Best Sea Buckthorn Extract Supplier & Factories

Your Strategic Global Partner for Industrial-Scale Phytochemical Extraction, Advanced Standardizations, and Full Compliance Traceability.

What is Sea Buckthorn Extract?

Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) is a hardy deciduous shrub native to wide regions across Europe and Asia, particularly thriving in cold, arid alpine ecosystems. Resilient to extreme temperature variations, dry winds, and salt-dense terrains, this plant has adapted to synthesize an extraordinary density of secondary metabolites. The extract is harvested from its orange-golden berries and nutrient-rich seeds, representing a phytochemical treasure trove long valued in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and modern clinical science.

Standardized Sea Buckthorn extracts are highly valued for their rich profile of bioactive substances, including fat-soluble vitamins, organic acids, specific flavonoids (such as quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin), and a unique balance of essential fatty acids (specifically omega-3, omega-6, omega-9, and the rare palmitoleic acid, also known as omega-7). Modern clinical research shows that these components play an important role in mucosal protection, barrier function, skin regeneration, cardiovascular optimization, and systemic inflammation reduction.

Why Sourcing from Certified Factories Matters

B2B procurement teams face significant hurdles when sourcing botanical active ingredients. Variables such as species variation, wild harvesting practices, changing weather patterns, and differing post-harvest extraction techniques can lead to inconsistencies in the active ingredient profiles of Sea Buckthorn extract. Choosing a supplier with professional factory certifications ensures consistent, reliable quality batch after batch.

Working with factories that utilize modern analytical testing protocols protects global brands from typical supply chain risks, such as heavy metal contamination, pesticide residues, and adulteration. Our advanced manufacturing footprint guarantees that the bioactivity of the natural raw material is fully preserved, delivering standardized raw materials ready for clean-label, high-efficacy dietary supplements, cosmeceuticals, and pharmaceuticals.

30,000T
Annual Biomass Capacity
10%
R&D Profit Reinvestment
6+
Industrial Extraction Lines
CNAS
Accredited Testing Laboratory

ABOUT US

UniCare is a professional supplier of natural active ingredients. Our products are widely used in various fields such as dietary supplement, food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. We focus on product development and quality stability, and insist on growing together with our customers around the world.

UniCare has deep cooperation with several excellent Chinese manufacturers who have complete quality management system certifications, including but not limited to GMP, EUGMP, CEP, ISO9001, ISO22000, and HACCP. Each factory has independent testing capabilities and is equipped with advanced and efficient testing equipment to ensure the high quality and long-term stability of each batch of products.

UniCare Office Profile UniCare Lab & Quality Control Facility

Company Philosophy

Discover and create the new value of herb

Discover and Create

We work to discover and unlock the natural value of botanical herbs, utilizing advanced science to translate raw plant potential into highly bioavailable active ingredients.

Continuous innovation and improvement

Continuous Innovation

Continuous innovation and improvement across our operational processes, refining our purification steps to deliver increased efficiency and stability.

With the most advanced technology

Advanced Technology

Utilizing state-of-the-art technological systems to produce premium quality botanical products, meeting rigorous international regulatory standards.

Make the employees happy

Social Responsibility

Supporting our employees' well-being and giving back to the community through sustainable sourcing models and active ecological stewardship.

China Factory 4.0: Supply Chain Resilience & Efficiency

Industrial Manufacturing Unit

"UniCare utilizes modern, automated extraction technologies and smart manufacturing systems to maintain a highly resilient supply chain, delivering consistent botanical ingredients to global B2B clients."

Production Infrastructure Overview

UniCare prioritizes high-quality hardware conditions in our production equipment, partnering with one of the most advanced extraction facilities in China. The entire production line is monitored and regulated by an automated control system, reducing human error and ensuring consistent batches.

Our facility currently features two GMP workshops with six multi-functional extraction lines, including the only Ginkgo Biloba Extract production line in China utilizing an acetone process that complies with strict EU GMP criteria. Together with our fermentation facilities and traditional herbal processing units, we process up to 30,000 tons of raw materials annually.

  • The factory has passed the China GMP certification.
  • The EU-GMP and CEP of Ginkgo Biloba Extract has been certificated.
  • All extraction production lines adopt modern, intelligent and automated control systems.
  • Own the most advanced extraction equipment in China.
  • Annual processing of 30,000tons of Chinese medicine and plant raw materials.
  • Six production lines. Three annular dynamic countercurrent extraction lines (10 tons & 15 tons); two multi-functional extraction lines (32 extraction tanks with six cubic each) ; one round dynamic countercurrent extraction line (10 tons)
  • Own the only acetone process extraction line for Ginkgo Biloba Extract in China that meets the EU GMP standards.
  • Own six fermentation tanks (20tons capacity for each)for the production of enzyme-modified products.

Phytochemical Technical Roadmap & Extraction Methodologies

Choosing the right extraction method is essential for capturing the complex bioactive profile of Sea Buckthorn. The table below compares the primary production technologies used to isolate specific target molecules.

Extraction Technology Target Phytochemical Compounds Processing Characteristics B2B Application Value
Supercritical CO2 Extraction Omega-3, 6, 7, 9; Tocopherols; Carotenoids Low-temperature, solvent-free extraction preserving lipid-soluble active ingredients from degradation. High-purity oils for premium cosmetics, softgel capsules, and skin repair applications.
Subcritical Low-Temperature Extraction Whole Berry Lipids, Phytosterols Efficient extraction using pressurized liquefied solvents at moderate temperatures. Cost-effective manufacturing of high-volume dietary supplement ingredients.
Enzymatic Pre-treatment & Water-Ethanol Extraction Polyphenols, Flavonoids (Isorhamnetin, Quercetin) Breaks down plant cell walls enzymatically before solvent extraction to maximize yield. Water-soluble, free-flowing powders suitable for functional beverages and tablets.
Microencapsulation Spray Drying Stabilized Sea Buckthorn Berry Oil / Powder Encapsulates active oils in a protective carbohydrate matrix to shield against oxidation. Excellent stability, extended shelf life, and ease of mixing in dry formulations.

Future Technology Outlook

Our ongoing research focused on Sea Buckthorn extract addresses two main challenges: stabilizing long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids against oxidation, and improving the solubility of polyphenol-rich powders in cold water. By utilizing microencapsulation technology with high-barrier, plant-derived carrier molecules, we protect delicate omega fatty acids from light and air. This extends shelf life and improves performance in cosmetic emulsions and beverage formulations.

Additionally, we are researching enzyme-assisted extraction techniques. By using targeted cellulase and pectinase enzymes, we can break down hard berry fibers and release bound flavonoids without needing high temperatures. This green chemistry approach helps lower our carbon footprint while yielding clean-label ingredients that meet growing consumer demand for natural products.

Modernized Processing Facilities & Crop Planting Bases

Our manufacturing relies on integrated crop management, modern extraction equipment, and optimized supply chains.

Agricultural raw material selection
Raw herb cultivation control
Botanical raw material storage warehouse
Large-scale multi-functional extraction tanks
Automated purification columns
EUGMP extraction cleanroom facilities
Concentration and evaporation lines
Spray drying towers and powder handling

Quality Control System & Advanced Testing Instruments

UniCare is committed to rigorous batch testing. Our quality control practices monitor production at every stage, verifying chemical composition, purity levels, and stability profile.

We operate a dedicated central testing laboratory, designed to meet CNAS guidelines. This facility handles complex analytical methods, including HPLC or UV for active ingredient quantification, GC for residual solvents, GC-MS-MS for multi-residue pesticide screening, and ICP-MS for trace heavy metals (such as lead, arsenic, mercury, and cadmium). The lab also conducts thin-layer chromatography (TLC) identification, loss on drying, ash determination, microbiological assays, and sulphur dioxide testing.

Analytical Instrument Capacity

Our testing facility is equipped with modern analytical instruments, including:

  • Two UHPLC Agilent 1290 ultra-high performance liquid chromatographs
  • Four HPLC Agilent 1260 high performance liquid chromatography units
  • Two HPLC Shimadzu LC-20AT high performance liquid chromatographs
  • Two HPLC Dionex UltiMate 3000 systems
  • Two Shimadzu evaporative light scattering detectors (ELSD 2000ES)
  • One Shimadzu GC-2010 gas chromatograph
  • One Shimadzu AA-7000 atomic absorption spectrophotometer system

Quality Control & Verification Protocols

Testing Category Parameter Details
Active Ingredient Analysis Assay testing, chromatographic identification (HPLC, UV)
Hazardous Substance Analysis Heavy metals (ICP-MS), pesticide residues, residual solvents
Microbe Analysis Total plate count, yeast & mold, specific pathogens
Raw Material Control Pesticide residues, allergen screening, GMO testing, geographical traceability
Regulatory Compliance Verification of compliance with China, US FDA, and EU standards
Stability Test Real-time and accelerated temperature stability testing
Chromatography equipment room
Spectrometry testing laboratory
Advanced HPLC analytical lines
Heavy metal trace element detection unit
Microbiological clean control room

Macro Industry Solutions: Sourcing for Global Applications

UniCare's botanical ingredients are designed to meet the strict formulation requirements of diverse industries.

Dietary Supplements

Designed for softgels, capsules, tablets, and functional powders. Our standardized extracts are manufactured to support specific health claims, including cardiovascular health, immune modulation, and mucous membrane support.

Cosmetics & Skincare

Suitable for premium anti-aging creams, barrier-repair serums, and sun protection formulations. Our lipid extracts are rich in carotenoids and tocopherols, which help protect skin cells from oxidative stress and environmental damage.

Functional Foods & Beverages

Water-dispersible formulations and stable emulsions that combine clean-label appeal with functional benefits. They are ideal for high-nutrient beverages, energy drinks, and wellness shots.

R&D & Raw Material Planting & Procurement

Research & Development Strategy

UniCare reinvests 10% of our annual net profit into research and development. In addition to optimizing and developing our existing botanical extraction processes, we operate a dedicated R&D department focused on natural fermentation products, working to refine traditional methods and improve extraction yields.

We work in collaboration with the Beijing University of Chemical Technology on fermentation research, co-developing and scaling new raw materials for the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and wellness markets.

R&D Lab Research Team

Raw Material Planting & Sourcing Control

To ensure consistent raw material quality, we operate a traceable sourcing network that tracks agricultural lots back to the cultivation site. Storage and handling follow our strict quality control protocols, monitoring starting components for active constituent content, moisture, ash, heavy metals, and pesticide residues.

We partner with local agricultural cooperatives to establish dedicated planting bases, including cultivation sites for ginkgo leaf, epimedium, phellodendron, and olive leaf. Select bases are managed according to GACP (Good Agricultural and Collection Practices) guidelines. We also work with plant breeding specialists to research high-yield crop variants, utilizing conventional hybridization to optimize active compound concentrations and manage crop costs.

GACP Raw Material Planting Base

Global Compliance & Localization Support

International Regulatory Standards

Navigating global compliance is essential for international brand rollouts. Our manufacturing sites and supply partners maintain extensive compliance records to support international shipping and customs clearance. This includes maintaining certifications for GMP, EU-GMP, CEP, ISO 9001, ISO 22000, and HACCP.

We provide full documentation for global markets, assisting with US FDA registration, EU Novel Food dossiers, and offering Kosher and Halal certified options to meet diverse market standards.

B2B Logistic Integrity

Maintaining the stability of active components during transport is crucial for product quality. UniCare uses temperature-controlled packaging, protective nitrogen purging for bulk oils, and humidity-managed containers for long-distance shipping.

We provide full batch documentation, including certificates of analysis (COA), safety data sheets (SDS), and complete traceability paperwork, ensuring smooth integration into your manufacturing process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions regarding technical specifications, sourcing, and order logistics for our botanical ingredients.

Q1: What standardizations are available for Sea Buckthorn Extract?
We supply Sea Buckthorn Extract in both oil and powder formats. Our oils are typically standardized to specific concentrations of Omega-7 (palmitoleic acid, e.g., 30% or 40%) and total carotenoids. Our powders are standardized to total flavonoids (such as isorhamnetin and quercetin) at concentrations including 10%, 20%, and custom specifications to meet your formulation needs.
Q2: How does Supercritical CO2 extraction compare to solvent-based extraction?
Supercritical CO2 extraction is a low-temperature, solvent-free process that prevents the degradation of heat-sensitive compounds. It is ideal for extracting high-purity oils, such as seed and pulp oils. For water-soluble flavonoid powders, we utilize optimized water-ethanol extraction lines that are efficient and clean.
Q3: How does UniCare ensure low pesticide and heavy metal levels?
We verify the purity of every batch in our laboratory. Using ICP-MS for trace heavy metals and GC-MS-MS for pesticide residues, we test raw materials and finished products to ensure full compliance with European and US FDA regulatory limits.
Q4: Are your raw materials fully traceable?
Yes, we trace each production batch back to the specific agricultural sourcing region. Our ginkgo, epimedium, and olive leaf planting bases follow GACP guidelines, allowing us to monitor cultivation, harvest timing, and transport conditions.
Q5: What is the typical shelf life of your botanical extracts?
Under optimal storage conditions (cool, dry, sealed, and protected from light), our powder extracts generally have a shelf life of 24 months. For oils susceptible to oxidation, we use nitrogen flushing and protective packaging to maintain stability. We recommend storing these in refrigerated conditions.
Q6: Do you accommodate custom active ingredient specifications?
Yes, our R&D and engineering teams can develop custom specifications, adjust active compound ratios, or modify physical parameters like particle size and bulk density to match your manufacturing requirements.
Q7: What quality certifications do your manufacturing partners hold?
Our manufacturing partners operate under certified management systems, including GMP, EU GMP, CEP, ISO 9001, ISO 22000, and HACCP, meeting strict global standards.
Q8: What is your standard lead time for international bulk shipments?
Standard stock orders are usually prepared and shipped within 7 to 10 working days. For custom extractions or large-volume contracts, lead times are determined by production schedules and raw material availability.