It feels like there’s always a new "must-have" oil making waves in the skincare world. From argan and rosehip to squalane, coconut, and olive oil, the list is endless. But now, there’s a new contender you’ll want to know about: sea buckthorn oil. Packed with antioxidants and deeply moisturizing, this trending oil could be the game-changer your skincare routine has been missing. It’s a bold statement, but once you learn about the impressive benefits of this powerhouse ingredient, you might just agree.
To dive deep into the world of sea buckthorn oil—including how to use it and its many benefits—we consulted experts to bring you all the essential details about this lightweight yet incredibly effective oil.
What is Sea Buckthorn Oil?
Despite its name, sea buckthorn doesn’t come from the sea. Sea buckthorn (Hippophaes rhamnoides), also known as the Siberian pineapple, is a flowering shrub or tree that produces berries, which can be cold-pressed into pulp or oil. The plant grows in regions like Europe, Asia Minor, Siberia, China, and Tibet. One of the main reasons it’s gained popularity recently is because sea buckthorn berries contain 10 times more vitamin C than an orange and are the third-highest source of vitamin E among plants. Essentially, sea buckthorn oil is the ultimate glow-boosting ingredient.
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Sea Buckthorn Oil: Benefits and Uses
Type of Ingredient: Hydrator and moisturizer
Main Benefits: Provides hydration, evens skin tone, and improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Who Should Use It: Suitable for most skin types
How Often Can You Use It: Once daily
Works Well With: Most other skincare ingredients
Don’t Use With: There are no known ingredients it can’t be used with, but always pay attention to how it interacts with your existing routine
Although some studies suggest sea buckthorn oil is effective when ingested, larger clinical studies are needed to confirm these claims. It is known for its great antioxidant properties and potential health benefits for the stomach, heart, and liver. However, more extensive research is needed to substantiate these findings. When applied topically, sea buckthorn oil seems safe and more effective than its oral counterpart for dermatological use.
Benefits of Sea Buckthorn Oil for Skin
Rich in Antioxidants: Sea buckthorn oil is packed with a wide range of nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin A, both alpha- and beta-carotene, vitamins B1, B2, and B6, vitamin E, Omega 3, 6, 9, and the rare Omega 7, plus around 190 bioactive compounds. It's perfect for fighting free radicals.
Moisturizes and Regulates Oil: Sea buckthorn oil is great for maintaining moisture balance. It contains linoleic acid, which is naturally found in sebum, helping to regulate moisture levels and hydration.
Improves Skin Tone and Texture: It can help even out skin tone and fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, while also improving skin elasticity and texture.
Prevents Moisture Loss: Sea buckthorn oil helps prevent trans-epidermal water loss, aiding in the maintenance of the skin's lipid barrier.
Potential Anti-Bacterial and Anti-Fungal Properties: Preliminary research suggests it may have antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-psoriatic effects, though studies are ongoing.
Reduces Fine Lines and Wrinkles: Thanks to its rich antioxidant and fatty acid content, sea buckthorn oil may improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, providing some anti-aging benefits.
Helps Control Oily Hair: Sea buckthorn oil can also regulate oily hair and scalp, helping to eliminate excess oil without drying out the hair.
Side Effects of Sea Buckthorn Oil
Sea buckthorn oil is generally safe for most skin types, but those with acne-prone skin may want to proceed with caution. Although there are no studies showing it causes contact dermatitis or irritation, oils with linoleic acid might not be ideal for acne-prone skin. However, it’s not known to cause acne. It's important to ensure the product is non-comedogenic to avoid clogged pores.
If you're planning any surgery or facial treatments, it’s best to avoid sea buckthorn oil for at least two weeks beforehand, as it has been shown in some studies to prolong bleeding and bruising.
How to Use Sea Buckthorn Oil for Skin
Sea buckthorn oil is versatile and can be used alone or incorporated into moisturizers, eye creams, or oil blends. To use it alone, apply a few drops to your palms and gently massage it onto your skin either before sunscreen in the morning or as the final step in your nighttime routine. It’s safe to use once per day. Depending on the formulation, you can apply it as an oil after your moisturizer or as a serum before moisturizing.
For a daily dose of moisture, this affordable 100% pure sea buckthorn oil is a great option. It contains fatty acids like palmitoleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linolenic acid, and linoleic acid, along with antioxidants like Vitamin E, carotenoids, and lycopene. Together, these ingredients protect against free radical damage, improve dryness, and support the skin barrier.
This lightweight sea buckthorn oil helps hydrate and smooth the skin. It’s recommended to use it daily after a shower to lock in moisture, and it can be applied anywhere on the body, including the feet, for softer skin.
For those looking to address the signs of aging, this combination of sea buckthorn with rosehip oil and bakuchiol hydrates the skin, regulates cell turnover, and improves the appearance of fine lines without irritation.
This face oil combines sea buckthorn with buckwheat honey to hydrate and soothe the skin. It can be used alone, with a moisturizer, or added to hair to reduce frizz and boost shine.
Kaye's Beauty Book is here to help you choose better products that suit your skin, hair and lifestyle. All of the products mentioned are carefully researched and selected to ensure that the most credible information comes to you. If you do buy a product from one of our links, Kaye's Beauty Book may earn a commission.
II DISCLAIMER: Every skin is different, not everything works for everybody. I recommend you test the product before completely using any new product. II
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