“Sea buckthorn oil is a natural skin remedy that is packed with nutrients and numerous health benefits,” says Sarah Akram, Washington D.C.-based esthetician. “Derived from a species of plants found in the Himalayas, sea buckthorn oil can be extracted from the berry or the seeds, and both are equally effective.”
According to Susie Wang, cosmetic chemist and founder of 100% PURE, sea buckthorn oil is jam-packed with a fusion of nutrients for your skin. “Sea buckthorn is a shrub with very potent, oily berries that are high in antioxidants, vitamins C, B1, B2, B6 and E,” Wang says. “It also contains all four of the omega fatty acids – omega 3, omega 6, omega 7 and omega 9.”
Sure, all of this sounds good on paper, but what does it actually do to your skin? According to Akram, sea buckthorn actually helps with a variety of skin ailments: “Sea Buckthorn oil is known for its skin healing, anti-inflammatory, and rejuvenating effects that can boost skin health, elasticity, and improve skin texture,” she says. Wang also adds that sea buckthorn oil is extremely hydrating, plus it contains anti-aging and skin-brightening properties to perk up your complexion.
According to our experts, the magic of sea buckthorn oil has no restraints: they note that it’s perfect for dryer skin types due to its hydrating properties, and is helpful in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Akram also notes that it’s gentle enough for people with rosacea to use. “The oil is very gentle and soothing and helps to protect skin that is prone to irritation,” she says.
However, Akram does note that you should try talking to your trusty dermatologist before diving into sea buckthorn oil. “I always recommend clients consult with a licensed skincare professional before working Sea buckthorn oil into their daily regimen — in limited instances users of SBO can experience dizziness, high blood pressure and swelling — but it can be an effective, natural component of your skincare routine,” she says.
Want to start giving this hero skincare ingredient a try? Then check out our go-to sea buckthorn-infused favorites, below:
Vitruvi Sea Buckthorn Oil
As my first-ever sea buckthorn product, this is an official staple to my skincare stash. It’s 100 percent pure sea buckthorn oil to add into any of your favorite skincare goodies for an extra brightening effect. Just make sure you don’t add too much — it’s extremely potent, and can stain skin!
Living Libations’ Best Skin Ever Face Oil — Sea Buckthorn
“A few clients of mine have used this oil, and they say it feels luxurious and gives skin a luminous glow,” says Akram.
KORA Organics Sun-Kissed Glow Body Oil
Want to look like a bronzed goddess, without the sticky feel and breakouts other glowtions can leave behind? Then this sea buckthorn-infused product will do just the trick: it’s light on skin and won’t leave a tacky feel, but gives off that Golden Coast glow that we all want in the summer months.
Supergoop! Forever Young Body Butter
This is seriously one of the best body lotions you could ever find: it’s packed with sea buckthorn oil, absorbs quickly into skin, and contains a broad spectrum SPF 40 to keep your skin healthy, glowing, and guarded from UV rays — a perfect addition to your beach essentials.
100% PURE Pink Grapefruit Seaweed Shaving Cream
Sometimes, shaving creams can leave your skin feeling more irritated than it was pre-shave due to heavy synthetic fragrances and lack of skin-nurturing ingredients. Enter: this holy grail shaving cream, which is infused with sea buckthorn oil to give your skin some extra TLC while you shave unwanted hair away.
Herbivore Botanicals Phoenix Facial Oil
This elixir contains sea buckthorn oil, plus rosehip oil (another one of our all-time pore-refining faves), to give your skin a heavy antioxidant dose. The results: a brighter, tighter complexion.
O’o Hawaii Golden Nectar Brightening+Firming Ferulic Serum
This heavy-hitter serum has everything you need, all in one little bottle: sea buckthorn oil, antioxidant-rich vitamin C, and ferulic acid.