Vibrant orange, nutrient-dense, and revered across cultures for thousands of years — Sea Buckthorn is one of nature's most extraordinary superfoods for the skin. From the high-altitude valleys of the Himalayas to the coastal dunes of Europe, this remarkable berry has been healing and nourishing skin for millennia.

Origins & History

Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is a thorny shrub native to the cold, mountainous regions of Asia and Europe — particularly the Himalayas, Siberia, Mongolia, China, and the coastal regions of northern Europe. It thrives in harsh, nutrient-poor soils and extreme climates, which may explain why it develops such an extraordinary concentration of protective compounds.

Its name in Greek — Hippophae — means "shining horse," a reference to the ancient practice of feeding Sea Buckthorn leaves and berries to horses to give their coats a brilliant, healthy shine.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sea Buckthorn has been used for over 1,000 years to treat skin conditions, digestive issues, and cardiovascular health. Tibetan monks used it to protect their skin from the harsh mountain climate. During the Soviet space program, Sea Buckthorn oil was used to protect cosmonauts from radiation exposure.

Today, Sea Buckthorn oil is extracted from both the berries and seeds of the plant, each offering a slightly different nutritional profile and color — from deep orange (berry oil) to golden yellow (seed oil).

Key Active Compounds

Sea Buckthorn is one of the most nutritionally complex plants on earth:

• Omega-3, 6, 7 & 9 fatty acids — a rare combination found in very few plants; omega-7 (palmitoleic acid) in particular is exceptional for skin repair and regeneration
• Beta-carotene & carotenoids — powerful antioxidants that give the oil its distinctive orange color and protect against UV and environmental damage
• Vitamin C — Sea Buckthorn contains up to 15x more vitamin C than oranges, supporting collagen synthesis and brightening
• Vitamin E (tocopherols) — a potent antioxidant that protects and nourishes the skin barrier
• Phytosterols — support skin barrier function and reduce inflammation
• Flavonoids & polyphenols — anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds that protect against aging

Skin Benefits

Deep Nourishment & Hydration

The unique combination of omega fatty acids in Sea Buckthorn — especially the rare omega-7 — makes it exceptionally effective at nourishing and hydrating the skin from within. It replenishes the skin's lipid barrier, preventing moisture loss and leaving skin soft, supple, and deeply moisturized.

Anti-Aging & Collagen Support

Sea Buckthorn's extraordinary vitamin C content supports collagen synthesis, helping to maintain skin firmness and elasticity. Combined with its carotenoids and vitamin E, it provides comprehensive antioxidant protection against the free radicals that accelerate skin aging.

Skin Repair & Regeneration

Omega-7 (palmitoleic acid) is a key structural component of healthy skin tissue. Sea Buckthorn is one of the richest plant sources of this rare fatty acid, making it highly effective for repairing damaged skin, healing wounds, and supporting recovery from burns, eczema, and other skin conditions.

Brightening & Even Skin Tone

The high concentration of carotenoids and vitamin C gives Sea Buckthorn natural brightening properties, helping to fade dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone over time.

Anti-Inflammatory & Soothing

Sea Buckthorn's phytosterols and flavonoids have powerful anti-inflammatory effects, making it beneficial for sensitive, reactive, or condition-prone skin including rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis.

How to Use Sea Buckthorn in Your Skincare Routine

Due to its intense orange pigment, Sea Buckthorn oil is typically used in small concentrations in skincare formulations — blended with other carrier oils to balance its color and potency. It works beautifully in face serums, night treatments, and rich balms where its regenerative properties can work overnight.

A little goes a long way — even at 1-5% concentration, Sea Buckthorn delivers remarkable results.

Sea Buckthorn at Rosie Bloom

At Rosie Bloom, we harness the power of Sea Buckthorn alongside other premium organic botanicals in our Timeless Collection. Our Timeless Daytime Face Serum and Timeless Night Face Balm are crafted to deliver the full spectrum of botanical benefits — handcrafted in small batches in Boulder, Colorado.

Explore the full Timeless Collection and discover the golden power of Sea Buckthorn for your skin.