Which tiny fruit has more vitamin C than oranges according to Vogue?

October 7, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a March 2025 article in Vogue, there is a tiny, often overlooked fruit that contains significantly more vitamin C than oranges. This superfood, celebrated for its potent antioxidant profile and benefits for both inner health and outer beauty, has piqued the interest of the wellness and beauty industries.

Quick Summary

This article reveals that sea buckthorn, a small berry, is the fruit referenced by Vogue for its exceptional vitamin C content. It details the extensive health and beauty benefits of this superfood, from immunity support and anti-inflammatory properties to its unique concentration of omega fatty acids for skin and hair health.

Key Points

Sea Buckthorn is the 'Tiny Fruit': Vogue identified sea buckthorn berries, native to the Amazon and parts of Asia, as a potent source of vitamin C that significantly surpasses oranges.
High Vitamin C Content: Sea buckthorn contains up to 15 times more vitamin C per 100g than an average orange, making it a superior source for immune support and skin health.
Rich in 'Beauty Omegas': The berries are uniquely rich in omega-7 fatty acids, which benefit skin elasticity, hydration, and repair, a property highlighted by Vogue.
Abundant in Antioxidants: Beyond vitamin C, sea buckthorn is loaded with other antioxidants like vitamin E and flavonoids, which combat free radical damage and reduce inflammation.
Versatile Consumption: Because of its tart flavor, sea buckthorn is commonly consumed as juice, powder in smoothies, or in supplement form rather than eaten fresh.

The Surprising Vitamin C Powerhouse: Sea Buckthorn

While oranges have long been the gold standard for vitamin C, several fruits and vegetables actually contain higher concentrations of this vital nutrient. However, the spotlight recently shone on one tiny fruit in a Vogue article due to its potent vitamin C content and remarkable benefits for beauty and wellness: the sea buckthorn berry. This small, orange fruit, native to parts of Europe and Asia, has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and is now recognized as a modern superfood.

What is Sea Buckthorn?

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is a hardy shrub that produces small, vibrant orange berries. The name originates from its history, as its leaves and berries were fed to horses to promote a shiny coat, leading to its Latin name meaning 'shiny horse'. These berries are exceptionally tart and are rarely eaten raw but are highly valued for their nutritional profile when processed into juices, oils, and powders.

Why Sea Buckthorn Outshines Oranges

The most impressive feature of sea buckthorn is its vitamin C density. Research has shown that sea buckthorn can contain up to 15 times more vitamin C than oranges. This incredible concentration makes it a potent tool for boosting the immune system, aiding in collagen synthesis, and protecting cells from oxidative stress. Unlike synthetic vitamin C, the natural ascorbic acid found in sea buckthorn, along with its coexisting flavonoids and other plant compounds, is highly bioavailable, meaning it is more effectively absorbed and utilized by the body.

Beyond Vitamin C: The 'Beauty Omegas' and Other Nutrients

Sea buckthorn's appeal, especially in beauty circles, goes far beyond its vitamin C content. Vogue highlighted its unique composition of "beauty omegas," specifically omega-7 fatty acids, which are rare in the plant kingdom.

Omega-7 Fatty Acids: Essential for healthy skin and hair, omega-7 supports skin hydration, elasticity, and regeneration. It helps repair cell membranes, soothe irritation, and protect against environmental damage.
Antioxidants: The berries are rich in other antioxidants, including vitamin E, flavonoids, and carotenoids, which work synergistically to fight free radicals and reduce inflammation. This comprehensive antioxidant profile contributes to cellular health and slows the aging process.
Other Vitamins and Minerals: Sea buckthorn also contains significant levels of vitamin A (from provitamin A), B vitamins, iron, and potassium, making it a truly nutrient-dense superfood.

Comparing Superfruits: Sea Buckthorn vs. Others

While sea buckthorn is a fantastic source of vitamin C, it is not the only high-potency fruit. Other contenders offer impressive vitamin C levels, though each has a different nutritional composition.


Fruit (per 100g)	Approx. Vitamin C (mg)	Unique Nutritional Profile
Kakadu Plum	Up to 5300	Highest known concentration of natural vitamin C, rich in antioxidants like ellagic acid.
Camu Camu	Up to 2000	Amazonian berry known for its high bioavailability of vitamin C and mood-enhancing properties.
Acerola Cherry	1500–4500	Small, tropical fruit with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Sea Buckthorn	Up to 180	High in vitamin E, provitamin A, and rare omega-7 fatty acids.
Orange	~50	Well-known source of vitamin C, but less concentrated than many superfoods.

How to Incorporate Sea Buckthorn into Your Diet

Due to its strong, tart flavor, sea buckthorn is most often consumed in processed forms. Here are some popular methods:

Juice or Concentrate: Add a splash of sea buckthorn juice to your smoothies or mix it with water for a vitamin-packed tonic.
Powder: The dried, ground berries can be mixed into yogurt, oatmeal, or dressings for a nutritional boost.
Oil: Sea buckthorn oil, extracted from the berries and seeds, can be taken as a supplement or applied topically to the skin to moisturize and repair.
Supplements: Capsules containing concentrated sea buckthorn extract are widely available for those who prefer a convenient, tasteless option.

Conclusion

While oranges hold a nostalgic place in our minds as the go-to source for vitamin C, modern superfoods like sea buckthorn offer a far more concentrated nutritional profile. The Vogue-cited discovery of this "tiny fruit" and its impressive array of vitamins, antioxidants, and rare omega fatty acids showcases that some of nature's best wellness secrets come in the smallest packages. Incorporating sea buckthorn, or other vitamin C powerhouses, into your diet can provide significant benefits for your immune system, skin, and overall vitality.

Vogue article on sea buckthorn benefits

Frequently Asked Questions

Sea buckthorn is excellent for skin health due to its rare omega-7 fatty acids, which support skin regeneration and hydration, and its high vitamin C content, which is crucial for collagen production.

While technically edible, fresh sea buckthorn berries have an extremely tart and sour taste, making them unpalatable for most people. They are typically processed into juices, powders, or supplements.

Many believe that natural vitamin C, like that found in sea buckthorn, is more bioavailable than synthetic ascorbic acid. The accompanying bioflavonoids and phytonutrients in the fruit enhance its absorption and effectiveness.

The exceptionally high concentration of vitamin C in sea buckthorn berries directly supports immune function by promoting the production and activity of immune cells.

Other fruits with significantly more vitamin C include the Kakadu plum (the highest-known source), acerola cherries, and camu camu.

Omega-7 is a monounsaturated fatty acid that plays a role in skin and hair health, aiding in moisturizing and combating environmental damage. It is a key reason for sea buckthorn's popularity in beauty products.

Sea buckthorn is generally safe for consumption. However, if you are on medication or have pre-existing health conditions, it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional before adding any new supplement to your routine.