As of Aug 2026, Unbox Health has lab tested and rated 1 products in the Sea Buckthorn Oil category.
We buy every product from the open market, with no brand involvement. Every product is tested at up to 3 NABL-accredited labs. Products are then rated D to A+, based on the following dimensions: their label accuracy, their toxicity and their nutritional profile (in the case of food products). All lab reports are published.
Read the full methodology for how we rate Sea Buckthorn Oil here.
Sea Buckthorn Oil is a plant-based supplement derived from the berries of Hippophae rhamnoides, a shrub native to high-altitude regions of India including Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh. It contains a rare combination of omega-3, 6, 7, and 9 fatty acids, along with carotenoids and vitamin E. Research suggests it may support skin health, reduce inflammation, and contribute to cardiovascular wellbeing.
Sea Buckthorn Oil is generally considered safe for daily use in healthy adults at recommended doses, with no significant adverse effects reported in short-term studies. However, it may lower blood pressure and reduce platelet activity, so people with bleeding disorders, low blood pressure, or those on blood-thinning medications should exercise caution and consult a doctor before starting.
Yes, Sea Buckthorn Oil is derived entirely from plant sources, specifically the berries of Hippophae rhamnoides. The oil itself is vegetarian and vegan. However, the capsule shell may not always be plant-based. Soft-gel capsules are commonly made from gelatin. If you follow a strictly plant-based diet, check the product label or contact the brand to confirm whether HPMC or plant-derived capsule shells are used.
Omega-7, or palmitoleic acid, is a fatty acid not commonly found in plant foods. Sea Buckthorn Oil is one of its few plant-based natural sources. Some studies suggest omega-7 may support skin barrier function, mucous membrane health, and metabolic health. Unlike omega-3 from fish oil or flaxseed, omega-7 is rarely discussed but may offer distinct benefits through different biological pathways.
Sea Buckthorn Oil is associated with improvements in skin hydration and barrier function in some clinical studies. Its combination of palmitoleic acid (omega-7), carotenoids, and vitamin E may help reduce dryness and support skin recovery. Evidence for conditions like eczema is still limited and results may vary. If you are taking it for skin benefits, check Unbox Health's lab-tested data to verify whether the product's declared palmitoleic acid and vitamin E content matches actual results.
ICMR-NIN has not established a specific daily recommendation for Sea Buckthorn Oil. International studies have typically used doses between 500mg and 5g per day depending on the health goal; for example, 1g twice daily was used in dry eye studies. Most Indian supplement brands provide 500mg capsules and recommend 1 to 2 capsules daily. Following the product label and consulting a doctor is advisable.
Sea Buckthorn Oil is a fat-soluble supplement and is best taken with a meal containing dietary fat, which may improve absorption of the fat-soluble nutrients it contains, including carotenoids and vitamin E. Taking it alongside your largest meal of the day is a practical approach. There is no published ICMR-NIN guidance on optimal timing for Sea Buckthorn Oil supplements.
Sea Buckthorn Oil is not established as safe during pregnancy. It may affect platelet function and hormonal pathways, and there is insufficient clinical evidence on its safety for pregnant or breastfeeding women. ICMR-NIN has not issued guidance on Sea Buckthorn Oil supplementation during pregnancy. Pregnant women should avoid it unless specifically advised otherwise by a qualified healthcare provider.
Sea Buckthorn Oil and fish oil both provide omega fatty acids but differ significantly in composition. Fish oil is rich in EPA and DHA (omega-3), while Sea Buckthorn Oil is notable for its omega-7 (palmitoleic acid) content, which is largely absent in fish oil. Sea Buckthorn Oil is also fully plant-based. Before switching, check Unbox Health's lab-tested data to confirm whether a product's declared palmitoleic acid content matches actual tested values.
Sea Buckthorn Oil supplements in India vary in quality, with differences in oil source, fatty acid purity, and whether label claims match actual content. Since FSSAI does not independently verify supplement labels, packaging alone is an unreliable guide. Unbox Health independently lab-tests Sea Buckthorn Oil supplements, verifying whether declared fatty acid content and vitamin E levels match tested results and checking for heavy metal contamination.