What Is Sea Buckthorn Oil?

Sea buckthorn seed oil is a pale yellow, nutrient-dense botanical oil extracted from the seeds of the sea buckthorn berry (Hippophae rhamnoides). This exceptional oil is considered ideal for skin healing and barrier function due to its unique omega-3 to omega-6 ratio of ~1:1 to 1.3:1—one of the most balanced profiles found in nature.

Sea buckthorn oil is a polyunsaturated-rich oil with a high polyunsaturated fraction (~66-80%), making it exceptionally nourishing for barrier repair, wound healing, and skin regeneration. Its rich content of carotenoids, tocopherols, phytosterols, flavonoids, and minerals makes it a powerhouse for therapeutic skincare.

Fatty Acid Profile: Why Sea Buckthorn Oil Works

Sea buckthorn oil's healing power comes from its exceptional balance of omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids, creating the ideal ratio for skin barrier repair and anti-inflammatory benefits:

Why This Matters: The nearly 1:1 ratio of omega-3 (32%) to omega-6 (34-35%) is considered ideal for skin healing and barrier function. This balanced profile, combined with 66-80% total polyunsaturated fatty acids, makes sea buckthorn oil exceptionally effective for wound healing, barrier repair, and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Bioactive Compounds: Beyond Fatty Acids

Sea buckthorn oil is exceptionally rich in skin-active compounds that provide superior healing, brightening, and regenerative benefits:

• Carotenoids: 1-2.5% — Potent antioxidants, shields skin from free radicals, supports even skin tone and radiant skin complexion, brightening and regenerative benefits, gives oil its characteristic yellow to gold color
• Tocopherols (Vitamin E): ~400-1,100mg/kg — γ-tocopherol dominant, antioxidant protection
• Phytosterols: β-sitosterol, stigmasterol — Barrier repair, anti-inflammatory, moisture retention
• Flavonoids: Combat free radicals, support even skin tone and radiant skin
• Polyphenols: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support
• Minerals: Zinc, selenium, calcium, magnesium (Mg2+) — Support skin restoration and defense

Skin Benefits: What Sea Buckthorn Oil Does

Intensive Barrier Repair & Deep Hydration

Sea buckthorn oil's exceptional omega-3/6 content and 1:1 ratio provide intensive barrier repair and deep hydration. The high polyunsaturated fraction (66-80%) quickly absorbs into skin, delivering essential fatty acids that restore barrier function and prevent moisture loss.

Wound Healing & Tissue Regeneration

Sea buckthorn oil is renowned for its wound healing properties. It supports tissue regeneration, accelerates healing for eczema, acne, rosacea, atopic dermatitis, and sensitive skin. The balanced omega ratio and rich mineral content (zinc, selenium) promote rapid healing and skin restoration.

Brightening & Even Skin Tone

The exceptionally high carotenoid content (1-2.5%) provides powerful brightening benefits. Carotenoids combat free radicals, support even skin tone, and create a radiant complexion. Sea buckthorn oil reduces hyperpigmentation and visible reduction of inflammation and pigmentation.

Anti-Aging & Collagen Support

Sea buckthorn oil supports collagen synthesis and defends against UV/oxidative damage. The combination of tocopherols, carotenoids, and flavonoids provides comprehensive anti-aging benefits, reducing fine lines, improving firmness, and protecting against environmental stressors.

Anti-Inflammatory & Soothing

The high omega-3 content (32%) provides powerful anti-inflammatory benefits, making sea buckthorn oil ideal for inflammatory conditions like eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and sensitive skin. It calms redness, soothes irritation, and supports skin healing.

UV Protection & Environmental Defense

Carotenoids and tocopherols shield skin from free radicals, sunlight, and pollution exposure. Sea buckthorn oil allows signs of aging, firming and elasticity, and supports skin's natural defense against environmental stressors.

Best For These Skin Types & Concerns

How to Use Sea Buckthorn Oil

Application Instructions

1. Cleanse skin thoroughly
2. Apply water-based serums (if using)
3. Dispense 2-4 drops of sea buckthorn oil into palm
4. Warm between hands and press gently into face and neck
5. Follow with moisturizer (optional) or use as final step

Layering Tips

• Morning: Apply before sunscreen for antioxidant protection
• Evening: Use as final step for overnight barrier repair and healing
• For barrier repair: Use alone or mix with ceramide serums for intensive repair
• For brightening: Combine with vitamin C for enhanced radiance
• Body use: Excellent for eczema, burns, scars, and dry patches
• Blending: Mix with stable oils (jojoba, squalane) or vitamin E to extend shelf life

Hair & Scalp Benefits

Sea buckthorn oil is beneficial for hair care:

• Supports scalp health and reduces inflammation
• Nourishes dry, damaged hair
• Adds shine and improves manageability
• Lightweight, non-greasy finish

Texture & Sensory Profile

Feel: Light, quick-absorbing, dry, non-greasy, leaves a soft, refined feel
Absorption: Fast, complete absorption
Color: Yellow to gold (from carotenoid content)
Scent: Neutral to faintly nutty aroma
Stability: Moderate (6-12 months), prone to oxidation unless stabilized with vitamin E or blended with stable oils

Exceptional Performance Characteristics

• Ideal Omega Ratio: ~1:1 to 1.3:1 (omega-3 to omega-6) for optimal skin healing
• High Polyunsaturated Fraction: 66-80% for intensive barrier repair
• Carotenoid-Rich: 1-2.5% for brightening and regeneration
• Quick-Absorbing Dry Oil: Light texture, non-greasy finish
• Therapeutic Applications: Eczema, burns, scars, wound healing, anti-aging
• Mineral-Rich: Zinc, selenium, calcium, magnesium for skin restoration

Storage & Shelf Life

Shelf Life: 6-12 months
Storage: Refrigerate after opening, protect from light and heat
Stability: Moderate—prone to oxidation unless stabilized with vitamin E or blended with stable oils (jojoba, squalane)
Quality: Store in dark glass bottles, use within recommended timeframe for maximum potency

Products Featuring Sea Buckthorn Oil

Experience the healing power of sea buckthorn oil in our carefully formulated products:

Facial Care

• Radiant Renewal Facial Oil - Bakuchiol & Berry Seed Oils — Anti-aging facial oil with sea buckthorn for brightening and barrier repair
• Luna Luxe Night Facial Oil - Fragrance-Free Bakuchiol Blend — Overnight treatment with sea buckthorn for healing and regeneration
• Clear Confidence Anti-Acne Facial & Body Oil — Anti-inflammatory oil with sea buckthorn for acne-prone skin
• Botanical Facial Skincare Set - Cleanse, Brighten, Restore — Complete facial care featuring sea buckthorn oil

Body Care

• Satin Coast Body Oil - 7 Botanical Oils | Omega-3 Rich — Omega-rich body oil with sea buckthorn for intensive barrier repair

Beard & Hair Care

• Premium Beard Oil - Lightweight Daily Moisture & Shine — Conditioning beard oil with sea buckthorn for scalp health
• Complete Beard Care Gift Set - Premium Oil & Conditioning Balm — Full beard care featuring sea buckthorn oil

Frequently Asked Questions

Can sea buckthorn oil clog pores?

No. With a comedogenic rating of 0-1, sea buckthorn oil is very low comedogenic and safe for most skin types, including acne-prone skin. Its light, quick-absorbing texture won't clog pores.

Why is sea buckthorn oil good for skin healing?

Sea buckthorn oil has an ideal 1:1 omega-3 to omega-6 ratio (32% alpha-linolenic acid to 34-35% linoleic acid), which is considered optimal for skin healing and barrier function. This balanced profile, combined with high carotenoids and minerals, supports tissue regeneration and wound healing.

Will sea buckthorn oil stain my skin?

No. While sea buckthorn oil has a yellow to gold color from its carotenoid content, it absorbs quickly and completely without staining skin. The color comes from beneficial antioxidants that provide brightening benefits.

Can I use sea buckthorn oil for eczema?

Yes! Sea buckthorn oil is excellent for eczema due to its anti-inflammatory omega-3 content, barrier-repairing essential fatty acids, and soothing minerals. It helps calm inflammation, restore barrier function, and support healing.

How long does sea buckthorn oil last?

Sea buckthorn oil has a 6-12 month shelf life due to its high polyunsaturated content. Refrigerate after opening and consider blending with stable oils (jojoba, squalane) or adding vitamin E to extend shelf life and prevent oxidation.

Is sea buckthorn oil good for anti-aging?

Yes. Sea buckthorn oil supports collagen synthesis, provides antioxidant protection with carotenoids and tocopherols, and defends against UV/oxidative damage. It improves firmness, reduces fine lines, and promotes radiant, youthful skin.

Related Ingredients

Explore other healing and regenerative carrier oils in our collection:

• Rosehip Oil — Regenerative and scar-healing
• Jojoba Oil — Sebum-balancing and universal emollient
• Argan Oil — Premium anti-aging liquid gold
• Squalane — Biomimetic hydration and barrier repair
• Tamanu Oil — Acne and scar treatment

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"This information is for educational purposes. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease."