturated fatty acids, including palmitoleic acid (omega-7) and gamma-linolenic acid (omega-6). These fatty acids play an important role in supporting skin regeneration and maintaining barrier integrity.[1] Palmitoleic acid specifically has been shown in wound-healing research to speed tissue repair and modulate inflammatory signaling at the skin surface.[2]
Improved circulation and oxygenation
Research suggests sea buckthorn oil may help support microcirculation and oxygen delivery in the skin, which contributes to efficient nutrient transport and overall skin vitality.[1]
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant support
Gamma-linolenic acid is converted into prostaglandins in the skin, supporting anti-inflammatory pathways.[2] Sea buckthorn oil is also rich in antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals associated with environmental stress and visible skin aging.[1]
Support for collagen synthesis
Sea buckthorn oil naturally contains vitamin C and other micronutrients that support the skin's collagen production processes, contributing to improved elasticity and skin resilience.[1],[3]
Rich in bioactive compounds
Sea buckthorn oil contains nearly 190 bioactive substances, including vitamins A, C, D, E, F, K, and B-complex vitamins, along with flavonoids and carotenoids.[1] These compounds work together to support skin health at a foundational level.
Supporting tone and recovery
The nutrient-dense profile of sea buckthorn oil has been shown to support wound healing and help improve the appearance of uneven tone by supporting the skin's natural repair processes.[2]
Sea buckthorn seed oil vs. fruit oil vs. CO₂ extract
Not all sea buckthorn oils are the same. Sea buckthorn oil can be derived from different parts of the plant, and each type has a distinct fatty acid profile and skin benefit. The three forms most commonly used in skincare are seed oil, fruit oil, and CO₂ extract. Understanding the difference helps explain why sourcing and extraction matter.
Sea buckthorn seed oil
Sea buckthorn seed oil is lightweight and pale in color, making it well suited for dry or mature skin types. It is rich in omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids, which help support hydration and skin softness. This version of the oil focuses primarily on nourishment and moisture support, helping skin feel more comfortable and supple over time, which is part of why it's often recommended for dry skin specifically.
Sea buckthorn fruit oil and CO₂ extract
Sea buckthorn fruit oil and CO₂ extract are deeper in color and richer in texture. These forms are especially high in omega-7 (palmitoleic acid) and omega-6 (gamma-linolenic acid), fatty acids known for supporting skin regeneration and barrier repair.[1] Because of this composition, fruit-derived sea buckthorn oil is often used in formulas designed to support stressed, compromised, or uneven-looking skin.
How to use sea buckthorn oil
Sea buckthorn oil is typically used as a treatment step rather than a stand-alone cleanser or moisturizer. In a simple routine, it fits in after cleansing and any water-based serums, and before a richer moisturizer, applied to damp skin as one of the final steps to help seal in hydration. A little goes a long way: a few drops massaged into the face and neck is usually enough. Because of its deep orange-red pigment, it's often blended into a formula rather than used entirely on its own, which also helps control how much pigment transfers to the skin.
Why we choose organic sea buckthorn CO2 extract
We use organic sea buckthorn CO₂ extract in formulations like Naked Day Cream and Bloom Regenerative Oil because this extraction method preserves the plant's full spectrum of bioactive compounds.
CO₂ extraction avoids harsh solvents and uses precise temperature and pressure control to capture the oil in its most intact form. The result is a highly concentrated, solvent-free extract that remains close to the plant's natural composition. Compared to conventional extraction methods, CO₂ extraction produces a purer oil with greater stability and potency, making it especially well suited for high-performance, sensitive-skin formulations.
A thoughtful approach to sourcing
Choosing sea buckthorn oil is not just about selecting a popular ingredient. It's about understanding how sourcing, extraction, and formulation influence how skin responds over time. By selecting organic sea buckthorn CO₂ extract, we ensure that this ingredient delivers its full potential in a form that supports skin health without unnecessary stress.
Frequently asked questions
Is sea buckthorn oil good for skin? Yes. It's rich in fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins that support barrier repair, circulation, and collagen production.[1]
What is sea buckthorn oil good for? It's most often used to support skin regeneration, calm inflammation, and improve tone and resilience, particularly in stressed or compromised skin.[1],[2]
Is sea buckthorn oil good for dry skin? Yes, particularly the lighter seed oil form, which is rich in omega-3, 6, and 9 fatty acids that support hydration and softness.
Does sea buckthorn oil clog pores? Sea buckthorn oil is generally well tolerated, but as with any facial oil, how it performs depends on the full formula it's blended into and your individual skin. Introducing any new oil gradually is a good practice for reactive or acne-prone skin.
References
- Zielińska A, Nowak I. Abundance of active ingredients in sea-buckthorn oil. Lipids Health Dis. 2017;16(1):95. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12944-017-0469-7
- Weimann E, Silva MBB, Murata GM, Bortolon JR, Dermargos A, Curi R, Hatanaka E. Topical anti-inflammatory activity of palmitoleic acid improves wound healing. PLoS ONE. 2018;13(11):e0205338. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0205338
- Pullar JM, Carr AC, Vissers MCM. The roles of vitamin C in skin health. Nutrients. 2017;9:866. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9080866