At Dose Daily, we’re all about the ingredients that actually do something. The ones that might not have a big PR team behind them, but show up again and again in research, routines, and real results. Sea buckthorn is one of those.

You’ve probably seen it floating around more lately, and no, it’s not just another trendy name to scroll past. It’s packed with the kind of nutrients your skin actually uses. 

When taken consistently, it can be one of those quiet, underrated additions that can help your skin feel a little more hydrated, a little more resilient, and a lot more supported.

Read on to see why sea buckthorn deserves a spot in your daily routine and what it’s actually doing for your skin.

Why Care About Skin Health Anyway?

Did you know your skin is actually the largest organ in your body? However, despite that fun fact, most people don’t give it the same attention they give their heart, gut, or brain. It’s often treated like an afterthought, or something you slap moisturizer on and hope for the best.

But skin health is whole-body health. It’s your first line of defense, your thermostat, and a key player in how your body holds onto hydration and regulates itself.

That’s why, when your skin’s not happy, it shows. Dryness, flakiness, dull tone, breakouts, irritation, sensitivity, or just that feeling like your skin’s throwing a mini tantrum. These signs are your body’s way of saying, “Hey, I need a little help here.”

Healthy skin helps lock in moisture, block out everyday stressors, and protect everything going on underneath. 

Bonus: it usually looks and feels better when it’s supported from the inside out, and if you ask us, that kind of inside-out support is way more sustainable than chasing surface-level fixes.

So, What Exactly Is Sea Buckthorn?

You’ve got the lowdown on why skin health matters, so what exactly is sea buckthorn?

Despite the name, it’s not seaweed and it’s not some rare ocean plant. Sea buckthorn is a small, bright orange berry that grows on a thorny shrub (yep, thorns included). It’s mostly found in cold, dry regions across Europe and Asia, think high altitudes, harsh winds, and not a whole lot of moisture.

That resilience is part of what makes it so interesting. The berries are tiny but packed with naturally occurring nutrients, and people have been using them in traditional practices for centuries, long before they ever showed up in modern skincare or wellness routines.

How Does Sea Buckthorn Support Skin Health?

Wondering how a tiny berry can actually support your skin? Sea buckthorn’s benefits are way more real than you might think.

Helps Keep Skin Hydrated

If your skin constantly feels tight, dry, or like your moisturizer disappears five minutes after you apply it, your skin might be struggling to hold onto moisture. 

Sea buckthorn contains omega-7, a fatty acid that’s been studied for its role in helping skin stay hydrated from the inside out. It can help support the skin’s ability to lock in moisture, so things don’t evaporate the second you leave the bathroom.

This is especially helpful if your skin always feels dry no matter the season or if you're constantly reapplying face cream just to feel normal.

Supports Skin Barrier Function

Your skin barrier is like your body’s front line. When it’s intact, your skin tends to stay calm and predictable. When it’s not? You’re dealing with irritation, redness, or random flare-ups.

Sea buckthorn delivers omega-3, 6, 9, and that rare omega-7, a lineup of fatty acids that help reinforce the skin’s structure and keep that barrier from breaking down. A strong barrier means less moisture loss and fewer “Why is my skin mad at me?” days. It’s quiet support, but it makes a noticeable difference in how your skin holds up day to day.

May Help With Skin Sensitivity

You don’t need a skin condition to know what it feels like to have reactive skin. One day you're fine, and the next you’re blotchy, itchy, or uncomfortable for no clear reason. 

While sea buckthorn won’t cancel out every trigger, it does contain nutrients like flavonoids and vitamin E that have been studied for their ability to support how your body responds to external stressors.

It’s a gentle, food-based option that can help take the edge off those “what is happening to my face right now?” moments. Because it works internally, it’s one more way to support your skin without layering on another product.

Supports General Skin Radiance

If you feel like your complexion has looked dull or uneven lately, sea buckthorn might help with that.

Its bright orange color comes from carotenoids, which are plant compounds known for their antioxidant properties. These nutrients have been linked to overall skin radiance in some studies. 

That doesn’t mean you’ll suddenly glow like a glazed donut, but it can contribute to a more consistent, healthy-looking tone over time, especially when paired with other good habits like hydration and sleep.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Sea buckthorn is generally well-tolerated, especially when taken in small, food-based doses. If you’re using it internally, whether as a capsule, oil, or part of a supplement blend, most people don’t experience any major side effects.

If you’ve ever used sea buckthorn oil topically, you might’ve noticed it has a very bold orange tint. That’s from the carotenoids, and while it can temporarily tint the skin when applied directly, that’s not something to worry about with internal use.

As always, if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking any medications, it’s a good idea to check in with your doctor first. If you’re trying sea buckthorn for the first time, start small and see how your body responds.

What’s the Best Way To Use Sea Buckthorn for Skin?

Knowing sea buckthorn is good for your skin is one thing, but actually working it into your day is another. The good news? You’ve got options. 

Whether you like to keep things simple or you genuinely enjoy building out your wellness routine, there’s a way to make it work for you.

Capsules

If you're not trying to reinvent your routine, capsules are an easy entry point. You don’t have to prep, blend, or taste anything — you just take it with water and move on with your day. 

Most sea buckthorn capsules are made with oil extracts, so you’re still getting the fatty acids and antioxidants that support skin health.

When shopping for a capsule, check that it's made with sea buckthorn berry oil (not just seed oil) since the berry is where omega-7 lives. 

Bonus if the brand uses organic ingredients and includes third-party testing for purity. It’s a super low-effort way to stay consistent, especially if your supplement shelf is already looking a little crowded.

Oils

If you like a little more control over what you take and how you take it, sea buckthorn oil is a flexible option. You can take it straight from a spoon, mix it into your smoothie, or even stir it into a spoonful of yogurt. 

The flavor is earthy and a little tart, and some people are into it while others chase it with juice. Either way, it’s a strong ingredient with a strong personality.

Keep in mind: this oil will stain fabrics and light-colored counters, so go slow and maybe don’t wear white. Like with capsules, make sure you’re getting oil made from the berry, not just the seed. The berry oil is where the omega-7 and skin benefits really come through.

Functional Shots

If you're looking for the most convenient way to work sea buckthorn into your day, this is it. No measuring, no capsules, no mess — just open, sip, and move on. 

For anyone juggling a packed schedule (or who just doesn’t feel like playing supplement chemist before breakfast), functional wellness shots are the ultimate low-effort option.

That’s why we made Dose for your Skin, a pre-dosed, ready-to-sip peach shot that includes sea buckthorn plus other skin-supporting ingredients your body actually uses. 

We’re talking aloe vera extract that’s 200x stronger than standard versions, Centella asiatica, which is traditionally used to support skin structure and elasticity, and a blend of adaptogens and antioxidants to help your skin stay hydrated and elastic.*

There’s no prep, clean-up, or flavor-masking required. Just real, vegan ingredients in a cooling, silky shot that actually tastes good and fits into whatever your routine looks like.

How Long Does It Take To Reap the Benefits?

With sea buckthorn (and most skin-supporting ingredients), it’s more of a slow build than a quick turnaround.

Some people may notice subtle changes in hydration or skin feel within a few weeks, especially if their routine was missing key nutrients before. However, long-term benefits, like elasticity, tone, or overall resilience, take time. Think of it as a steady, under-the-surface shift, not a dramatic overnight transformation.

The real game changer? Consistency. Taking sea buckthorn once in a while is fine, but working it into your daily routine is what actually makes a difference. Your skin cells regenerate on a cycle, and the more consistent you are with support, the more those nutrients can do their thing.

So stick with it. Daily really does mean daily, and your skin will thank you for it.

The Bottom Line

So, can sea buckthorn support skin health? Yes, and when taken consistently, it can be a simple, effective way to support skin from the inside out.

At Dose, we make it easy to get functional, plant-based ingredients in a format that actually fits your life. No guesswork, no gimmicks, just clean, clinically backed supplements designed to support your wellness journey, one small step at a time.

Sources:

Skin: Layers, Structure and Function | Cleveland Clinic

Meet The “Beauty Omegas” That Stimulate Collagen Production, Among Other Benefits | Vogue 

The Role of Carotenoids in Human Skin | PMC 

The impact of oral sea-buckthorn oil on skin | ScienceDirect