Sea buckthorn oil – oddly enough, isn’t found anywhere by the sea unless you happen to live on the coasts of Europe. It doesn’t come from a buck, but it sure can be thorny! So what is this wonderful oil that we rave about? Sea buckthorn, known as Hippophae Rhamnoides or seaberry, is a plant that produces delightful little golden-orange berries that provide luxurious and ridiculously nutrient-dense oils from both its seed and pulp. The seed oil is lighter in color, while the fruit produces a thicker, more luxurious dark orange oil.
Found mainly in Europe and throughout Asia, sea buckthorn has a longstanding history of use in traditional medicine, food, and home remedy skin treatments. In today’s world, you can still find it in many homemade recipes such as tea and jam, mainstream beauty products, and dietary supplements. With roots in Ayurvedic medicine, sea buckthorn oil has also been known as “the Holy Fruit of the Himalayas”. What is most fascinating is that it can thrive in temperatures as cold as -45 degrees Fahrenheit (about -43 degrees Celsius) as well as in semi-arid conditions.
The Buckthorn
Sea buckthorn is very rich in omega fatty acids, particularly omega-7s. The omega-7 fatty acid, also known as palmitoleic acid, is extremely uncommon and is difficult to obtain from plant and vegetable sources. Sea buckthorn oil produced from the pulp and peel of its fruit contains nearly 43% of omega-7 fatty acid content, while the seed oil barely contains any.
Dubbed as a “super-fat”, the omega-7 content in sea buckthorn is only rivaled by macadamia nut oil and cold-water fatty fish. Rumor has it that sea buckthorn may be the only plant containing all four omega fatty acids – fascinating! Its rich nutritional profile comprises many vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, flavonoids, amino acids, phenols, and folic acid, making it an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory powerhouse.
The Luxe
Sea buckthorn is highly anti-inflammatory and has many cleansing properties, which is why it has been used for many centuries in wound healing and sunburn relief. It may even work wonders for skin conditions like acne, eczema, and stretch marks.
Specifically, sea buckthorn can be highly beneficial for acne-prone skin. It helps balance excess sebum production, reduces inflammation, improves skin texture, and minimizes scarring. The oil is gentle enough to use on irritated skin and protects the skin barrier while delivering natural healing elements to soothe sensitive, blemished skin.
If you’re looking to preserve your youthful glow and age gracefully, sea buckthorn is your new best friend. With collagen-boosting and antioxidant properties, this facial oil helps maintain a brighter and smoother complexion at any age.
The Experience
Sea buckthorn is widely available in a blend of other green beauty favorite oils. Get your hands on some of the products below and start reaping the benefits of this wonder oil.
Golden Goddess Glow Oil by SARISHA is a powerhouse blend of rosehip, tamanu, frankincense, turmeric, and geranium oils. If there ever was a perfect blend, here she is.
Best Skin Ever – Seabuckthorn by Living Libations is a simple blend of skin-loving ingredients to exfoliate, cleanse, hydrate, clarify, and revive.
Sea Buckthorn & Geranium Balancing Facial Oil by Helena Lane Organic Skincare is a fantastic blend of potent healing oils such as argan and chamomile.