How we source our superstar ingredient: sea buckthorn oil
In the world of botanical skincare, few ingredients are as nutrient dense as sea buckthorn oil. This vibrant superfruit contains more than 190 bioactive compounds and over 14 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.
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.
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.
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.
The science behind CO2 extraction
Supercritical CO₂ extraction uses carbon dioxide under controlled conditions to gently separate oil from plant material. This process protects sensitive compounds such as fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins from degradation.
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.
Science-backed benefits of sea buckthorn oil
Skin regeneration and 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]
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. [2]
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]
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. [2] 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 and hyperpigmentation by supporting the skin’s natural repair processes. [4]
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.
references
- Zielińska and Nowak Lipids in Health and Disease (2017) 16:95 DOI 10.1186/s12944-017-0469-7
- Zielińska A, Nowak I. Abundance of active ingredients in sea-buckthorn oil. Lipids Health Dis. 2017 May 19;16(1):95. doi: 10.1186/s12944-017-0469-7. PMID: 28526097; PMCID: PMC5438513.
- Plants profile for hippophae rhamnoids United States Dept of Agriculture 2007
- Weimann E, Silva MBB, Murata GM, Bortolon JR, Dermargos A, Curi R, Hatanaka E. Topical anti-inflammatory activity of palmitoleic acid improves wound