How does Sea Buckthorn Oil support skin health?

3 min read

Maintaining healthy, resilient skin isn’t just about what you put on your face, it’s also about the nutrients you feed your body. In recent years, supplements derived from the bright orange berries of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) have attracted attention for their potential to support skin hydration, elasticity, barrier function, and even combat inflammation. Below, we explore the key bioactives in sea buckthorn, the mechanisms by which they act, and the clinical evidence backing their skin-health benefits.

What Is Sea Buckthorn?

Sea buckthorn is a hardy shrub native to Europe and Asia, long used in traditional medicine to treat skin disorders, gastrointestinal issues, and more. Today, its oil - extracted either from the seeds or the pulp of the berries - has become a popular nutraceutical and cosmetic ingredient.

Bioactive Compounds in Sea Buckthorn Oil

Fatty acids:

Omega-7 (palmitoleic acid) – abundant in pulp oil (up to 33%), key for skin and mucosal repair

Omega-3 (α-linolenic acid) and omega-6 (linoleic acid) – essential for barrier function

Omega-9 (oleic acid) – supports membrane fluidity

Vitamins & antioxidants:

Vitamin C and vitamin E – neutralize free radicals

Carotenoids (β-carotene, lycopene) – protect against UV and oxidative stress

Minor lipids: tocopherols, tocotrienols, plant sterols en.wikipedia.org

Together, these compounds contribute to sea buckthorn’s reputation as a skin-supporting supplement.

Mechanisms of Action

Barrier enhancement & hydration
Fatty acids such as linoleic and palmitoleic acids help rebuild and maintain skin’s lipid barrier, reducing transepidermal water loss and boosting moisture retention.

Anti-inflammatory effects
In atopic-dermatitis models, palmitoleic acid inhibits key inflammatory pathways (NF-κB, STAT1), decreasing cytokine release and lesion severity medicalnewstoday.com.

Antioxidant protection
Vitamins C/E and carotenoids scavenge reactive oxygen species generated by UV exposure and pollution, slowing photo-aging and collagen breakdown.

Collagen synthesis & elasticity
Topical application and oral delivery have both been shown to stimulate dermal fibroblasts, increasing collagen deposition and improving skin firmness.

Clinical Evidence

Atopic Dermatitis and Skin Lipid Composition

Yang et al. (2000) conducted a placebo-controlled study in 16 patients with atopic dermatitis who consumed 5 g/day of sea buckthorn seed or pulp oil for 4 months. Analysis of skin glycerophospholipids showed a modest increase in anti-inflammatory docosapentaenoic acid and reduction in palmitic acid, suggesting dietary sea buckthorn oil can beneficially modulate skin lipid profiles and support barrier health.

Skin Ageing in Mature Women

Yang et al. (2008) randomized 60 women (age 50–70) to either take four 0.5 g capsules of supercritical CO₂-extracted sea buckthorn oil daily or apply a 1% seed-oil night cream twice daily for 3 months. Oral group: significant improvements in skin hydration and elasticity, plus reductions in surface roughness metrics (Ra, Rz), indicating an anti-wrinkle effect. Topical group: increased cutaneous thickness, reflecting enhanced collagen synthesis.

Brightness, Moisture & Elasticity in Middle-Aged Women

Chan et al. (2024) ran a 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 40 women over 45, administering daily sea buckthorn oil softgels. Compared to placebo, the supplement group demonstrated: Marked increases in facial skin brightness, moisture, and elasticity (moisture peaked at week 8) Improved collagen density Reduced redness and fewer visible pores.

Conclusion

Sea buckthorn supplements harness a unique blend of omega fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants that support skin barrier function, hydration, elasticity, and modulate inflammation. Robust clinical trials, from atopic dermatitis to skin ageing and brightness, underscore its promise as a natural adjunct for skin health. Future large-scale studies will further refine optimal dosing and long-term safety, but current evidence positions sea buckthorn oil as a versatile tool in the battle for healthier, more resilient skin.

Related Supplements

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Sea Buckthorn Oil

from £19.95

A rich source of Omega-7 and Omega-9 fatty acids

Contributes to the health of skin & eyes

Popular with woman over 50

Naturally sourced and vegan friendly

A healthy balanced diet is the best way to consume all the nutrients we need. Sometimes however this isn't possible and then supplements can help. This article isn't intended to replace medical advice. Please consult your healthcare professional before trying any supplements or herbal medicines.