What are the fatty acids and vitamins in sea buckthorn oil?

Two oils, two very different profiles

Before looking at the numbers, one point matters more than any other: sea buckthorn actually gives you two distinct oils. The pulp oil is pressed from the fruit flesh and skin, while the seed oil comes from the small seeds inside the berry. Their fatty acid and vitamin profiles are completely different, so the oil you choose should match the product you plan to make.

Fatty acids in Sea buckthorn oil

The fatty acid composition is where Sea buckthorn oil stands apart from ordinary vegetable oils.

Pulp oil: the rare omega-7 source

The defining feature of sea buckthorn pulp oil is palmitoleic acid (omega-7). This monounsaturated fatty acid is almost absent from most plant oils, yet it can make up roughly 15% to 34% of pulp oil. It is structurally similar to the lipids found in human skin, which is why formulators value it so highly for skincare and dermatological products.

Pulp oil also contains meaningful amounts of oleic acid (omega-9), palmitic acid, and smaller shares of linoleic and alpha-linolenic acid. The result is a rich, orange-red oil that feels substantial on the skin and is prized for its nourishing, soothing character.

Seed oil: an omega-3 and omega-6 powerhouse

Sea buckthorn seed oil tells a different story. Here the dominant fatty acids are linoleic acid (omega-6), typically around 30% to 38%, and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3 ALA), usually in the 23% to 31% range. This makes seed oil an excellent plant-based source of omega-3 for internal use, supporting cardiovascular health and general wellness when taken as a supplement.

Values are typical ranges reported in published analyses of commercial Sea buckthorn oils and can vary with origin, harvest year, and extraction method.

Vitamins in Sea buckthorn oil

The Vitamin Content is the second reason Sea buckthorn oil earns its reputation as a premium ingredient.

Vitamin E (tocopherols and tocotrienols)

Sea buckthorn seed oil is exceptionally rich in vitamin E, with levels that can reach several hundred milligrams per 100 grams. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that protects the oil itself from oxidation and supports skin health when applied topically or taken internally. This natural stability is a practical advantage for manufacturers, because it helps the finished product keep its quality on the shelf.

Vitamin A and carotenoids

The vivid orange-red colour of pulp oil comes from carotenoids, including beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. These pigments are potent antioxidants in their own right and contribute to the oil's soothing, skin-repairing reputation. In practical terms, the deeper the natural colour, the higher the carotenoid content tends to be.

A note on Vitamin C

Sea buckthorn berries are famous for their very high Vitamin C content, but it is worth knowing that Vitamin C is water-soluble and does not survive into the oil. It lives in the fruit and juice instead. If your formulation calls for Vitamin C, a sea buckthorn juice powder is the ingredient to look at, while the oil covers the fat-soluble vitamins and fatty acids.

Why this nutrient profile matters for your products

Once you understand the composition, choosing the right oil becomes straightforward. For skincare and cosmetics, pulp oil is the classic choice: the omega-7 palmitoleic acid and carotenoids support a nourishing, soothing, skin-friendly formula. For supplements and functional foods, seed oil brings the omega-3 and omega-6 balance plus vitamin E that consumers look for in a daily wellness oil. Many manufacturers blend both to get the full spectrum.

Whichever direction you take, the quality of the raw material decides the quality of your finished product. That means checking the fatty acid profile on the certificate of analysis, confirming the extraction method, and working with a supplier who can document every batch.

How to choose a reliable Sea buckthorn oil supplier

A few practical checks will save you from sourcing problems down the line:

• Ask for the full fatty acid profile. A reputable supplier will share the GC analysis showing omega-3, omega-6, and omega-7 levels for every batch.
• Confirm the extraction method. Supercritical CO2 and cold-pressing preserve heat-sensitive vitamins and carotenoids better than aggressive solvent extraction.
• Check certifications and documentation. Look for ISO, GMP, and organic certification, and request COA, TDS, and MSDS before you commit.
• Verify the source. Manufacturers with their own planting bases and factories can control quality from berry to bottle far more reliably than traders.

Greenskybio, the manufacturer behind Plant Extract Wholesale, has been producing plant extracts for over 20 years. The company operates its own GAP-certified organic planting base, runs three advanced factories with low-temperature extraction and GMP workshops, and supplies the best sea buckthorn oil to cosmetics, supplement, and food manufacturers around the world. With ISO9001, USFDA, TGA, and organic certifications, every batch is documented and traceable.

Frequently asked questions

Is Sea buckthorn oil the same as sea buckthorn seed oil?

No. Sea buckthorn oil can refer to either pulp oil or seed oil, and the two have very different fatty acid profiles. Pulp oil is rich in omega-7 palmitoleic acid and carotenoids, while seed oil is rich in omega-3 and omega-6. Always confirm which one you are buying.

Does Sea buckthorn oil contain Vitamin C?

No. Vitamin C is water-soluble and stays in the fruit and juice rather than the oil. The oil provides fat-soluble nutrients such as vitamin E, carotenoids, and fatty acids. For Vitamin C, look to sea buckthorn juice or juice powder.

Why is sea buckthorn pulp oil orange?

The deep orange-red colour comes from carotenoids, including beta-carotene, in the fruit flesh. These pigments are also antioxidants and pro-vitamin A compounds, so the colour is a useful visual indicator of quality.

Which extraction method gives the best quality oil?

Supercritical CO2 extraction is generally considered the premium method because it runs at low temperatures and preserves heat-sensitive vitamins and carotenoids without solvent residues. Cold-pressing is also a good option for seed oil, though yields are lower.

Source your Sea buckthorn oil from a manufacturer you can trust

Sea buckthorn oil earns its place in premium formulations because of a rare combination of omega-7, omega-3, vitamin E, and carotenoids that few other plant oils can match. The key is choosing the right type of oil for your application and sourcing it from a manufacturer with the facilities, certifications, and documentation to back it up.

Greenskybio supplies high-quality Sea buckthorn oil and a full range of plant extracts, fruit juice powders, and natural ingredients for the food, supplement, skincare, and pharmaceutical industries. Contact the team at Plant Extract Wholesale for specifications, samples, and bulk pricing.