Sea Buckthorn

Hippophae rhamnoides fruit oil · certified organic

A golden berry oil from a hardy shrub that grows from Europe to the Himalayas, and one of the few plant oils rich in omega-7, along with carotenoids and vitamin E.

116postmenopausal women in a trial on vaginal dryness (oral)
Omega-7a rare fatty acid found in skin's own oils
Traditionalin Tibetan, Mongolian and Russian folk care

Why we love it

Sea buckthorn gives the Body Oil its golden tone and a dose of the fatty acids and antioxidants found in skin's own oils. It has a long history of use on dry, damaged and sun-stressed skin.

What does the research show?

Skin moisture and barrier

In a small study of 13 men, a sea buckthorn cream improved skin barrier measures. A split-face trial of 50 adults with mild acne found lower skin oiliness on the treated side.

Burns

In a study of 151 burn patients, dressings with sea buckthorn oil reduced pain and seepage and sped up skin regrowth compared with Vaseline gauze. The study didn't say whether patients were randomly assigned.

As a supplement after menopause

In a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 116 postmenopausal women with vaginal dryness, 3 g a day of sea buckthorn oil taken by mouth for three months improved the health of the vaginal lining compared with placebo. The oil was swallowed, not applied, and the study was paid for by the supplement's maker.

Studies

Human study tested in people   Lab study a starting point, not proof

Human study Randomized trial (oral capsules), 116 people

Postmenopausal women: vaginal lining health improved vs placebo after 3 months

Larmo 2014, Maturitas · Source

Human study Randomized split-face trial, 50 people

Mild acne: lower skin oiliness with sea buckthorn cream

Khan & Akhtar 2014 · Source

Human study Small human study, 13 people

Sea buckthorn cream improved skin barrier and hydration measures

Khan & Akhtar 2014, Pak J Pharm Sci · Source

Human study Controlled clinical study, 151 people

Burns: less pain and seepage, faster healing vs Vaseline gauze

Wang 2006 · Source

How has it been used traditionally?

Sea buckthorn has been used in Tibetan, Mongolian and Russian folk medicine for skin and as a food for generations.

Is sea buckthorn safe on my skin?

Sea buckthorn is gentle on skin. Its deep orange color can tint skin or stain fabric if used heavily. Oils can weaken latex condoms.

Last reviewed: November 2026.

Found in

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Reviewed by the Momotaro Apotheca medical team, including OB-GYNs and naturopathic doctors. Educational information, not medical advice. All ingredient research