Back to Journal

Sea Buckthorn: the Science Behind this Potent Nordic Berry

Ingredients Science
Sea Buckthorn: the Science Behind this Potent Nordic Berry
Sea Buckthorn: the Science Behind this Potent Nordic Berry

Sea Buckthorn, a small yellow-orange berry from the Hippophae Rhamnoides planet. Long used in traditional medicine for its healing properties, modern science has now validated what ancient cultures knew all along: sea buckthorn is a natural powerhouse, packed with nutrients that benefit the skin in numerous ways.

Why Sea Buckthorn?

Sea Buckthorn is unique due to its impressive nutrient profile, which includes a potent mix of vitamins, fatty acids, and antioxidants. Here’s a closer look at the key components that make this ingredient a standout in skincare.

1. Vitamins for Skin Health

Sea buckthorn is particularly rich in vitamin C, boasting levels higher than many citrus fruits. Vitamin C is a well-known antioxidant that brightens the skin, stimulates collagen production, and helps reduce the appearance of dark spots. Sea buckthorn also contains vitamin E, another antioxidant that protects the skin from oxidative stress caused by environmental factors like pollution and UV radiation.

2. Essential Fatty Acids for Repair and Moisture

Sea buckthorn oil contains an impressive balance of omega fatty acids, including omega-3, -6, -9, and the rare omega-7 (palmitoleic acid). Omega-7 plays a crucial role in skin regeneration and repair, making sea buckthorn especially effective for dry or damaged skin. These fatty acids help maintain the skin’s lipid barrier, preventing moisture loss and keeping the skin hydrated and soft.

2. Stimulates Collagen

One of Fucoidan’s most impressive qualities is its ability to stimulate collagen production. Collagen is the protein responsible for maintaining skin’s firmness and elasticity, but it decreases as we age. Fucoidan helps boost collagen levels, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while improving skin tone and texture over time.

3. Antioxidants for Protection and Youthful Skin

The vibrant orange hue of sea buckthorn berries comes from carotenoids, including beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. Carotenoids are powerful antioxidants that protect skin cells from damage, helping to reduce signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles, and sun damage. They also promote skin healing and can even out skin tone by reducing hyperpigmentation.

4. Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Sea buckthorn contains anti-inflammatory compounds, making it particularly beneficial for inflammatory skin conditions like acne, rosacea, and eczema. Its ability to calm redness and irritation is attributed to its blend of omega-3 and omega-7 fatty acids, which reduce the inflammatory response and promote skin healing.

How Sea Buckthorn Benefits Different Skin Types

Sea buckthorn's various properties make it beneficial for many different skin types.

Dry and Sensitive

Sea buckthorn oil is a highly effective moisturizer thanks to its ability to restore the skin’s lipid barrier. The rich concentration of omega-7 helps repair the skin, making it ideal for those dealing with dry, flaky, or damaged skin. It can also soothe irritation, making it a great option for sensitive skin types.

Acne-Prone Skin

While sea buckthorn oil is rich in fatty acids, it’s non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores—a common concern for those with oily or acne-prone skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce the redness and swelling associated with acne, while its antibacterial action works to prevent the bacteria that contribute to breakouts. Over time, sea buckthorn can also help fade post-acne scars and even out skin tone.

Mature Skin and Anti-Aging

Sea buckthorn is loaded with antioxidants and vitamins that promote collagen production and skin regeneration, which are key for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness. Over time, regular use of sea buckthorn oil can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while its antioxidant properties protect the skin from further damage caused by free radicals.

Sun-Damaged Skin

Sea buckthorn’s high levels of carotenoids and vitamin C make it excellent for repairing sun-damaged skin. While it doesn’t replace sunscreen, it can be used in after-sun care products to soothe sunburn, reduce inflammation, and promote faster healing. The antioxidants also help minimize the long-term effects of UV exposure, such as hyperpigmentation and premature aging.

Scientific Research Behind Sea Buckthorn’s Skincare Benefits

Research supports many of the claims about sea buckthorn’s effectiveness in skincare. Studies have shown that sea buckthorn oil promotes skin healing and regeneration, making it particularly beneficial for wound healing and recovery from skin injuries.

One study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology demonstrated that sea buckthorn oil could significantly accelerate wound healing, highlighting its potential for promoting skin regeneration. Another clinical trial found that sea buckthorn helped improve skin elasticity, hydration, and overall appearance, making it a promising ingredient for rejuvenating skin care products.

Moreover, its anti-inflammatory properties are supported by studies showing that sea buckthorn reduces the inflammatory response in skin cells, making it effective for conditions like acne and rosacea.

Where to Find Sea Buckthorn in Aevi’s Collection and How to Use it in Your Skincare Routine

There are several ways to incorporate sea buckthorn into your skincare routine, and you will find Aevi harnesses this Nordic super berry in several products:

1. Face Oils and Creams

Sea buckthorn oil is the key ingredient in our Nourishing Face Oil, one of our bestsellers. This luxurious oil works wonders when applied at night, as it supports your skin’s natural repair process while you sleep. It strengthens your skin barrier and boosts cell regeneration, leaving your skin deeply hydrated and glowing by morning. For daytime use, it’s equally effective in fortifying your skin against environmental stressors while providing deep nourishment throughout the day. Whether you’re combating dryness or simply want to maintain a radiant complexion, this oil is a must-have in both your day and night routines. Its thicker consistency also makes it perfect for facial massage and use with beauty tools.

2. Serums

For those looking to target specific concerns like dullness, fine lines, or sun damage, our Vitamin C + Collagen Serum (launching Summer 2025) is your go-to for a luminous glow. This serum combines the brightness-boosting power of sea buckthorn with collagen and 2% vitamin C to create a potent formula that penetrates deep into the skin. Sea buckthorn enhances the brightening effects, helping to fade hyperpigmentation, improve elasticity, and protect against environmental damage. It’s the ideal solution for those looking to combat signs of aging while boosting overall radiance. Apply it as the first step in your skincare routine to allow maximum absorption, then follow with another serum, cream, or oil to lock in the benefits.

3. Lip Care

Sea buckthorn’s nourishing and repairing properties are perfect for lip care, which is why we’ve included it in our All-Over Balm. This multi-purpose balm is especially great for hydrating and soothing dry, cracked lips and skin all over. The emollient texture forms a protective barrier, locking in moisture and shielding your face, lips and body from harsh environmental factors.
HYALURONIC ACID FACE SERUMHYALURONIC ACID FACE SERUM
BESTSELLER
HYALURONIC ACID FACE SERUM
Super Hydrating Seaweed + Tremella
Regular price
€94

(10)

NOURISHING FACE OILNOURISHING FACE OIL
BESTSELLER
NOURISHING FACE OIL
Radiance Enhancing Nordic Super Berries
Regular price
€98

(19)

EYE ELIXIREYE ELIXIR
EYE ELIXIR
Awakening Tea Extracts + Brightening Berries
Regular price
€62

(2)

THE HYDRATE + NOURISH DUOTHE HYDRATE + NOURISH DUO
SAVE 20%
THE HYDRATE + NOURISH DUO
Ultimate Skin Nourishment
Regular price
€172

(26)

Sea buckthorn is a true powerhouse in natural skincare, offering a range of benefits from deep hydration and repair to anti-aging and acne control. Its unique combination of vitamins, fatty acids, and antioxidants makes it a versatile ingredient suitable for almost any skin type and especially sensitive skin. Whether you’re looking to calm inflammation, repair sun damage, or give your skin a healthy, youthful glow, sea buckthorn is a scientifically-backed solution that delivers real results. Discover Aevi’s products with Sea buckthorn here.

Read more