Table Of Contents:
What’s Inside Sea Buckthorn Oil?
Skin Benefits of Sea Buckthorn Oil
Is Sea Buckthorn Oil Good for Acne? Will It Clog Pores?
Will Sea Buckthorn Face Oil Stain the Skin Orange?
Estrogen Effects of Sea Buckthorn Oil
How to Use Sea Buckthorn Face Oil
Our Top Picks
Sea buckthorn oil stands out for its exceptional properties, making it a great choice for both aging and acne-prone skin. Our detailed face oil guide will walk you through how to choose and use it effectively
Derived from the seeds and berries of the sea buckthorn plant, this golden oil is packed with fatty acids, phytonutrients, and powerful antioxidants. Widely used in natural health remedies and nutritional supplements, the skin benefits of sea buckthorn oil are simply too good to ignore. In this guide, we’ll dive into its remarkable properties and explore why it deserves a spot in your skincare routine!
What’s Inside Sea Buckthorn Oil?
Sea buckthorn oil is loaded with skin-friendly nutrients such as fatty acids, phytonutrients, and antioxidants.
Its rich fatty acid profile includes linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, and stearidonic acid. It also offers carotenoids, tocopherols, and a range of vitamins and minerals. In addition, it contains antioxidants and polyphenols that help shield the skin from free radical damage.
Key Components:
- Fatty acids: Linoleic, alpha-linolenic, oleic, palmitic & stearidonic
- Antioxidants & polyphenols
- Vitamins & minerals
- Carotenoids & flavonoids
- Beta carotene
- Amino acids
Skin Benefits of Sea Buckthorn Oil
Sea buckthorn oil is packed with skin-loving nutrients that make it a versatile skincare ingredient. It’s often used to address issues such as eczema, acne, sun damage, wrinkles, and age spots. Rich in carotenoids and vitamin A, it’s particularly valued for its anti-aging and skin-brightening abilities.
The oil also supports skin repair, helping improve the appearance of scars and stretch marks. Its fatty acids deliver deep hydration, keeping the skin soft and healthy, while antioxidants defend against free radical damage and help prevent premature aging.
Research in animals has explored its potential for aiding wound and burn healing, providing sun protection, reducing inflammation, and even offering anti-cancer properties. However, there’s no solid scientific proof that it serves as a cure-all.
Limited human studies suggest it may:
- Improve skin elasticity
- Boost hydration and reduce moisture loss
- Balance sebum production
- Strengthen the skin barrier
While these benefits are promising, most of them stem from the oil’s high concentration of well-known beneficial compounds. More research is needed to determine exactly what sets sea buckthorn oil apart from other plant-based oils.
Is Sea Buckthorn Oil Good for Acne? Will It Clog Pores?
With a comedogenic rating of 2, sea buckthorn oil is generally unlikely to clog pores, though it isn’t classified as a dry oil.
Its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to help balance the skin’s natural sebum production make it a potential ally for those dealing with acne.
Will Sea Buckthorn Face Oil Stain the Skin Orange?
No, applying sea buckthorn oil won’t leave your skin orange. While you might notice a hint of color when it goes on, it quickly absorbs without leaving any stain. Its rich orange tone comes from carotenoids, powerful antioxidants known for helping fight visible signs of aging.
However, the oil can rub off on fabrics, especially light-colored bedding, so it’s best to avoid using it right before sleep.
Most products contain sea buckthorn oil in a diluted form rather than pure, full-strength oil. This not only lessens any temporary tint but still delivers all its skin benefits.
Will Sea Buckthorn Oil Lighten Skin?
Sea buckthorn oil does not act as a direct skin-lightening agent. However, its high antioxidant content, particularly gallocatechin, may help in managing excess melanin, which can contribute to a more even-looking skin tone.
Estrogen Effects of Sea Buckthorn Oil
Currently, there is no evidence indicating that sea buckthorn oil has estrogen-like effects. It does not contain any recognized phytoestrogens, and research has not shown any influence on hormone levels.
Some believe that taking it orally may support certain changes associated with menopause, though this is not yet confirmed by scientific studies. Sea buckthorn oil is frequently added to products aimed at addressing skin changes during menopause.
Tamanu Oil vs Sea Buckthorn Oil
Tamanu oil is derived from the nuts of the tamanu tree, while sea buckthorn oil comes from the fruit, seeds, and berries of the sea buckthorn plant.
The Tamanu oil is known for its effectiveness against acne and various skin issues, whereas sea buckthorn oil is primarily used for its anti-aging properties.
Both oils are rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, making them beneficial for skin health. Their vibrant colors are a result of their natural phytochemicals, carotenoids in sea buckthorn oil, and chlorophyll in tamanu oil.
How to Use Sea Buckthorn Face Oil
Sea buckthorn oil is highly concentrated, so it’s usually diluted with a carrier oil like jojoba oil before applying to the skin. You can also mix it into your favorite lotions, creams, or serums for added nourishment.
For optimal results, apply the oil to clean skin twice daily, morning and night. If you have sensitive skin, start with a patch test to ensure it suits your skin type.
Sea buckthorn face oil is packed with nutrients and antioxidants that nourish and protect your skin. Here’s how to use it effectively:
- Cleanse Your Face: Start with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, makeup, and impurities. Pat your face dry with a soft towel.
- Apply a Toner (Optional): If you use a toner, apply it before the oil to help balance your skin’s pH and improve absorption.
- Use a Few Drops: Dispense 2–3 drops of sea buckthorn oil onto your fingertips. A little goes a long way.
- Massage Gently: Using upward circular motions, massage the oil into your face and neck. Focus on dry areas or spots that need extra care.
- Layer With Moisturizer (Optional): For extra hydration, you can apply your regular moisturizer on top of the oil.
- Use Day or Night: Sea buckthorn oil can be used both in the morning and at night. If using during the day, pair it with sunscreen to protect your skin.
Tip: Start with a small amount to see how your skin reacts, especially if you have sensitive skin, as the oil is highly concentrated and naturally pigmented.
Our Top Picks
1. MODEL OFF DUTY BEAUTY
Model Off Duty Beauty Youth Illuminating Face Oil ($38) size: 1 oz
A highly concentrated blend of deeply nourishing and hydrating plant-based oils that feed the skin with anti-oxidants and omegas for a healthy, radiant glow and anti-aging properties.
2. FARMACY
Farmacy Honey Grail Ultra-Hydrating Face Oil ($52) size: 1 oz
A fast-absorbing, noncomedogenic face oil that delivers intense hydration and helps to smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This multitasking oil is packed with essential fatty acids, proprietary honey, sea buckthorn, and a five-flower oil blend for glowing skin without a greasy residue.
3. KORA ORGANICS
KORA Organics Noni Glow Radiant Face Oil with Antioxidants ($76) size: 1 oz
A naturally powerful oil for the face and neck, powered by potent antioxidants to smooth, nourish, and visibly brighten skin for a healthy-looking glow. This rich yet delicate oil absorbs to nourish, smooth, and visibly brighten skin. It minimizes the appearance of discoloration and blemishes while visibly boosting radiance, evening tone, and locking in moisture with noni extract, rosehip oil, and pomegranate oil.
4. SUMMER FRIDAYS
Summer Fridays Heavenly Sixteen All-In-One Face Oil ($55) size: 1 oz
Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants, this blend with visibly plumping prickly pear seed oil, barrier-supporting sacha inchi seed oil, and moisturizing pomegranate seed oil restores supple-feeling skin. Simply massage it in for a rapid infusion of moisture with visibly glowing results.
5. CELLEX-C
Cellex-C Botanicals Deep Moisturizing Oil ($75) size: 1 oz
Deep Moisturizing Oil includes plant-derived lipids from Sea Buckthorn, Hemp, and Rosemary to help nourish, de-stress, and detoxify the skin. Its deep moisturization helps the epidermis to retain its natural moisture levels and lipid balance for healthy, radiant, beautiful skin.
