Originating high in the Himalayas, Sea Buckthorn grew into a small but resilient fruit at 12,000 feet above sea level. This crop created a weather-resistant barrier by producing multiple powerful nutrients, which served as protection against harsh environmental elements and high altitudes.
The first written documentation of the Sea Buckthorn berry dates to the 13th century. It was featured in the Sibu Yi Dian, a Tibetan book of healing arts, taking up about a third of the book's contents. Hailed as the Holy Fruit of the Himalayas, Sea Buckthorn was used for thousands of years in many parts of the world to treat an array of health-related concerns. Uses for the fruit include sustaining energy levels, improving cellular health, supporting cardiovascular health, supporting the joints, treating inflammation, replenishing dry and damaged skin, improving immunity, and treating inflammatory skin conditions such as rosacea and eczema.
Sea Buckthorn berries are naturally abundant in Antioxidants, Phytosterols, Carotenoids, skin-supporting Minerals, and Vitamins A, E, and K. The luxurious oil that is extracted from the fruit yields a rich, versatile emollient that possesses a unique Essential Fatty Acid profile. Its chemical composition consists of 25.00%-30.00% Palmitic Acid C16:0, 25.00%-30.00% Palmitoleic Acid C16:1, 20.0%-30.0% Oleic Acid C18:1, 2.0%-8.0% Linoleic Acid C18:2, and 1.0%-3.0% Alpha-Linolenic Acid C18:3 (n-3).
VITAMIN A (RETINOL) is believed to:
VITAMIN E is believed to:
VITAMIN K is believed to:
PALMITIC ACID is believed to:
PALMITOLEIC ACID is believed to:
OLEIC ACID is believed to:
LINOLEIC ACID is believed to:
ALPHA-LINOLEIC ACID is believed to:
Due to its unique Antioxidant and Essential Fatty Acid profile, Sea Buckthorn Carrier Oil protects the integrity of the skin and promotes skin cell turnover. Hence, this oil possesses a versatility that can support an array of skin types. It can be used on its own as a primer for face and body lotion, or it can be incorporated into a skin care formulation. Fatty Acids such as Palmitic and Linoleic acids naturally occur within the skin. Topical application of oils possessing these fatty acids can help soothe skin and promote healing from inflammation. Sea Buckthorn Oil is a common ingredient in anti-aging products. Overexposure to the sun, pollution, and chemicals can trigger signs of premature aging to form onto the skin. Palmitoleic Acid and Vitamin E are believed to protect the skin against oxidative stress caused by environmental elements. Vitamins K, E, and Palmitic Acid also have the potential to enhance collagen and elastin production while preserving existing levels within the skin. Sea Buckthorn Oil is an effective emollient that targets dryness related to aging. Oleic and Stearic Acids produce a moisturizing layer that improves water retention, giving skin a healthy glow that is soft to the touch.
Sea Buckthorn Oil is equally emolliating and strengthening when applied to the hair and scalp. For scalp health, Vitamin A is believed to balance the overproduction of sebum on an oily scalp, while promoting oil production on a drier scalp. This replenishes the hair shaft and gives it a healthy sheen. Vitamin E and Linoleic Acid also has potential to maintain healthy scalp conditions that are the foundations of new hair growth. Like its skin care benefits, Oleic Acid fights free radical damage that can make hair appear dull, flat, and dry. Meanwhile, Stearic Acid possesses thickening properties that emits a fuller, more voluptuous look in the hair. Along with its ability to support skin and hair health, Sea Buckthorn also possesses cleansing properties due to its Oleic Acid content, making it suitable for soap, body wash, and shampoo formulations.
NDA's Sea Buckthorn Carrier Oil is COSMOS approved. The COSMOS-standard ensures that businesses are respecting biodiversity, using natural resources responsibly, and preserving environmental and human health when processing and manufacturing their materials. When reviewing cosmetics for certification, the COSMOS-standard inspects the origin and processing of ingredients, composition of total product, storage, manufacturing and packaging, environmental management, labelling, communication, inspection, certification, and control. For more information, visit https://www.cosmos-standard.org/
Sea Buckthorn is a salt-tolerant crop that can grow in an array of soil qualities, including in very poor soils, acidic soils, alkaline soils, and on steep slopes. However, this spiny shrub grows best in deep, well-drained sandy loam soil that is abundant in organic matter. The ideal soil pH for growing Sea Buckthorn ranges between 5.5 and 8.3, although the optimal soil pH is between 6 and 7. As a hardy plant, Sea Buckthorn can withstand temperatures of -45 degrees to 103 degrees Fahrenheit (-43 degrees to 40 degrees Celsius).
The Sea Buckthorn berries turn bright orange when they are ripe, which typically occurs between late August and early September. Despite achieving ripeness, the Sea Buckthorn fruit is difficult to remove from the tree. An estimate of 600 hours/acre (1500 hours/hectare) for fruit harvesting is expected.
Sea Buckthorn Carrier Oil is extracted using the CO2 method. To perform this extraction, the fruits are ground and placed in an extraction vessel. Then, CO2 gas is put under pressure to produce a high temperature. Once the ideal temperature is reached, a pump is used to transmit the CO2 into the extraction vessel where it encounters the fruit. This breaks down the trichomes of the Sea Buckthorn berries and dissolves part of the plant material. A pressure release valve is connected to the initial pump, allowing the material to flow into a separate vessel. During the supercritical phase, the CO2 acts as a "solvent" to extract the oil from the plant.
Once the oil is extracted from the fruits, the pressure is lowered so the CO2 can return to its gaseous state, dissipating quickly.
Sea Buckthorn Oil has oil balancing properties that can reduce overproduction of sebum in greasy areas, while also promoting sebum production in areas where it is lacking. For oily, dry, acne-prone, or combination skin, this fruit oil can act as an effective serum when applied after cleansing and before moisturizing. Using Sea Buckthorn Oil after using a cleanser is also beneficial for the skin barrier that may be vulnerable after washing. The Essential Fatty Acids, Vitamins, and Antioxidants can replenish any lost moisture and keep the skin cells together, giving skin a youthful, radiant appearance. Due to its soothing properties, Sea Buckthorn can be applied to areas prone to acne, discoloration, and hyperpigmentation to potentially slow the release of inflammatory cells in the skin. In skincare, the face typically receives the most amount of attention and care from everyday products and routines. However, skin on other areas, such as the neck and chest, can be equally as sensitive and thus require the same rejuvenating treatment. Due to its delicacy, the skin on the neck and chest can show early signs of aging, so applying Sea Buckthorn Carrier Oil to those areas can reduce the appearance of premature fine lines and wrinkles.
Regarding hair care, Sea Buckthorn is a wonderful addition to any natural hair care routine. It can be applied directly to the hair when layering styling products, or it can be blended with other oils or leave in conditioners to achieve a customized look that is specific to one's hair type. This Carrier Oil is also incredibly beneficial for promoting scalp health. Using Sea Buckthorn in a scalp massage can revive the hair follicles, create a healthy scalp culture, and potentially promote healthy hair growth.
Sea Buckthorn Carrier Oil is safe enough for use on its own or can be blended with other Carrier Oils such as Jojoba or Coconut. Due to its deep, reddish orange to brown hue, this oil may not be ideal for those who are sensitive to rich pigmentation. A small skin test on a hidden area of skin is recommended prior to use.
Botanical Name: Hippophae rhamnoides.
Obtained From: Fruit
Origin: China
Extraction Method: CO2 Extraction.
Color/ Consistency: Deep reddish orange to dark brown liquid.
Due to its unique constituent profile, Sea Buckthorn Oil is solid at cold temperatures and tends to clump up at room temperature. To reduce this, place the bottle in a carefully heated hot-water bath. Change the water continuously until the oil is more liquid in texture. Do not overheat. Shake well prior to use.
Absorption: Absorbs into skin at average speed, leaving a slight oily feeling on the skin.
Shelf Life: Users can expect a shelf life of up to 2 years with proper storage conditions (cool, out of direct sunlight). Keep away from extreme cold and heat. Please refer to the Certificate of Analysis for current Best Before Date.
Unless otherwise indicated, Sea Buckthorn Carrier Oil is only intended for external uses, as with all other New Directions Aromatics products. Some individuals may experience cause skin irritation or allergic reactions when exposed to this product. For this reason, NDA recommends performing a skin patch test prior to using the product. To conduct a patch test, apply a dime-sized amount of Sea Buckthorn Oil to a small area of the skin. In the event of an adverse reaction, immediately stop using the product and seek guidance from a healthcare professional.