Sea Buckthorn might sound like a mythical plant pulled from the pages of a fantasy novel, but this vibrant orange berry is one of skincare’s most underrated glow-giving ingredients. Native to Europe and Asia, it’s been a staple in traditional healing systems for centuries, and now, it’s making serious waves in modern skincare.

With its potent mix of fatty acids, antioxidants, and skin-repairing nutrients, Sea Buckthorn is gaining popularity among K-beauty enthusiasts and clean beauty lovers alike. In this guide, we’re diving deep into what makes Sea Buckthorn so special, how it benefits your skin, and the best ways to incorporate it into your routine.

What Is Sea Buckthorn?

Sea Buckthorn is a small, nutrient-dense berry harvested from the Hippophae plant, a hardy shrub that thrives in coastal and mountainous regions of Europe and Asia. Traditionally used in Tibetan and Chinese medicine, this berry has been praised for its ability to heal wounds, reduce inflammation, and strengthen immunity.

In skincare, Sea Buckthorn is typically used in two forms: oil and extract. Both are derived from either the seeds or the fleshy pulp of the berry, and both forms are valued for their impressive cocktail of vitamins, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids. Whether you’re applying it as a serum, cream, or balm, Sea Buckthorn brings a burst of skin-loving nutrients to the table.

Sea Buckthorn Oil vs Extract: What’s the Difference?

Although they come from the same plant, Sea Buckthorn oil and extract offer different benefits and textures, making them suitable for different types of skincare products.

Sea Buckthorn Oil is usually derived from the berry’s seeds or pulp through cold pressing. It’s rich in fatty acids, especially omega-7 (palmitoleic acid), which is rare in plant oils and crucial for maintaining skin elasticity and moisture. The oil is deeply nourishing and is often used in facial oils, balms, or moisturizers targeted at dry or aging skin.

Sea Buckthorn Extract, on the other hand, is more often water-soluble and obtained through gentle extraction processes to preserve its vitamins and antioxidants. It’s commonly used in serums, toners, and creams where a lighter consistency is preferred.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Both forms can be beneficial, but knowing the difference helps you choose the right one based on your skin’s needs.

Skin Benefits of Sea Buckthorn

If you’re looking for a multitasking ingredient that checks almost every box, Sea Buckthorn delivers. It’s often called a “superberry” for a reason, and the science backs it up.

Sea Buckthorn is loaded with antioxidants, especially vitamin C and E, which help neutralize free radicals that contribute to premature aging and skin damage. Its natural vitamin A content makes it great for supporting skin renewal and smoothing out uneven texture.

Thanks to its high fatty acid profile, including omega-3, 6, 7, and 9, Sea Buckthorn is also a champion at moisturizing and repairing the skin barrier, making it ideal for dry or compromised skin. Plus, studies show it can promote wound healing and regeneration, helping with post-acne marks, irritation, and even sun damage.

And of course, one of the biggest perks? That noticeable brightening effect. With regular use, Sea Buckthorn helps even out skin tone and brings a radiant, healthy glow to dull complexions.

Is It Safe for All Skin Types?

Sea Buckthorn is generally considered safe and well-tolerated across most skin types. However, as with any potent botanical ingredient, concentration and formulation matter.

In its pure oil form, Sea Buckthorn can be comedogenic, especially for oily or acne-prone skin, if not properly diluted. That’s why many Korean skincare brands balance it with lightweight bases or pair it with non-comedogenic ingredients. Sensitive skin types may want to patch test first, particularly when using products that contain essential oils or a high concentration of Sea Buckthorn oil.

For best results, look for products where Sea Buckthorn is blended into creams, serums, or toners rather than applied as a standalone oil, unless your skin is dry or mature and needs that extra nourishment.

How to Use Sea Buckthorn in Your Routine

The beauty of Sea Buckthorn lies in its versatility. Depending on the product format, it can slot into nearly any part of your skincare routine.

• Serums and Facial Oils: These are best used at night to give your skin a restorative boost while you sleep.
• Moisturizers: Ideal for reinforcing the skin barrier and sealing in hydration.
• Eye Creams: The antioxidant content helps reduce fine lines and brighten tired-looking eyes.
• Balms: Great for spot-treating dry patches, cracked lips, or irritated areas.

Pro tip: Because of its vibrant orange hue and rich antioxidant content, it’s a great idea to use Sea Buckthorn in the daytime with SPF. The natural color doesn’t stain the skin when diluted, but it does provide extra protection against environmental damage.

Who Should Try Sea Buckthorn Products?

Sea Buckthorn is particularly beneficial for people with:

• Dull or tired-looking skin: Its brightening effects can bring back a radiant complexion.
• Aging or mature skin: Rich in antioxidants and fatty acids that target fine lines and sagging.
• Dry or flaky skin: Helps restore softness and comfort by reinforcing the lipid barrier.
• Sensitive skin: When formulated well, it soothes irritation and reduces redness.

However, if you have very oily or acne-prone skin, look for Sea Buckthorn in water-based or gel formulations rather than oils or balms. Avoid heavy concentrations unless you’ve tested it before and your skin responds well.

Ingredients That Pair Well With Sea Buckthorn

Sea Buckthorn works synergistically with several other skincare powerhouses to enhance its effects:

• Ceramides: Together, they strengthen the skin barrier and improve moisture retention.
• Hyaluronic Acid: Adds deep hydration to the nourishing effects of Sea Buckthorn.
• Vitamin C: Doubles down on brightening and evens out skin tone more effectively.
• Retinol: Sea Buckthorn may help buffer the irritation that often comes with retinol use.
• Squalane: Adds a lightweight moisture layer without clogging pores.

This kind of ingredient layering is why Sea Buckthorn is often found in sophisticated Korean skincare blends, it complements actives beautifully without overpowering them.

Top Korean Skincare Products with Sea Buckthorn

Looking to try Sea Buckthorn for yourself? These Korean products available at Skin Seoul are excellent starting points:

1. KAHI x TEEN Vitamin C Cream

This compact glow cream combines Vitamin C with Sea Buckthorn extract to help brighten dull skin, fade dark spots, and defend against environmental stressors. It’s formulated to deliver visible radiance in a lightweight texture perfect for layering during the day. Whether you’re dealing with early signs of aging or post-acne pigmentation, this cream adds a boost of antioxidant power to your routine.

• Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, Sea Buckthorn Extract, Niacinamide
• Key Benefits: Brightens complexion, improves tone, supports antioxidant protection

Where to buy: KAHI x TEEN Vitamin C Cream

2. Twinkla Anti-Wrinkle Shining Multi Balm & Anti-Mela Soothing Water Balm

This double balm duo is designed to hydrate, soothe, and visibly firm skin on the go. The Shining Multi Balm targets fine lines and dullness with a blend of nourishing oils including Sea Buckthorn, while the Anti-Mela Soothing Balm calms redness and irritation with botanical extracts. Ideal for busy days, touch-ups, or no-makeup skin enhancement.

• Key Ingredients: Sea Buckthorn Oil, Macadamia Seed Oil, Centella Asiatica
• Key Benefits: Firms, soothes, and adds natural glow

Where to buy: Twinkla Anti-Wrinkle Shining Multi Balm & Anti-Mela Soothing Water Balm

3. COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Intensive Cream

This ultra-moisturizing cream delivers deep hydration with hyaluronic acid while botanical extracts, including those that pair beautifully with Sea Buckthorn, soothe and protect the skin barrier. It’s a rich, cushiony formula perfect for dry, dehydrated, or stressed-out skin, especially during colder months or after retinol use.

• Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Sunflower Oil, Allantoin
• Key Benefits: Intense hydration, barrier repair, long-lasting moisture

Where to buy: COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Intensive Cream

Final Thoughts

Sea Buckthorn is more than just another plant-based skincare trend, it’s a powerhouse berry packed with skin-transforming benefits. From deep hydration to antioxidant protection and barrier repair, it covers all the essential bases in a modern skincare routine.

Whether you’re chasing that lit-from-within glow or trying to support sensitive, stressed-out skin, Sea Buckthorn is a natural ingredient that actually delivers on its promises. Its versatility and efficacy make it a perfect addition to any skincare shelf.

Ready to bring the glow home? Discover our curated selection of Korean skincare products powered by Sea Buckthorn and other radiance-boosting ingredients, only at Skin Seoul. Whether you’re looking for antioxidant-rich serums, deeply hydrating creams, or multi-tasking balms, we’ve got your glow-up covered.