Hippophae Rhamnoides Water

Hippophae rhamnoides water is an aqueous extract derived from sea buckthorn, a nutrient-dense berry plant native to coastal and mountainous regions across Europe and Asia. In skincare formulations, it functions primarily as a skin conditioning agent and fragrance component, typically used at concentrations between 24% and 94% depending on the product type.The ingredient contains polyunsaturated fatty acids and other compounds that may help support skin hydration and barrier function. It is relatively uncommon in commercial skincare products, appearing in approximately 0.1% of formulations.

The hydrating mechanism appears to centre on the ingredient's fatty acid profile. Research indicates that polyunsaturated fatty acids in sea buckthorn can upregulate aquaporin 3 and hyaluronan synthase 2 expression in skin cells—both are critical for maintaining cellular hydration and moisture-binding capacity within the epidermis.Additionally, the ingredient may support barrier repair by reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL), helping the skin retain moisture more effectively over prolonged use.

This ingredient is best incorporated into moisturisers, serums or hydrating toners where it can be applied to clean skin daily. Because it is often used at high concentrations in formulations, a little typically goes a long way. If combining with other active ingredients, introduce it gradually to monitor tolerance, particularly if you have sensitive skin.

Hippophae rhamnoides water is generally well-tolerated and safe for topical use. No significant adverse effects have been reported in available literature, though patch testing is advisable for those with known sensitivities to plant extracts.