Sea buckthorn oil is a nutrient-dense oil extracted from the berries of the sea buckthorn shrub, a thorny plant that thrives in cold, mountainous regions across Asia and Europe. What makes it unusual among plant oils is that it comes in two distinct forms, each with a different fatty acid profile and set of uses. It’s one of the rare plant sources of omega-7 fatty acids, which play a role in skin and mucosal health.
Two Oils From One Berry
Sea buckthorn produces two separate oils depending on which part of the berry is pressed. The fruit pulp oil is deep orange to red, rich in palmitoleic acid (an omega-7 fat at roughly 28% of total fatty acids) along with oleic acid (omega-9, about 21%) and palmitic acid. The seed oil is lighter in color and has a completely different composition: it’s dominated by linoleic acid (omega-6, 33 to 36%) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3, 30 to 36%), with very little omega-7.
This distinction matters because the two oils serve different purposes. The fruit oil is more commonly used in skincare products and for mucosal support, largely because of its omega-7 content and high carotenoid levels. The seed oil, with its balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fats, leans more toward anti-inflammatory applications and general skin repair. Many supplements and skincare products don’t specify which type they contain, so checking the label is worth the effort.
Nutritional Profile
Beyond fatty acids, sea buckthorn oil is packed with fat-soluble antioxidants. The pulp oil contains 100 to 400 mg of carotenoids per 100 grams (the compounds that give it that intense orange color) and 110 to 330 mg of vitamin E. The seed oil is lower in carotenoids (10 to 50 mg per 100 g) but still carries 100 to 200 mg of vitamin E per 100 g. Both oils contain all natural forms of tocopherols and tocotrienols, the two families of vitamin E compounds.
The carotenoid content is what gives the pulp oil its reputation as a skincare ingredient. These pigments function as antioxidants that help protect cells from UV and environmental damage. The vitamin E adds another layer of protection, particularly for cell membranes.
Skin and Wound Healing
Sea buckthorn oil has a long history of topical use, and research supports several of those traditional applications. The seed oil promotes the growth of keratinocytes and fibroblasts, the two main cell types responsible for skin regeneration. This makes it useful for supporting wound healing and general skin repair.
For inflammatory skin conditions like eczema, the oil works by dialing down specific inflammatory signaling pathways in the skin. In animal models of atopic dermatitis, topical application reduced dermatitis severity by suppressing the chemical signals that drive the allergic immune response. Clinical trials in humans have tested 5 grams per day of either seed or pulp oil (taken as capsules) for four months, with improvements in atopic dermatitis symptoms.
One practical consideration for topical use: the fruit oil’s intense pigment can temporarily stain skin orange. It’s effective in small amounts, and most formulations use it at 20% concentration or less. The seed oil is lighter in color, so you can apply it more generously without the staining issue.
Dry Eye Relief
One of the better-studied uses of sea buckthorn oil is for dry eyes. In a double-blind, randomized trial, participants with dry eye symptoms took 2 grams of sea buckthorn oil daily for three months during fall and winter, when dry eye typically worsens. Compared to the placebo group, those taking the oil had a significantly smaller increase in tear film osmolarity, a key marker of dry eye severity. Symptoms of redness and burning also trended lower in the treatment group, with statistically significant improvements in eye redness.
The likely mechanism involves the oil’s combination of omega-7 and omega-3 fatty acids supporting the mucous membranes that keep the eye surface lubricated. This same mucosal support is why the oil is sometimes used for dry mouth and other conditions involving mucous membrane health.
Cholesterol and Heart Health
Both the seed and pulp oils show promise for improving blood lipid levels. A systematic review and meta-analysis found that sea buckthorn berry oil significantly reduced serum total cholesterol and triglyceride levels in human subjects. Both oil types improved dyslipidemia and displayed anti-atherogenic effects in studies, meaning they helped counteract the buildup of fatty plaques in blood vessels.
Separate research has also examined the oil’s effect on platelet aggregation (how readily blood cells clump together to form clots). In one trial, 5 grams per day of sea buckthorn oil taken for four weeks influenced platelet behavior. This is worth noting if you take blood-thinning medications, since the oil could theoretically amplify their effects.
How It’s Typically Used
Sea buckthorn oil comes as liquid oil, soft gel capsules, and as an ingredient in skincare serums and creams. Clinical trials have used oral doses ranging from 2 to 5 grams per day, often split across multiple capsules. For skin conditions, four-month supplementation periods were typical in studies. For dry eye, three months of daily use at 2 grams showed measurable results.
When buying supplements, look for whether the product contains seed oil, pulp (fruit) oil, or a blend. If your goal is omega-7 intake or mucosal support, the pulp oil is the better choice. If you’re after omega-3 and omega-6 balance for inflammation, the seed oil is more appropriate. For topical skincare, both work, but dilute the fruit oil to avoid orange-tinted skin. Most suppliers recommend starting at low concentrations and adjusting based on your skin’s response and the oil’s color intensity, which varies between brands.
Safety Considerations
Sea buckthorn oil is generally well tolerated at the doses used in clinical research. The most common issue with topical use is the temporary skin staining from the pulp oil’s carotenoids, which is cosmetic rather than harmful. Oral supplementation at standard doses (2 to 5 grams daily) has not raised significant safety concerns in published trials.
The main caution involves blood-thinning effects. Because the oil can influence platelet aggregation, people taking anticoagulant medications like warfarin, clopidogrel, or even daily aspirin should be aware of a potential interaction. The oil could increase bleeding risk when combined with these drugs. If you’re on blood thinners or scheduled for surgery, this is a conversation worth having with your prescriber before starting supplementation.