Hippophae rhamnoides.
Also known as Sea Buckthorn or Seaberry
Along the branches of a thorny, silver-leaved shrub grow clusters of vivid orange berries. Tart, resilient and remarkably rich in protective plant compounds, this is havtorn, one of our favourite northern botanicals.
How Havtorn Grows
Sea buckthorn is not native to Canada, but it is beautifully suited to our climate. It tolerates deep winter cold, dry ground and the wide-open winds of the Alberta prairie.
Male and female flowers grow on separate shrubs. Rather than relying on bees, they depend upon the wind to carry pollen between them. By late summer, the female branches can become crowded with small golden-orange berries.
The harvest changes from one season to the next. Some years the branches nearly bend beneath a bumper crop. (we experienced this the 2025 season) After giving so generously, the shrubs may offer fewer berries the following year (our current 2026 season) A quiet reminder that the land does not work to a production schedule.
Inside the Berry
The sharp, citrus-like berries contain vitamin C, polyphenols and carotenoids, the protective plant pigments responsible for their extraordinary color.
The fruit and its seeds also hold precious botanical oils. These oils contain vitamin E and a naturally varied profile of fatty acids, including omegas 3, 6, 7 and 9. The exact balance differs between oil pressed from the seed and oil obtained from the berry pulp.
Why We Use It for Skin
Sea buckthorn oil is especially welcome when skin feels dry, weathered or depleted. Its fatty acids help soften the skin and support its natural moisture barrier, while its carotenoids and vitamin E provide antioxidant care.
Its deep golden-orange colour comes naturally from the berry itself. Just a few drops leave the skin feeling soft, replenished and well cared for.
From the Berry to the Bottle
In our Tomato + Havtorn Face Oil, we pair havtorn with cold-pressed tomato seed oil, squalane and vitamin E.
A little northern berry, made for weathering difficult seasons.
