Why Do We Love Sea Buckthorn Oil?

Hippohae Rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn) Pulp Oil

Sea Buckthorn Oil, an incredibly potent superfood ingredient, is a fantastic addition to cosmetic products, thanks to its numerous health benefits and nourishing properties.

Our journey of discovery with Sea Buckthorn began while we were diligently researching for the perfect components during the development of our Elements Collection.

While working on Elements Water, our aim was to incorporate an ingredient that truly encapsulated the essence of water, and the name "Sea Buckthorn" immediately caught our attention. However, it was more than just its name that made it the ideal candidate for our collection. Delving deeper into its properties, we found that this extraordinary oil is packed with an array of nutrients, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids, making it a powerhouse for promoting skin health and vitality.

The inclusion of Sea Buckthorn Oil in Elements Water not only highlights the water-inspired theme but also brings forth the incredible benefits this unique ingredient offers. As a result, our Elements Collection becomes a harmonious blend of nature's finest ingredients, thoughtfully curated to elevate your skincare experience to new heights. Then I started to look more into the oil – and was further convinced that this needed to go into our products.

Upon witnessing the vibrant orange-red hue of Sea Buckthorn Oil, it's no surprise that it eventually found its way into our Elements Fire range, reflecting its lively and captivating colour.

As we crafted our assortment of Beard Butters, we resolved to incorporate Sea Buckthorn Oil into each variant we developed. Additionally, we are in the process of revising the base formulations for several of our products to guarantee the inclusion of this exceptional base oil.

We purchase our Sea Buckthorn from Naturally Thinking who state that:

“Sea buckthorn, the richest oil on earth and our favourite, rich in natural minerals and vitamins it is a skin god, reviving, renewing, replenishing, protecting & anti-aging.”[1]

The extraordinary appeal of Sea Buckthorn lies in its remarkable wealth of health-boosting bioactive compounds that contribute to its composition. I mean it has more vitamins than a Berocca. This is not factually correct but look at the list! There is no wonder it has rightfully been described as a super food.

Carotenoids (400-500mg), Beta-carotene(15.70mg), Vitamin A (210-230 IU), Vitamin E (180-250mg), Vitamin K1 (170-200mg), Beta-sitosterol (provitamin D) (250-400mg), Iodine (70-80mcg), Calcium (5.4mcg), Iron (1.7mcg), Magnesium (1.6mcg), Phosphorous (6.5mcg), Zinc (1.5mcg).[2]

Where does Sea Buckthorn come from?

The resilient Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is a thorny shrub characterised by its slender, willowy leaves and vibrant orange-yellow berries. This plant also goes by the names seaberry, Siberian pineapple, sandthorn, and sallowthorn. It thrives in challenging coastal environments as well as arid sub-alpine regions.[3]

The Sea Buckthorn we incorporate in our products is sourced from Siberia, Russia, and boasts exceptional quality, ensuring the finest results for your beard care needs. From the Sea Buckthorn deciduous tree, scientists believe the hardy tree originates from the Himalayan regions. [4]

The plant is known for its bright orange berries, which are rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds. There are two types of sea buckthorn oil: seed oil, which is extracted from the seeds, and fruit (berry) oil, which is extracted from the fleshy pulp of the berries. Both types have different nutritional profiles and health benefits. The oil we use is the type extracted from the berry.

Seven Benefits of Sea Buckthorn Oil

Sea buckthorn oil is valued for its high nutritional content and potential health benefits, which include[5]:

1. Nutrient-rich: Sea buckthorn oil is a rich source of various nutrients such as vitamins (A, C, and E), essential fatty acids (omega-3, omega-6, omega-7, and omega-9), carotenoids, flavonoids, and minerals.
2. Antioxidant properties: The oil is rich in antioxidants like vitamin E and carotenoids, which can help protect the body from oxidative stress and cellular damage caused by free radicals.
3. Skin health: Sea buckthorn oil is popular in skincare products due to its nourishing and healing properties. It can help with various skin issues like dryness, inflammation, acne, and even promote wound healing, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
4. Cardiovascular health: Some studies suggest that sea buckthorn oil may support heart health by improving blood lipid profiles, reducing inflammation, and preventing plaque formation in blood vessels.
5. Immune system support: The oil's high vitamin C content and other immune-boosting nutrients can contribute to a stronger immune system and overall health.
6. Anti-inflammatory properties: Sea buckthorn oil has been found to have anti-inflammatory effects, which can be beneficial in managing conditions like arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.
7. Gastrointestinal health: Sea buckthorn oil, particularly the omega-7 fatty acid known as palmitoleic acid, may help improve gastrointestinal health by promoting tissue repair and providing mucosal support.

It is important to note that while sea buckthorn oil has many potential health benefits, more research is needed to fully understand its effects and establish optimal dosages. If you are considering adding sea buckthorn oil to your daily routine, it's a good idea to consult a healthcare professional to ensure it's suitable for your individual needs.

While we are not certified diet professionals or nutritionists, our expertise lies in the careful selection and incorporation of beneficial components, like Sea Buckthorn Oil, into our skincare formulations.

Our primary focus is to harness the power of these remarkable ingredients, which boast numerous skin-loving properties, to provide our customers with effective and nourishing skincare solutions. By incorporating Sea Buckthorn Oil and other exceptional components into our products, we aim to enhance your skincare routine and help you achieve healthier, more radiant skin (underneath that beard!).

We hope you found this insight into the remarkable Sea Buckthorn Oil both informative and enjoyable. Keep an eye out for the rest of our series, where we'll continue to unveil the exceptional ingredients, we use and, more importantly, the reasons behind their inclusion in our products.