SupplementsFatty acidsOmega-7Skin
Sea buckthorn is one of the few good sources of omega-7 (palmitoleic acid), and it has better clinical support than most “beauty oils” — especially for dryness.
Key takeaways
- Rich in omega-7 (palmitoleic acid), especially the berry-pulp oil.
- A 3-month RCT (~2 g/day) improved dry-eye symptoms and tear-film osmolarity.1
- Also studied for skin and mucosal (incl. vaginal) dryness.
- Choose pulp oil for omega-7 (seed oil is more omega-3/6); generally safe.
What it is
Oil from the orange berries of the sea buckthorn shrub. The pulp/berry oil is uniquely high in the omega-7 fat palmitoleic acid, plus carotenoids and vitamin E.
The evidence
A randomised controlled trial found daily sea buckthorn oil reduced dry-eye symptoms and limited the rise in tear osmolarity over three months,1 and it’s studied for skin and mucous-membrane dryness. It supports moisture rather than acting as an omega-3.
Dose & how to choose
Dry-eye studies used ~2 g/day of berry oil (~700 mg palmitoleic acid). Pick pulp/berry oil for omega-7.
Safety
Well tolerated. Most relevant for dry eyes, dry skin and mucosal dryness (e.g. menopausal).
References
Adult research summary for education, not a prescription.
- The impact of oral sea-buckthorn oil on skin, blood markers, ocular and vaginal health: a randomized controlled trial. 2023. www.sciencedirect.com
This article summarises nutrition science for education. It is not a substitute for individual medical advice; consult a professional before starting a supplement, in pregnancy, or alongside medication.