Sea Buckthorn Oil

Botanicalbotanical oilModerate dose evidence

Also known as: Hippophae rhamnoides, sea buckthorn berry oil, sea buckthorn seed oil, omega-7 oil

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Sea buckthorn oil is pressed or CO2-extracted from the berries and seeds of Hippophae rhamnoides, a hardy shrub native to Europe and Asia. The pulp oil is unusually rich in palmitoleic acid (omega-7) and carotenoids, while the seed oil supplies omega-3 and omega-6. It is used in skin, eye, and mucous-membrane comfort products. Randomized trials have examined oral intake of the oil in women with vaginal dryness and in adults with dry eye.

Research summary

Palmitoleic acid, carotenoids, and tocopherols studied for effects on skin and mucosal lipid balance.

Dosage

Daily amounts, of compound.

Lowest studiedTypical rangeHighest studiedUpper limit
500 mg500–2,000 mg

500 to 2,000 mg of oil daily in softgels, taken with food. Trials used up to 3 g per day of combined seed and pulp oil over three months.

Standardization: Pulp oil typically 25–35% palmitoleic acid; specify seed, pulp, or blended oil

Source material: berry pulp and seed oil

Format suitability

  • Capsule
  • Powder
  • Tablet
  • Softgel
  • Gummy
  • Liquid

Oil-based; softgel or liquid only. Deep orange color from carotenoids.

Formulation notes

Oxidation-prone; include tocopherols or rosemary extract as antioxidants in the fill.

Sources

  1. Effects of sea buckthorn oil intake on vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. (Larmo PS 2014)PubMed
  2. Oral sea buckthorn oil attenuates tear film osmolarity and symptoms in individuals with dry eye. (Larmo PS 2010)PubMed

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