Omega-7 fatty acids
Omega-7 fatty acids, also known as palmitoleic acid, are a lesser-known but highly moisturising ingredient in modern skincare. They help support the skin’s natural barrier, leaving it feeling soft, supple and nourished. You’ll often find them in creams, serums and oils aimed at dry, mature or dehydrated skin.
How it works in skincare
In cosmetics, omega-7 fatty acids work by mimicking the skin’s own natural lipids, helping to reinforce the intercellular lipid matrix and reduce moisture loss. Their excellent emollient properties allow them to spread easily across the skin, delivering a smooth, non-greasy feel while supporting a healthy-looking complexion and improving the overall texture of both skin and hair.
Key benefits
- Deeply moisturises and softens skin
- Helps strengthen the skin barrier
- Improves skin smoothness and suppleness
- Reduces the appearance of dry, flaky patches
- Conditions and adds shine to hair
- Gives a healthy, nourished look to mature skin
Best for
dry skin, mature skin, dehydrated skin, sensitive skin
Where it comes from
Omega-7 fatty acids are naturally abundant in sea buckthorn berry oil, a plant native to Europe and Asia. They can also be found in smaller amounts in macadamia nut oil and certain other plant seed oils.
Products with Omega-7 fatty acids
Not every product on UK Lips lists a full ingredient breakdown — so there may be many more formulas that contain Omega-7 fatty acids than we can show here. These are the comparisons where we’ve confirmed it in the listed ingredients.