Omega-7 from sea buckthorn is a naturally occurring fatty acid — palmitoleic acid — found in the pulp and seed oils of the sea buckthorn berry (Hippophae rhamnoides). Unlike most fatty acid supplements, it is notable for its unusually high concentration of omega-7, which is rare in the plant world. Sea buckthorn berries have been used medicinally for over a thousand years across Tibetan, Chinese, and Siberian healing traditions, prized for their broad nutritional and skin-protective properties.

Omega-7 fatty acids are a key building block of the mucous membranes lining your eyes, mouth, gut, vagina, and skin — so supplementing with them helps keep these tissues moist, resilient, and well-functioning. Palmitoleic acid also signals the body to be more sensitive to insulin and may help lower inflammation markers tied to cardiovascular and metabolic health. Sea buckthorn oil is especially rich in carotenoids and vitamin E, which add extra antioxidant and tissue-repair support on top of the fatty acid benefits.

Pulp oil capsules deliver the highest omega-7 concentration and are best for mucous membrane and cardiovascular benefits. Seed oil is gentler and more suited for skin support. Blended oils (pulp plus seed) offer a balanced profile. For topical use, sea buckthorn oil is available in serums and creams for direct skin application. Look for products that list palmitoleic acid content on the label, as this is the key active compound.

• Vaginal dryness and atrophy
• Dry eyes and eye discomfort
• Dry and aging skin
• High cholesterol
• Blood sugar and insulin sensitivity
• Inflammation and oxidative stress
• Dry mouth and mucous membrane dryness
• Gut lining and digestive health
• Wound healing and skin repair

• Recurrence of dry eye symptoms with continued use
• Progression of vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women
• Oxidative damage to skin and mucous membranes

• Sea buckthorn berries (whole) — The direct source of omega-7 and all associated carotenoids, vitamin E, and flavonoids — eating or juicing the whole berry delivers the full nutritional profile.
• Sea buckthorn berry juice — A common traditional preparation in Russia, China, and Scandinavia that retains meaningful amounts of fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants in a drinkable form.
• Macadamia nuts — One of the best non-berry food sources of palmitoleic acid (omega-7), providing a meaningful dietary dose of this rare fatty acid.
• Anchovies and sardines (small cold-water fish) — Animal-derived sources of palmitoleic acid — small oily fish contain it alongside omega-3s, making them a good complementary food for mucosal and cardiovascular support.
• Avocado — Contains modest amounts of palmitoleic acid along with oleic acid and fat-soluble antioxidants that support similar skin and membrane benefits.

• Mild digestive upset or loose stools, especially when starting
• Fishy or grassy aftertaste (more common with liquid forms)
• Orange or yellow tinting of skin at very high doses (from carotenoids) — harmless and reversible
• Mild headache in some users during initial use
• Possible blood pressure lowering at high doses — monitor if on medication
• Topical use may cause skin irritation or allergic reaction in sensitive individuals — patch test recommended

• Recommended daily: 500–2,000 mg of sea buckthorn pulp oil per day (standardized to at least 20–30% palmitoleic acid); most clinical trials used 1,000–2,000 mg daily
• Best time of day: Any time of day; splitting the dose between morning and evening is common for higher-dose protocols
• With or without food: Always take with food — fatty acids are absorbed significantly better when consumed alongside a meal containing some fat
• Time to effect: Dry eye and mucosal benefits often noticed within 4–8 weeks; skin and metabolic benefits typically take 8–12 weeks of consistent use
• How long to take it: Can be taken continuously for ongoing dryness or skin support; most clinical studies ran 90 days or longer. No strong evidence requiring cycling, but periodic reassessment of need is reasonable.