As global consumers continue to pivot toward plant-based, nutrient-rich, and sustainable products, sea buckthorn—a hardy, berry-producing shrub native to Europe and Asia—is enjoying a powerful resurgence. Once primarily known in traditional medicine, sea buckthorn is now a sought-after ingredient in dietary supplements, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and functional foods.

According to recent market data, the global sea buckthorn market was valued at USD 396.66 million in 2024. It is poised for remarkable expansion, projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.60% during the forecast period of 2025 to 2034. By the end of this period, the market is expected to reach a valuation of approximately USD 992.03 million.

This blog post explores the growth drivers, product segments, regional dynamics, and competitive forces shaping the future of the global sea buckthorn market.

What is Sea Buckthorn and Why Is It in Demand?

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is a nutrient-rich plant known for its bright orange berries, which contain over 190 bioactive compounds, including:

• Omega-3, -6, -7, and -9 fatty acids

• Vitamin C and E

• Flavonoids and carotenoids

• Amino acids and minerals

Because of this dense nutritional profile, sea buckthorn is a prized ingredient in various wellness and therapeutic products. Its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-rejuvenating properties make it especially valuable in health supplements and skincare formulations.

Market Segmentation by Form

Sea buckthorn products are offered in multiple forms to cater to diverse consumer preferences and industrial applications:

1. Liquid

Sea buckthorn oils and juices are widely used in dietary supplements and skincare. Cold-pressed oil is especially popular for its skin-healing and anti-aging benefits, while juice blends are marketed for cardiovascular and digestive health.

2. Cream

Creams and lotions infused with sea buckthorn oil are common in cosmetics and dermatological products, valued for their ability to reduce inflammation, promote cell regeneration, and improve skin elasticity.

3. Others (Capsules, Powders, Dried Berries)

• Capsules are a popular format for supplements, offering dosage control and convenience.

• Powders are used in functional foods, beverages, and cosmetic formulations.

• Dried berries are consumed as snacks or used in tea blends and granola.

As consumers increasingly favor clean-label, multifunctional products, brands are expanding their portfolios across all these formats.

Applications Driving Demand

1. Dietary Supplements

Sea buckthorn’s rich nutrient profile makes it a standout in the nutraceutical space. Supplements formulated with sea buckthorn oil or extract are marketed for:

• Heart health

• Digestive support

• Skin and hair health

• Immunity boosting

The growing consumer shift toward natural alternatives to synthetic vitamins is expected to drive this segment significantly through 2034.

2. Cosmetics

The cosmeceutical industry has embraced sea buckthorn for its skin-repairing, anti-aging, and anti-inflammatory properties. Common uses include:

• Facial serums and oils

• Moisturizers

• Anti-acne treatments

• Hair care products

As skincare consumers become more ingredient-conscious, demand for plant-based, cruelty-free, and organic beauty products is accelerating.

3. Food and Beverage

Sea buckthorn is increasingly used in health-oriented food products such as:

• Smoothies and juices

• Energy bars

• Functional teas

• Jams and preserves

Its tangy flavor and high vitamin C content make it appealing as both a superfruit and a natural preservative.

4. Pharmaceuticals

Sea buckthorn is also used in formulations targeting:

• Wound healing

• Mucosal membrane disorders

• Gastrointestinal health

• Ulcer treatment

Rising interest in plant-based pharmaceuticals and traditional herbal remedies is expanding this segment.

Market by End Use

1. Retail

Retail formats, including health stores, pharmacies, e-commerce, and supermarkets, account for a significant portion of sea buckthorn product sales. The growing awareness of holistic health and wellness is driving impulse and planned purchases across both online and offline channels.

2. Industrial

In the B2B space, sea buckthorn is a valued raw ingredient for:

• Supplement manufacturers

• Skincare and personal care brands

• Functional food producers

• Pharma and herbal medicine companies

Customization and private-label opportunities are growing as industrial buyers seek sustainable and ethically sourced ingredients.

Regional Market Insights

North America

North American consumers are showing strong interest in natural wellness trends, including adaptogens, superfoods, and functional skincare. Brands that emphasize transparency, sustainability, and clinical backing are likely to thrive.

Europe

Europe leads in sea buckthorn cultivation and product innovation, especially in Germany, Finland, and Russia. EU regulations support clean-label and organic products, further fueling demand.

Asia-Pacific

In countries like China and India, sea buckthorn has long been used in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). As urban consumers turn to modern wellness formats, demand is rising for capsules, cosmetics, and fortified foods.

Middle East & Africa / Latin America

These regions are emerging as niche markets, with growing interest in superfoods, organic beauty, and functional beverages. Market entry here is largely driven by education and influencer marketing.

Market Dynamics

SWOT Analysis

• Strengths: High nutritional value, wide range of applications, growing health awareness

• Weaknesses: Seasonal availability, limited large-scale cultivation

• Opportunities: Rising demand for natural and organic products, innovation in formulations

• Threats: Price volatility, supply chain constraints, regulatory challenges

Porter’s Five Forces

• Competitive Rivalry: Moderate to high, due to many regional and niche players

• Threat of New Entrants: Moderate; cultivation and sourcing are barriers

• Bargaining Power of Suppliers: High in regions with limited production

• Bargaining Power of Buyers: Increasing, with demand for transparency and sustainability

• Threat of Substitutes: Moderate; other botanical oils and superfruits compete in similar categories

Competitive Landscape

The sea buckthorn market includes a mix of global, regional, and artisanal brands. Key success factors include:

• Sourcing transparency and ethical harvesting

• Organic certification and clean-label formulation

• Strong branding and health claims backed by science

• Expansion into multiple product formats (e.g., supplements + cosmetics)

Strategic partnerships between cultivators, extractors, and CPG brands are becoming more common to ensure quality and scalability.

Future Outlook: What's Ahead for 2025–2034?

Looking ahead, the sea buckthorn market is set to benefit from several long-term trends:

• The global push for natural and functional ingredients

• Increased investment in clinical research and product efficacy

• Sustainable farming practices to ensure year-round supply

• Cross-industry product development (e.g., cosmeceuticals, nutricosmetics, and functional snacks)

With the market expected to grow from USD 396.66 million in 2024 to USD 992.03 million by 2034, sea buckthorn is well-positioned to become a cornerstone of the natural health industry.