If I could use only one skincare product for the rest of my life, I’d pick rosehip oil. Rosehip oil for skin is a multitasker: it moisturises skin, fights off wrinkles, treats acne and can even help you fade those dark spots away. It’s like a one stop shop for all your skincare needs. Plus, so many brands make it, it’ll never be discontinued (a girl must think of everything when choosing only one holy grail for life 🙂 ). Here are all the reasons why rosehip oil is one of the best things you can ever put on your skin:
What Is Rosehip Oil?
Rosehip oil, a.k.a. rosehip seed oil, is the oil extracted from the hip of roses (usually rosa canina or rosa rubiginosa). In case you’re wondering, the hip is the radish-like ball the rose leaves behind after it blossoms.
WARNING! Don’t confuse rosehip oil with rose oil. Rose oil is extracted from the petals of roses. They may both come from the same plant, but rose oil can be irritating!
Struggling to put together a skincare routine that minimises wrinkles, prevents premature aging, and gives your complexion a youthful glow? Download your FREE “Best Anti-Aging Skincare Routine” to get started (it features product recommendations + right application order):
Rosehip Oil Benefits: What Does It Do For Skin?
Rosehip is a multi-talker that has plenty of benefits for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone. Yes, really. Here’s what science says:
1. Rosehip Oil Is Very Moisturising
“With high levels of essential fatty acids, especially omega-3 (linolenic acid) and omega-6 (linoleic acid), rosehip seed oil can effectively soften skin and improve skin barrier function,” says cosmetic chemist, Marisa Plescia.Â
Fatty acids are part of your skin’s natural protective barrier. They strengthen it and make skin soft and smooth again. In particular, rosehip oil is loaded with linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid. While other oils only have 2-5% linoleic acid, rosehip oil has a whopping 64-87%!
This is great news for your skin because linoleic acid is super moisturising. Linoleic acid improves skin’s barrier function, meaning it helps trap water into the skin. All that moisture hydrates skin, making it softer and suppler.
A 2007 study shows that the combination of linoleic acid and vitamin C improves senile dryness and even slows down aging (more on that soon). FYI, rosehip oil contains vitamin C, too. 😉 The best part? Rosehip oil is very lightweight and absorbs quickly. That makes it oily skin friendly, too.
Related: The Best Facial Oils For Oily Skin
2. Rosehip Oil Treats Acne
“Although seemingly counterintuitive as an oil and sometimes thought to be unsuitable for oily/breakout-prone skin, rosehip seed oil can be an ideal natural oil for blemished skin,’ adds Plescia. Here’s why.
Did you know that acne-prone people have less linoleic acid in their sebum than people without acne? Â It’s obvious there’s a link. Rosehip oil helps you restore the balance and give your skin all the linoleic acid it needs. But let’s be clear. Rosehip oil can’t singlehandedly treat your acne.
Still, it’s a precious ally. Studies show that applying linoleic acid on your skin reduces the size of mini-comedones (mini pimples). This is different from other treatments like tea tree oil or benzoyl peroxide that kill P.Acnes, the bacteria that causes acne. Used together, they’re a powerful combo that kicks acne in the butt.
Related: Is Tea Tree Oil An Effective Treatment For Acne?
3. Rosehip Oil Slows Down Aging
You know what else rosehip oil contains? Vitamin A, the only ingredient proven to reduce wrinkles (not just their appearance). Vitamin A works in three ways:
- It fights free radicals
- It boosts collagen production
- It speeds up cellular turnover (the skin’s natural exfoliating process)
Vitamin A isn’t the only antiaging thing in rosehip oil. It also has plenty of other antioxidants, including flavonoids, lycopene and Vitamin C. Ok, the Vitamin C content is low, but still this stuff is packed with antioxidant so it can help you keep your skin firm and wrinkle-free for longer.
The catch? Rosehip oil works better when ingested. A 2015 study shows that rosehip oil significantly improved crow’s-feet wrinkles, skin moisture, and elasticity after 8 weeks of treatment.
Related: 3 Reasons Why You Should Add Vitamin A To Your Skincare Routine
4. Rosehip Oil Fades Dark Spots
What do linoleic acid and Vitamin A have in common? They both fade dark spots. Vitamin A does it by helping skin exfoliate faster. As the darkest cells on the surface of the skin give way to the lighter, more even-toned cells underneath, skin returns to its natural colour. Linoleic acid, instead, fades away UV-induced hyperpigemntation. Or, put simply, sun spots.
Before you get too excited, there’s not too much Vitamin A in Rosehip oil. You may see some results overtime, but I still recommend you use a stronger treatment, like azelaic acid or alpha arbutin to fade away dark spots.
Related: The Battle Of The Skin-Lighteners: Which Is The Best Treatment To Fade Away Dark Spots?
5. Rosehip Oil Soothes Inflammation
Rosehip oil is also a source of Vitamin E and anthocyanin — two ingredients that can soothe irritation and calm down inflamed and reddened skin. This makes it ideal for people with inflammatory skin conditions, like rosacea and eczema.
6. Rosehip Oil Helps Reduce Scars
Rosehip oil is impressive, isn’t it? And there’s still one more benefit we haven’t discussed yet. A 2015 study shows that using rosehip oil on patients post-surgery for 12 weeks improves the overall look of their scars.
What Are The Best Rosehip Oil Products?
There are a gazillion brands that sell rosehip oil. Here are my favourites to help you narrow down your shopping list:
- FaceTheory Balancing Rosehip Oil O3 (£20.00): A bit more expensive than the other, but it includes a bit more. You get rosehip oil, rosehip extract and Vitamin E for a super moisturising anti-aging concoction. Available at FaceTheory.
- Good Molecules Pure Cold-Pressed Rosehip Seed Oil ($10.00): Just like what the name says. There’s nothing else bar rose hip seed oil here. It gets the job done without breaking the bank. Available at Ulta.
- The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil ($10.90):Â Again, the name says it all. You get pure rosehip seed oil (and only that) at a price that doesn’t break the bank. What’s not to like? Available at Beauty Bay, Boots, Cult Beauty, Sephora, The Ordinary and Ulta.
How To Use Rosehip Oil
Oh, let me count the ways. Rosehip oil is a multitasker. You can use it:
- As a moisturizer
- After your moisturiser for an extra dose of moisture (for dry skin)
- As a cleanser in the oil cleansing method
“Due to its moisturizing benefits you can opt to skip added moisturizer, especially in the summertime, but don’t skimp on applying sunscreen,” advises NYC dermatologist Dr. Michele Green. “During colder months you can adjust this routine by adding a moisturizer after your rosehip oil.”
Related: What Is The Oil Cleansing Method?
Who Should Use It?
Anyone can use rosehip oil, no matter what skin type or skin concern you have.
How Often Can You Use It?
Rosehip oil is gentle on the skin, so you can use it up to twice a day, once in the morning and once at night.
Rosehip Oil Side Effects
Rosehip oil is generally considered to be safe for all skin types. It has a teeny tiny amount of Vitamin A, so there’s a very small chance it could irritate your skin if it’s particularly sensitive. But, the main problem with rosehip oil is that it goes bad quickly. Try to go for products packaged in opaque bottles whenever you can and store them in a dry, cool place. It’ll help it last longer.
The Bottom Line
I’m sceptical of most natural ingredients but rosehip oil is the real deal. It’s an antiaging multitasker that moisturises skin, fights wrinkles and acne and fades away sun spots. Just remember to store it properly or it’ll become useless!
I love the oil as well and use it almost every night. I mix a drop or two with my moisturizer and add it on top of the Tretinoin cream. It really helps my skin from getting dry and flaky from the tretinoin.
Suzanne, glad it helps. It’s a wonderful moisturiser, isn’t it?
Does rosehip oil really contain Vitamin C and A? Is it enough to be considered active? Would that mean it should be applied at the same time as a retinol?
Heather, it contains very little vitamin C. As for Vitamin A, it depends on how the oil is extracted, processed, etc. I know people who can use both a retinol serum and rosehip oil and others who can’t.
What is the effect on the skin if you use rosehip oil that has oxidized. Will it actually damage the skin or just lose effectiveness?
Ebby, it will definitely lose its effectiveness so there’s no much point in using it if it has oxidised.
Hi Gio.
Firstly I love your posts. Much like your favourite products each post is packed with goodness ?
I have a question. On the deciem addict page I read that squalene is the only oil which is non comedogenic. I also have the rosehip oil but haven’t used it as I saw the post on squalene. What is your view on whether the rosehip oil is suitable for oily/acne prone skin? Your post makes me think that there may be a lot of benefits for oily skin …
Donna, thank you! So glad you like my posts.
There aren’t many oils I would recommend for oily skin but rosehip is definitely one of them. I’ve explained why in this post: http://www.beautifulwithbrains.com/best-facial-oils-oily-skin/
Hi Gio. Is Rosehip oil non comedogenic?
Donna, rosehip is ranked very low on the comedogenicity scale so it’s unlikely to cause problems for most people.
hi Gio! glad I stumbled upon your website, the articles you wrote are very informative. I’d like to try rosehip oil for my acne scars, can I use it in conjuction with a retinol product and a vitamin C product? (I was thinking of getting the retinol resurface and vitamin C24 from indeed labs). thank you in advance!
Chromaclouds, you can definitely use vitamin C in the morning and reship oil at night. Some people are able to use rosehip oil with a retinol too but I wouldn’t start with indeed reface. That’s one of the most powerful OTC retinoids. Start with a small concentration and build dose gradually: http://www.beautifulwithbrains.com/strength-retinol-need/
Hey Gio, I’m new to a skin care routine and recently bought the ordinary marula oil, next i’m going to get the Rosehip seed oil, but finding conflicting things online about when to apply the oil. How do I incorporate it with a morning and night routine properly? understand a serum is first, but some say to apply Rosehip oil before moisterizer (so you still get the affects of your moisterizer) while others say to apply after moisterizer to lock it all (but thy you may not get the affects of the oil due to the cream underneath)
Please help
Mike, first of all, do you need both products? Oil moisturize skin as well so you may find you don’t need a moisturiser after all. If you want to use both, use the oil last. Oils create a protective barrier that’s hard for moisturisers to penetrate.
Hi Gio,
Would it be appropriate to use Rosehip oil after a retinol serum? I find the retinol quite drying and my cystic acne flairs up when dry – but am trying to use to retional and a Lactic acid cleanser to clear my acne long term. But love rosehip oil as it is super moisturizing and doesnt break me out.
Thankyou
Allie, if your skin is sensitive, I wouldn’t recommend it. If it’s resistant, then yes you can.
Hi Gio,
Thank you for this article. 🙂
I just wanted to ask you, since I wonder if it is really worth it to use rosehip oil as a cleanser in the oil cleansing method – as you suggest – instead of a simpler (cheaper) one. If I wash it off moments after applying it, will my skin then have enough time to benefit from its magic?
Sascha, no, you won’t get the most of it if you leave it on for only a couple of minutes. It’s a good cleanser but I prefer to use it as a leave-on treatment and cleanse with a cheaper oil.
Hi Gio,
I super love rosehip oil and this stuff is amazing! Was wondering is there any research shows that it is unsafe for pregnant/ nursing mothers? Same goes to retinol. Hope to hear your reply soon! Thanks a lot 🙂
Claire, there is research that Vitamin A causes birth defects in mice. Imo, rosehip or OTC concentrations of retinol aren’t high enough to cause problems in humans but many doctors recommend to avoid them as a precaution anyway.
Hi Gio, i used sunblock everyday and just bought rosehip oil. is it okay to mix sunblock and rosehip oil and use it at once? thank you so much
Queency, NEVER mix anything with sunscreen or you’ll dilute the SPF!
Hello, i am fighting with an acne and undergoing treatment with Finacea 15% (azaleic acid). It is effective but it dries out my skin a lot so i bought the rosehip oil and applied it for the first time. It feels a bit sticky but generally ok. Do you think it is likely to make my skin worse before it gets better? If it does cause breakouts should I just give up or power through for some time? What time would you recommend that I trial it for, even if it causes breakouts? Thank you a lot for your help and for your great blog.
Anita, unfortunately it’s impossible to know for sure if something will make you breakout in advance. But if that happens, stop using it.
Hi Gio, love your informative website. I bought Radha Rosehip oil in August 2019. I must have used it once or twice and forgotten about it 🙈. Now after reading all about the benefits of rosehip oil I’m trying it again as a night time moisturiser. I kept my bottle inside a drawer and the Radha bottle is dark. Just wanted to know, do you think it is still effective since it is 9 months later? How do I know if it is oxidised and useless. Thank you!