Almost everyone is familiar with omega-3. Omega-7, on the other hand, has only been appearing more frequently in scientific publications in the last few years.
Omega-7 is a rare fatty acid found in significant amounts primarily in sea buckthorn oil. It is particularly beneficial for people with dry skin, dry eyes, or sensitive mucous membranes. In addition to omega-7, sea buckthorn oil also contains omega-3, -6, and -9, carotenoids, vitamin E, plant sterols, and other bioactive plant compounds. It is precisely this combination that makes sea buckthorn oil a unique oil for internal skincare. What’s particularly fascinating is that this rare fatty acid is found in significant amounts in almost only two plants: macadamia and sea buckthorn. Sea buckthorn is considered the richest natural source of plant-based omega-7.
What is Omega-7?
Omega-7 is a group of monounsaturated fatty acids. The best-known omega-7 fatty acid is called palmitoleic acid. It occurs naturally in human skin and mucous membranes.
Important: Omega-7 is not an essential fatty acid like omega-3 and omega-6. The body can produce small amounts of palmitoleic acid on its own. Nevertheless, getting it through your diet or from sea buckthorn oil can be beneficial, because sea buckthorn oil is particularly rich in omega-7 and also provides plant compounds that are beneficial for the skin.
Why is sea buckthorn oil one of the best sources of omega-7?
Sea buckthorn, botanically Hippophae rhamnoides, contains not only omega-7 but a complete fatty acid profile consisting of omega-3, -6, -7, and -9. In addition, the plant provides carotenoids, vitamin E, sterols, and polyphenols. The berry contains a total of over 190 bioactive substances.
This variety of nutrients makes the orange berry nutritionally interesting. Sea buckthorn is therefore often described as a “nutritional powerhouse.”
The combination of:
Palmitoleic acid
Alpha-linolenic acid
Linoleic acid
Vitamin E
Beta-carotene
is therefore being extensively studied for its effects on the skin and mucous membranes.
What does omega-7 do in the body?
Omega-7 is primarily associated with tissues that require moisture, lipids, and protective barriers. These include the skin, eyes, oral mucosa, vaginal mucosa, and digestive tract mucosa.
Palmitoleic acid is a component of natural skin lipids. These lipids help the skin retain moisture and protect itself against external irritants. This is precisely why sea buckthorn oil is being scientifically studied primarily for dry skin and dry mucous membranes, such as vaginal dryness and dry eyes.
Omega-7 and the Skin: What Do Studies Show?
The best-known human studies on sea buckthorn oil to date have focused on skin moisture and skin elasticity.
In a study conducted in Italy, researchers examined women between the ages of 50 and 70 over a period of three months. Sea buckthorn seed and fruit oils were used. Among other things, skin moisture and elasticity were measured using dermatological instruments.
The results:
- Skin hydration improved by 33% after 4 weeks and by 49% after 12 weeks
- Skin elasticity improved by 16% after 4 weeks and by 26% after 12 weeks
The study is frequently cited because it used objective measurement methods such as the Corneometer and Cutometer.
Of interest to many women: The participants were predominantly of menopausal age. It is precisely during this phase that the skin’s lipid structure often changes significantly.
Omega-7 for Dry Eyes
Dry eyes often occur when there isn’t enough tear fluid or when it evaporates too quickly. Working at a computer, dry air, contact lenses, and hormonal changes can make the condition worse.
In a randomized study, participants with dry eyes took 2 g of sea buckthorn oil or a placebo daily for three months. The study showed positive effects on tear film osmolarity and symptoms such as burning and redness.
This does not mean that sea buckthorn oil is a substitute for medical treatment. However, it does show why omega-7 from sea buckthorn is beneficial for people with dry, irritated eyes.
Omega-7 and Vaginal Dryness During Menopause
The mucous membranes in the genital area, in particular, are sensitive to hormonal changes.
A placebo-controlled, double-blind study conducted in 2014 examined the effects of sea buckthorn oil on postmenopausal vaginal atrophy (vaginal dryness). Over a three-month period, 116 women took sea buckthorn oil capsules or a placebo daily.
The researchers documented:
- vaginal dryness
- Itching
- Moisture
- pH value
- Mucosal changes
Compared to the placebo group, there were measurable improvements in symptoms.
This explains why omega-7 is often discussed today in connection with menopause, dry mucous membranes, and intimate health. It plays a particularly important role for women who cannot or do not want to use estrogen as part of hormone replacement therapy.
Why do the skin and mucous membranes often become dry during menopause?
As estrogen levels decline, the body’s natural balance of fat and moisture changes.
Typical consequences:
- fewer skin lipids
- reduced elasticity
- thinner mucous membranes
- increased evaporation of moisture
Many women are the first to notice this:
- dry eyes
- skin tightness
- in the genital area
- due to more sensitive mucous membranes
This is exactly where products containing sea buckthorn oil and omega-7 come in.
How is sea buckthorn oil made?
High-quality products typically rely on a gentle CO₂ extraction process. This helps better protect sensitive fatty acids.
Important information about omega oils:
- Protection from oxygen
- Storage away from light
- low processing temperatures
- as few processing steps as possible
Organic sea buckthorn oil is often packaged in vegetable capsules to keep the sensitive fatty acids stable.
What should you look for in omega-7 products?
Not all omega-7 products are the same.
The following are particularly relevant:
- Origin of Sea Buckthorn
- Organic quality
- gentle CO₂ extraction
- A blend of fruit and seed oils
- Transparent disclosure of the omega-7 content
Ogaenics Bio Skin Omega Complex Oilalala combines organic sea buckthorn berry oil and organic sea buckthorn seed oil. As a result, the product contains not only omega-7 but the entire natural omega spectrum derived from the plant.
Why Sea Buckthorn Oil Is More Than Just Omega-7
Many products focus solely on omega-7. Sea buckthorn oil, however, is a natural complex of active ingredients. It’s the combination that counts.
Carotenoids can be converted into vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A helps maintain normal skin and mucous membranes. Vitamin E helps protect cells from oxidative stress.
OILALALA provides 1,000 mg of organic sea buckthorn oil per daily serving, derived from sea buckthorn seed oil and sea buckthorn berry oil. It contains, among other things, 243 mg of omega-7, 121 mg of omega-3, 165 mg of omega-6, 203 mg of omega-9, beta-carotene, and vitamin E.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ
Omega-7 from sea buckthorn oil is particularly well-suited for people who want to support their skin and mucous membranes from the inside.
Typical situations include:
- Dry skin
- dry eyes
- sensitive mucous membranes
- periods of hormonal change
- Menopause
- a lot of computer work
Who might be interested in omega-7?
People often search for omega-7 in connection with:
- dry skin
- hormone-related skin changes
- Menopause
- dry eyes
- sensitive mucous membranes
- Vegan skincare from the inside out
- Women who spend a lot of time working at a computer screen also often report dry eyes and irritated mucous membranes.
Omega-7 from sea buckthorn oil is best taken in capsule form with a meal. This allows for better absorption of fat-soluble plant compounds such as carotenoids and vitamin E.
For OILALALA, take 2 capsules daily with water with a meal. This is equivalent to 1,000 mg of organic sea buckthorn oil per day. This dose can be increased to up to 6 capsules per day as needed.
What should you look for in omega-7 products?
A good omega-7 product should clearly state:
- Source of the oil (country of origin and, importantly, from berries or seeds?)
- Omega-7 content
- Extraction method: CO₂ extraction is particularly interesting because it can gently extract sensitive oils.
- Organic Quality
- Capsule material
- Free of unnecessary additives
- Analysis and Quality Control
OILALALA uses organic sea buckthorn seed oil and organic sea buckthorn berry oil from certified organic cultivation, extracted using CO₂ extraction and encapsulated in a vegan capsule made solely from cellulose and water.
Studies involving oral sea buckthorn oil have shown positive effects on dry eye symptoms and the tear film.
A study of postmenopausal women showed that sea buckthorn oil has positive effects on vaginal health and mucosal integrity.
Yes. The following are cited particularly often:
- Yang et al. 2009 on skin moisture and elasticity
- Larmo et al. 2014 on vaginal dryness during menopause
Scientific sources
Yang B. et al. (2009): Effects of oral supplementation and topical application of supercritical CO2-extracted sea buckthorn oil on skin aging in female subjects.
Larmo P.S. et al. (2014): Effects of sea buckthorn oil intake on vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
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