Ingredient
Seabuckthorn Extract
By The Aussie Man · Updated
For current price and availability, see the linked product pages.
Key takeaway
Seabuckthorn is a thorny shrub native to the Himalayan regions of Asia and parts of Europe. It produces small orange berries that are exceptionally dense in nutrients, so dense that the extract pressed from the seeds and pulp has become one of the most prized ingredients in serious skincare formulations.
Also known as Hippophae Rhamnoides, Sea Buckthorn Kernel Extract, Sea Buckthorn Berry Oil.
Seabuckthorn is a thorny shrub native to the Himalayan regions of Asia and parts of Europe. It produces small orange berries that are exceptionally dense in nutrients, so dense that the extract pressed from the seeds and pulp has become one of the most prized ingredients in serious skincare formulations.
It is not a household name the way some ingredients are, but among formulators it is regarded as one of the most complete plant-based skincare actives available. The oil contains over 190 bioactive compounds including rare fatty acids, carotenoids, vitamins, and plant sterols that work together rather than as isolated actives.
In The Aussie Man range, Seabuckthorn Kernel Extract appears in both the Anti-Ageing Elixir and the Intensive Eye Cream. In the Elixir it contributes to the overnight repair formula alongside Gotu Kola. In the Eye Cream it works on one of the most delicate and thin-skinned areas of the face where nutrient density matters most.
Skin benefits
Intense skin nourishment: Seabuckthorn is one of the only plant sources of Omega 3, 6, 7, and 9 fatty acids simultaneously. Omega 7 in particular, which comes from palmitoleic acid, is naturally present in human skin tissue and declines with age. Replenishing it topically supports the skin's ability to retain moisture and maintain its natural softness.
Anti-ageing through carotenoids: The deep orange colour of Seabuckthorn oil comes from its high carotenoid content, including beta-carotene and zeaxanthin. These compounds are powerful antioxidants that neutralise the free radical damage responsible for collagen breakdown and premature lines. Used consistently at night, they work while the skin is in its natural repair cycle.
Skin regeneration: Seabuckthorn has been used clinically to support skin recovery after radiation damage and burns, which points to a genuine regenerative capacity rather than just surface-level hydration. For men dealing with sun damage, post-shave irritation, or generally stressed skin, this regenerative action is the most practical benefit.
Anti-inflammatory action: The plant sterols in Seabuckthorn calm inflammatory pathways in the skin, which reduces redness and sensitivity over time. This makes it valuable in formulas designed for men who react to environmental stress or have unpredictable skin behaviour.
Evidence
Seabuckthorn's composition has been extensively characterised in nutritional and dermatological research. A review published in Nutrients documented its unique fatty acid profile, confirming Hippophae Rhamnoides as one of the only plant sources to contain all four major omega fatty acids, with particular attention to palmitoleic acid (Omega 7) as a key contributor to skin barrier function and tissue regeneration.
Clinical research published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry examined topical application of Seabuckthorn oil in subjects with atopic skin conditions, demonstrating significant improvements in skin hydration, barrier function, and inflammatory markers after four weeks of daily use compared to a control oil.
A study in Food and Chemical Toxicology characterised the carotenoid content of Seabuckthorn extracts and confirmed their antioxidant capacity at levels comparable to or exceeding more commonly used antioxidant ingredients, with a particularly stable activity profile that holds up well in oil-based formulations.
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Frequently asked questions
How does Seabuckthorn help with skin regeneration?
Seabuckthorn has been used clinically in research on skin recovery from radiation and burn damage, which is a strong indicator of genuine regenerative capacity. The mechanism involves its carotenoid content, which provides antioxidant protection while cell regeneration occurs, and its fatty acid profile, which supplies the lipid building blocks the skin needs to repair its barrier. For men dealing with sun damage, scarring, or skin that has taken a beating from years of outdoor exposure, the nightly Anti-Ageing Elixir gives the skin what it needs to work on that repair while you sleep.
Which Aussie Man products contain Seabuckthorn?
Seabuckthorn Kernel Extract appears in two products. The Anti-Ageing Elixir, where it is part of the overnight repair oil blend alongside Gotu Kola, Jojoba, Shea, and Vitamin E. And the Intensive Eye Cream, where it contributes to the nutrient-dense formula targeting the thin skin around the eye. Using both as your PM routine gives you Seabuckthorn coverage across the face and eye area simultaneously.
What is Seabuckthorn and why is it in the Anti-Ageing Elixir?
Seabuckthorn is a plant extract pressed from the berries and seeds of the Hippophae Rhamnoides shrub. It is one of the only plant sources that contains Omega 3, 6, 7, and 9 fatty acids simultaneously, which gives it an unusually complete nourishing profile. In the Anti-Ageing Elixir it works alongside Gotu Kola and Vitamin E to provide deep fatty acid nourishment to the skin overnight. As skin ages its natural lipid content declines, and Seabuckthorn directly replenishes the specific fatty acids most associated with skin softness and resilience.
Will Seabuckthorn make my skin feel oily?
It can if used in excess, but in the Anti-Ageing Elixir and Intensive Eye Cream it is formulated at concentrations that absorb without leaving a heavy residue. A small amount of the Elixir applied to clean, slightly damp skin at night absorbs within a couple of minutes. If you are finding it sits on the surface, you are likely using too much. Two or three drops is enough for the full face. The Intensive Eye Cream formulation is even lighter given the delicate nature of the eye area.
What is Omega 7 and why does it matter for skin?
Omega 7, also known as palmitoleic acid, is a fatty acid that is naturally present in human skin tissue and plays a role in maintaining the skin barrier and keeping the surface soft and supple. Unlike Omega 3 and 6 which are well known from diet, Omega 7 is rarely discussed but meaningful for skin health specifically. It declines with age, which is one of the reasons skin tends to feel drier and rougher as you get older. Seabuckthorn is one of the only plant sources rich in Omega 7, which is part of why it is valued in anti-ageing formulations.
