Sea buckthorn grows in some of the harshest climates on earth: high-altitude, cold, dry and sun-exposed. To survive, the berry packs an unusually dense store of nutrients, and that's exactly what makes it so interesting for skin.
In short
- Sea buckthorn is a hardy shrub that grows across the Himalayas and Central Asia
- Its orange berries are rich in omega fatty acids, vitamins C and E, and carotenoids
- It's used in skincare for nourishment and to help defend skin against daily stress
Where sea buckthorn grows
Sea buckthorn is a thorny shrub with narrow silvery leaves and clusters of bright orange berries. It thrives at high altitude, from the cold, dry valleys of the Himalayas to the plateaus of Central Asia, where temperatures swing sharply and the sun is intense. Its roots hold soil together on steep slopes, which is why the plant is also valued for restoring difficult land.
For generations, communities across these regions have used the berries in food and traditional wellness. That long history is one reason the ingredient has found its way into modern skincare.
What's inside the berry
- Omega fatty acids (3, 6, 7 and 9): support a healthy, resilient skin barrier. Sea buckthorn is unusual for its omega-7 content, which is rare in plants.
- Vitamins C and E: help brighten and even the look of tone, and support skin's natural defences.
- Carotenoids: the pigments that give the berries their orange colour. They act as antioxidants and help defend skin against daily environmental stress.
- Plant sterols and flavonoids: additional antioxidants that add to the ingredient's nourishing profile.
Why it works well in skincare
Skin needs three things from a good routine: protection from the environment, moisture that stays put, and support for its natural barrier. Sea buckthorn touches all three. Its antioxidants help defend against everyday stress from sun, pollution and heat. Its fatty acids help skin hold on to moisture and feel soft. And because it's so rich, a little goes a long way.
Berry oil and seed oil
Sea buckthorn oils come from two parts of the plant. Oil from the berry pulp is the orange one, rich in carotenoids and omega-7. Oil from the seeds is lighter in colour and higher in omega-3 and omega-6. Each has its own strengths, and that's why quality and careful formulation matter more than the ingredient name alone.
Sea buckthorn in the Vadora range
Sea buckthorn appears in our cleanser, serum and sunscreen because it pairs rich nourishment with a light feel. Each product pairs it with actives that suit its job:
Cleanse
Sea buckthorn extract with hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and vitamin E, to cleanse without stripping skin.
Treat
A lightweight night serum with niacinamide and mulberry extract, made to help even tone.
Is sea buckthorn right for my skin?
Sea buckthorn is widely used in skincare, but every skin is different. Patch test any new product on a small area before using it on your face, and introduce one new product at a time. If you have a skin condition, are pregnant or have concerns, speak to a dermatologist first.
Common questions
Will sea buckthorn make my skin oily?
Our formulas are lightweight and made to absorb quickly. The berry's oils are used in small amounts alongside water-based ingredients, so the products feel light on skin.
Why are the berries orange?
The colour comes from carotenoids, the same family of pigments found in carrots and marigolds. They're antioxidants, which is part of why the berry is so prized.
Where do I start?
New to the range? Start with our simple three-step routine or read more about Vadora Cares.
Photography from Unsplash.
