INCI: Sambucus Nigra Seed extract
Botanical source: Seeds of black elderberry / European elder, Sambucus nigra
Source: Belgium

Elderberry seed oil is pressed from the tiny seeds of the dark berries of Sambucus nigra, the black elder or European elder. Elder is a familiar shrub of European hedgerows and edges, flowering in creamy umbels in spring before producing its deep purple-black berries later in the season.

This light, non-greasy oil is especially valued for its exceptional essential-fatty-acid profile. Recent analysis of cold-pressed elderberry seed oil found it to contain around 93% essential fatty acids, including approximately 41% linoleic acid, 38% alpha-linolenic acid and 13% oleic acid.

In skincare, this makes elderberry seed oil particularly interesting for dry, sensitive, mature or easily unsettled skin. Linoleic acid is closely associated with the skin barrier, while alpha-linolenic acid brings a valuable omega-3 component to the oil’s profile. I would describe it as a light botanical oil that helps support softness, suppleness and barrier comfort.

Elderberry seed oil also contains naturally occurring antioxidant-associated compounds such as tocopherols, phytosterols and carotenoids. In SKAAI formulas, we choose it for its rare balance of lightness and richness: a delicate oil that nourishes without heaviness and supports skin that feels stressed, dry or fragile.

A light, omega-rich seed oil with high levels of linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids, chosen to support soft, supple and comfortable-feeling skin without heaviness.