Seabuckthorn Seed Oil , Seabuckthorn Fruit Oil

Now that you know what sea buckthorn oil comes from, let's dive into the lengthy list of skin benefits, from experts: Antioxidant protection

"Sea buckthorn oil is a good source of vitamins A, C, and E, as well as flavonoids, all of which have antioxidant properties," board-certified dermatologist Rebecca Marcus, M.D., FAAD, tells mbg. 

Seaberries are not only a good source but arguably one of the best sources of these nutrients. "Sea buckthorn extract has one of the highest concentrations of flavonoids and phenolic compounds," board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skintensive Anar Mikailov, M.D., FAAD, tells mbg.

As a quick refresher, antioxidants are essential to maintaining healthy skin. See, when free radicals interact with your skin, they trigger oxidative stress—something that leads to accelerated skin aging and general stressed-out skin. 

While you may immediately assume using oils on already oily skin types is unproductive, the opposite is true with certain botanical options—sea buckthorn oil included. 

"Studies have shown that sea buckthorn is acne-skin friendly as it helps normalize sebaceous glands from producing excess sebum," Mikailov explains. However, you'll want to be careful when shopping for sea buckthorn products. While the oil itself may not clog your pores, other filler ingredients may. 

For a quick and easy way to double-check your products, copy the full ingredient list (generally found online) into this pore-clogging ingredients checker from Acne Clinic NYC.

"The high concentration of fatty acids, including omega fatty acids and phytosterols are incredibly nourishing and hydrating for the skin," Mikailov says.

"However, it's the overall combination of all these compounds in sea buckthorn extract—the antioxidants, vitamins, fatty acids—that gives it its pro-collagen remodeling benefits, increase skin hydration by improving the skin barrier to reduce transepidermal water loss2 (TEWL)," he adds. 

Not to mention, a 2017 animal study3 proved that sea buckthorn oil can be a helpful remedy for those with eczema. When looking for eczema-safe products, keep an eye out for essential oils and other potentially irritating additives.

This is why sea buckthorn oil is such a great slugging tool—it's deeply hydrating and simultaneously nourishes the skin (unlike petrolatum-based jelly, which simply holds moisture).