What is sea buckthorn oil?

Sea buckthorn introduction

Also known as sandthorn, sallowthorn, and seaberry, the sea buckthorn plant is a deciduous shrub that grows at high altitudes in places like the Himalayan region, China, Russia, and northern Europe. Some people even refer to it as "the Holy Fruit of the Himalayas" — this plant’s got a lot of names.

Sea buckthorns produce tart, yellow-orange berries that have been used for centuries in traditional medicine, as well as eaten as part of a healthy diet and applied to the skin. And that's because these plants pack a powerful nutritive punch!

This little shrub boasts an abundance of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that provide a multitude of health benefits. They include all four types of omega fatty acids, ten times more vitamin C than an orange, and a generous dose of vitamin E.

Sea buckthorn oil is extracted from the fruit and seeds of the plant and can be applied topically or eaten. Whether it comes from the fleshy pulp of the berries or their small, nutrient-rich seeds, this oil can add incredible value to your skincare routine.

Sea buckthorn benefits

Naturally, a plant bursting with as many goodies as sea buckthorn offers a glorious grab bag of benefits when applied to the skin.

Soothing protection

Being so full of antioxidants, sea buckthorn oil offers strong protection against stressors that hasten the signs of aging. It's brimming with polyphenols, flavonoids, micronutrients, and vitamins A, C, and E, which all work hard to neutralize the threat of external aggressors.

That helps to smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, plump the skin, and even out tone and texture. This also makes it a top-notch option for anyone trying to minimize the look of discoloration and scarring.

And since these antioxidants reinforce the skin's natural defenses, fewer things can irritate it, resulting in a calmed complexion. That's why sea buckthorn oil is used as a go-to soothing agent after exfoliating treatments like peels and masks.

Deeply hydrating

Then there's sea buckthorn oil's balanced profile of fatty acids, which provide smoothing and occlusive properties and alleviate temporary redness and discomfort. Oils like omega-7 and omega-6 rejuvenate and strengthen the skin, while omega-3 and omega-9 help hydrate — the perfect combination for rough, dry, and flaky complexions!

Sea buckthorn oil also boasts linoleic acid (a natural component of our sebum), which helps to fortify the skin's lipid barrier. That prevents dry skin from losing moisture it desperately needs, improving hydration levels.

Add that to the fact that sea buckthorn oil has a knack for penetrating deep into the epidermis, and you've got an ultra-moisturizing, ultra-softening treat that won't leave you feeling oily.

Great for all skin types of sea buckthorn

When you take into account sea buckthorn oil's protective and strengthening properties, hydrating prowess, soothing and calming effects, and deeply penetrative nature, you get a pretty versatile substance. One that serves dry, sensitive, and combination skin types equally well.

And if you have oily skin? Good news! As if it wasn't already too good to be true, sea buckthorn oil is non-comedogenic, so it won't clog up those pores.