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Bright orange, slightly unusual, and packed with plant compounds, sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) has become an interesting ingredient in natural skincare. This berry-producing shrub is native to temperate and subarctic regions of Europe and Asia, where it grows in places such as coastal dunes, riverbanks, and mountainous areas. Despite its name, it does not grow in the sea. The “sea” likely refers to its ability to thrive along coastal areas and tolerate salty soils where few other berry-producing shrubs can survive.
Its berries and seeds have been used traditionally for food, medicine, and topical preparations, while their oils are now used in natural skincare products. Sea buckthorn oil can be made from either the fleshy pulp of the berries or their seeds, and the two oils have different compositions. Pulp oil is particularly known for its high palmitoleic acid content, while seed oil contains higher amounts of linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids.
Why Sea Buckthorn Stands Out in Natural Skincare
Sea buckthorn's appeal comes from its combination of fatty acids and antioxidant compounds rather than one single "miracle" ingredient.
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Omega-7: Sea buckthorn pulp oil is one of the few botanical oils particularly rich in palmitoleic acid. This fatty acid is also naturally present in human skin lipids and is being studied for its potential role in supporting the skin barrier.
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Essential fatty acids: Seed oil contains linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids, which are important components of healthy skin lipids and help keep skin feeling soft and comfortable.
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Antioxidant compounds: Sea buckthorn contains carotenoids, tocopherols, and other antioxidant compounds that help protect cells from oxidative stress.
This unusual combination gives sea buckthorn a place in formulas designed to nourish and condition the skin, particularly when dryness or environmental stress is a concern.
How Sea Buckthorn Fits Into Your Natural Skincare Routine
Sea buckthorn is primarily used in skincare as a nourishing botanical oil. Its fatty acids help condition and soften the skin, while its antioxidant compounds make it a useful addition to formulas designed to support skin exposed to everyday environmental stressors.
Sea buckthorn can be found in facial oils, serums, creams, and body products. Because the oil can feel richer than lighter plant oils, it is often combined with other carrier oils or moisturizing ingredients to create a more comfortable texture.
Research has also explored sea buckthorn's potential effects on skin barrier function and inflammation, with findings from laboratory, animal, and some human studies showing promising results. However, these findings do not mean that sea buckthorn should be considered a treatment for specific conditions such as eczema, rosacea, or acne. For everyday natural skincare, it is best viewed as a nutrient-rich botanical ingredient that can help nourish and condition the skin.
Does Sea Buckthorn Cause Staining on the Skin?
Because unrefined sea buckthorn pulp (berry) oil is packed with carotenoids including beta-carotene (the same pigment that gives carrots their bright orange color), pure, cold-pressed pulp oil has a deep golden-red to orange tint. If applied undiluted directly to fair skin, pure berry oil can leave a temporary yellow or orange cast.
However, this pigment easily washes off and does not permanently stain the skin. To enjoy its benefits without any temporary discoloration, simply mix 1–2 drops into your favorite neutral moisturizer, or choose formulated facial oils where it is balanced within a clear carrier base. Adding this nutrient-dense berry oil to your regimen can be a supportive step toward a nourished, luminous complexion as part of an effective natural skincare routine.
