Sea Buckthorn Oil vs Rosehip Oil: Their Similarities, Differences and Benefits for Skin

There’s a whole lot more to sea buckthorn and rosehip oil than their reddish color (or the fact that they both come from fruits). In this article we’re going to compare these two oils so that you can understand:

• their benefits for your skin.
• how to add them to your skin care routine.
• the best sea buckthorn and rosehip oils to use.

Note: this post contains some affiliate links and I earn a commission (at no additional cost to you) if you use them to make a purchase.

MAIN BENEFITS AND PROPERTIES OF SEA BUCKTHORN OIL FOR SKIN

Before we dive into the benefits of sea buckthorn oil, it’s important to know that there are three forms of the oil that you can buy:

• An oil pressed from the seed (often called “sea buckthorn seed oil”)
• An oil pressed from the pulp (usually called “fruit oil” or “berry oil”).
• An oil that is a blend of the seed and berry oil.

Each one provides different benefits as you’ll see below.

Note: for references used in this section use these links – 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

1. May protect against candida

Sea buckthorn an omega-7 fatty acid called palmitoleic acid, that contributes to many of the oil’s benefits.

In particular, palmitoleic acid may protect the skin from candida albicans (the fungus that causes yeast infections).

Interestingly, palmitoleic acid is also used in the medical setting to protect against wound infections.

2. Natural source of linoleic acid

Sea buckthorn seed oil can have up to 42% of the omega-6 fatty acid, linoleic acid.

This fatty acid is critical for proper skin barrier function.

In addition, the seed oil is a good source of omega 3 and omega 9 fatty acids.

3. May help inflammatory skin conditions

A compromised skin barrier is often seen in conditions like acne, eczema, rosacea or psoriasis.

Since sea buckthorn oil contains anti-inflammatory fatty acids, using it topically may provide relief for some of the above skin issues.

4. Protects against moisture loss

The sea buckthorn seed contains saturated fatty acids like stearic acid and palmitic acid, both of which have occlusive properties.

This means that they form a protective barrier on the skin.

With this barrier in place, there’s less moisture loss from the skin.

5. May improves scars

The omega 7 fatty acid, palmitoleic acid – which is abundant in the sea buckthorn pulp – promotes wound healing and skin regeneration.

As a result, some studies indicate that it may help to improve the appearance of scars.

6. May be helpful for eczema

A study done on mice showed that topical application of sea buckthorn oil reduced the severity of eczema.

Most notably the study found that sea buckthorn oil reduced the thickness of the epidermis, while also reducing the “infiltration of mast cells and inflammatory cells in the skin.”

Those mast cells are a type of white blood cell that tends to be higher in people with eczema.

7. High in gamma linolenic acid (GLA)

The sea buckthorn seed oil has a high amount of GLA which penetrates the skin quite easily.

Once in the skin, one of GLA’s main roles is to act as a “binder,” holding the cells of the epidermis together.

In addition, GLA helps to remove toxins, thus improving the appearance of skin.

Furthermore, GLA is said to:

• improve skin elasticity.
• reduce dryness
• fights inflammation.
• support the health of aging skin.

8. Natural antioxidant

Not only does sea buckthorn contain skin-loving antioxidants like vitamin E, but the seed oil also contains:

• carotenoids like beta carotene aka provitamin A.
• superoxide dismutase (SOD).

Both of these constituents protect the skin from the damaging effects of these free radicals.

9. Non-comedogenic

Even though sea buckthorn oil is heavy, it’s generally classified as a 1 on the comedogenic scale. This means it’s not likely to clog the pores of the skin.

10. Short shelf life

Once opened, sea buckthorn oil will last about 6 months. It’s best to store it in the fridge to keep it fresh for as long as possible.

BENEFITS AND PROPERTIES OF ROSEHIP OIL

Just like sea buckthorn oil, there are different types of rosehip oils on the market. Rosehip oil can come from:

• the seed:
• entire fruit (i.e. seed + pulp).

Unlike sea buckthorn oil, the language used for rosehip oil can be quite loose. This means all forms of the oil can be labeled “rosehip oil.”

As a consumer, you often have to do a little more investigating to know exactly which type of rose hip oil you’re getting (I cover this in my guide on the difference between rosehip oil and rosehip seed oil).

Now let’s dive into the benefits of rosehip oil.

Note: for the references used in this section, follow these links – 6, 7, 8.

1. Rich in beta carotene

The rosehip pulp has high amounts of beta carotene (provitamin A) which the body converts to preformed vitamin A.

Preformed vitamin A is the same categorization used for retinol (which is popular skin care ingredient).

2. Good source of linoleic acid and other fatty acids

The seed of the rosehip fruit is rich in fatty acids. More specifically it has approximately:

• 54.05% linoleic acid (omega-6 fatty acid).
• 19.37% linolenic acid (omega-3 fatty acid)
• 19.5% oleic acid (omega-9 fatty acid).

3. Great for aging skin

The beta carotene in rosehip is converted to preformed vitamin A, which supports collagen production and skin renewal.

Both of these factors can be very helpful for smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles.

In addition, rosehip oil supports the skin barrier (which can become compromised and lead to dryness as we age).

4. May improve stretch marks

Rosehip oil is often used as a natural remedy for stretch marks, mainly because of its ability to encourage skin renewal and collagen production.

5. Natural remedy for acne, scars and hyperpigmentation

Acne patients tend to produce sebum that is low in linoleic acid. So, using a linoleic-rich oil – like rosehip – may help to balance out the skin and reduce breakouts.

In addition, rosehip oil’s ability to encourage skin renewal makes it popular natural remedy for scars and dark spots too.

6. May soothe inflamed skin

Because rosehip oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids – which are anti-inflammatory – it may help with conditions where inflammation is an underlying factor (such as rosacea, eczema and psoriasis).

7. Non-comedogenic

Not only is rosehip generally rated a 1 on the comedogenic scale, but it also feels very lightweight and is easily absorbed into the skin.

Overall, it is considered an oil that is less likely to clog pores.

8. Short shelf life

Once opened, rosehip oil has a shelf life of about 6 months. So, it’s a good idea to store it in the fridge to keep it as fresh as possible.

ADDING SEA BUCKTHORN AND ROSEHIP OIL TO YOUR SKIN CARE ROUTINE

How to use sea buckthorn oil

• For daily use, stick to sea buckthorn seed oil since it is lighter.

• Use sea buckthorn fruit oil as a more intense treatment, once or twice a week.

• Sea buckthorn oil tends to stain the skin and clothing. So to eliminate this effect, mix it with other oils (including rosehip, which doesn’t stain). Use it at approximately 10% in a blend with other oils.

• Combine 1 drop sea buckthorn with moisturizer (or serum) in the palm of your hand and massage onto your face. Not only will this boost your moisturizer, but it also minimizes the staining effect.

How to use rosehip oil

• Combine 1 to 2 drops with your regular moisturizer (or serum) in the palm of your hand. Then massage onto your face.

• Make your stretch mark oil using rosehip, jojoba apricot kernel and other oils. Get the recipe in this guide on how to make stretch mark oil and cream.

• Create your own facial oil for acne, combination or mature skin by blending rosehip with oils like argan, apricot and more. Use this collection of DIY facial oil recipes to get started.

• Layer rosehip with other soothing ingredients like aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C serum and more. This guide gives you the 12 things to mix (and not) with rosehip oil.

BEST ROSEHIP AND SEA BUCKTHORN OILS FOR FACE

1. Best CO2 Extracted Rosehip Oil – Kosmea

The best rosehip oil is one that is pressed from the entire rosehip fruit (i.e. the seed and pulp). This allows you to enjoy the fatty acids, vitamin E and provitamin A that are in the fruit.

There are a few brands on the market that make this type of oil and my favorite is Kosmea.

I also like this Kosmea oil because it is CO2-extracted. CO2 extraction is gentler than cold pressing and produces the finest quality oil. By the way, cold pressing is still a very good extraction method, but if you like to be extra, go with CO2 extraction 🙂

Get the Kosmea rosehip oil.

2. Best Cold Pressed Rosehip Seed Oil

There are loads of cold pressed rosehip seed oils to choose from. However, there are a couple that stand out:

• Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil: this brand guarantees a minimum of 80% essential fatty acid content. And there’s the fact that Trilogy has been publicly lauded as a favorite by a number of celeb beauties, including Kate Middleton. Get Trilogy’s rosehip oil here.

• The Ordinary Rosehip Oil: time and time again, The Ordinary stands out for their ability to offer best-of-class ingredients at a budget price. And it’s no different with their rosehip oil.

Get The Ordinary’s rosehip oil.

3. Best Sea Buckthorn Oils

• Mountain Rose Herbs Sea Buckthorn Seed + Berry Oil: According to their website, this sea buckthorn oil is pressed from the entire berry with the seeds. This gives you the full spectrum of everything that sea buckthorn has to offer – omega 3, 6, 7 and 9, plus beta carotene – in oil super potent oil. Get this full spectrum sea buckthorn oil here.

• Seabuck Wonders Seed Oil: this organic oil is pressed from the sea buckthorn seed only, making it a good source of omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids. Get this sea buckthorn seed oil here.

• Seabuck Wonders Berry Oil: this oil is pressed from the sea buckthorn pulp, making it a good source of omega 7 fatty acids and beta carotene. Get this sea buckthorn berry oil here.

FAQs ABOUT SEA BUCKTHORN AND ROSEHIP OIL

Can you mix rosehip oil with sea buckthorn?

You can make a face oil by mixing rosehip oil, sea buckthorn and other carrier oils in a 1 ounce glass, amber bottle. The ratios to use are

• 3/4 tsp sea buckthorn oil (berry or seed oil; or both).
• 2 tsp rosehip oil.
• 1 Tbsp jojoba oil.

CONCLUSION

So, after all this you may be wondering if rosehip oil or sea buckthorn oil is better. Well, I’m sure I’m stating the obvious here, but it all boils down to what your skin needs!

Both oils are nutritional powerhouses for your skin and you can’t go wrong when looking at them from that perspective.

So, start with whichever one speaks to you. Or get both and use them in a blend. Your skin will thank you!

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