What Is Sea Buckthorn?

Beauty brands are always looking for a hot new ingredient that will truly change the skin-care game. This year, the buzz is surrounding a small but powerful berry called sea buckthorn. "Extracted from a plant native to Russia that actually thrives in the harsh conditions of Siberia, the super restorative oil found inside the berries has been used for generations as a natural cure for literally every major skin ailment, from eczema to burns to dry skin,” says Fresh cofounder Lev Giozman. So what exactly is sea buckthorn made up of? These small, edible berries are packed with amino acids, carbohydrates, vitamins, and antioxidants rich in omegas 3, 6, 7, and 9. In addition to healing, these key ingredients protect, nourish, hydrate, and calm your skin's surface. Capitalizing on the berries’ healthy benefits, luxe brands have been adding their oil into serums, lotions, and more. Check out which products topped Beautylish's must-have list.    

1 Fresh Seaberry Restorative Body Cream

In addition to sea buckthorn, this soothing lotion is also packed with omega-rich ingredients such as cranberry oil and sal seed butter.

2 Kiehl's Imperial Body Balm

This cream contains cocoa butter and honey, which hydrate the skin's surface, while sea buckthorn is used to protect the surface from free radicals. 

3 Ren Calendula and Arctic Blackcurrant Cleansing Milk

Nervous about testing the new ingredient on your skin? This gentle wash contains triglycerides from coconut and palm oils, which rinse away dirt and makeup, while sea buckthorn extract simply prevents skin from drying out.