The Rosehip Oil Skin Benefits

For those with oily or acne-prone skin, facial oils can be intimidating or a no-go altogether. I certainly have had my share of breakouts and have not always used the correct oils or emollients for my skin type. However, it has not deterred me from trying facial oils. After much searching and testing and trial, I have assembled my own carefully curated list of facial oils that I must always include in my skincare rotation. Rosehip Seed Oil is one such oil. This article is dedicated to the many rosehip oil skin benefits, so that you too have reason to try out this facial oil.

Where does rosehip oil come from?

Before diving into all the rosehip oil skin benefits, it is worth explaining what exactly rosehip seed oil is. Contrary to what you may think, rosehip seed oil is not extracted from roses. Rosehip seed oil, as the name would suggest is instead extracted from the seeds of rose hips. These are berry-like seeds that are small and red (they look a little like goji berries) and remain after a rose has lost its petals.

Extracting oil from these small seeds can be a laborious process. They can be cold pressed or extracted a number of alternative ways in order to preserve the delicate nutritional content of the oil. Due to the arduous extraction process, rosehip oil can be rather high in price. In the case of this oil, a lower price point may mean cutting corners to diminish some of the rosehip oil benefits for skin.

I would not usually advocate more expensive skincare choices, but it may be worthwhile forgoing the cheapest option in this case. To ensure quality and that you are getting all the rosehip oil skin benefits possible, it is a good idea to search for a sustainably sourced, carefully extracted variety.

Moisturising rosehip oil skin benefits

One of the most obvious rosehip oil skin benefits is its ability to act as an emollient. Like other plant oils, the emollient nature of rosehip oil allows it to soothe and moisturise skin on application. Oils can also act as a protective barrier or occlusive so that the skin retains moisture. While some ingredients like humectants keep skin hydrated by attracting water from the environment, emollients protect and condition skin. Take a look at this must-read article about humectant hyaluronic acid.

Essential fatty acid content

Another of the primary rosehip oil skin benefits is its impressive nutritional profile. Rosehip seed oil is a rich source of essential fatty acids. Our own bodies cannot synthesise these fatty acids. They play a critical role in normal skin function and are a huge component of cell membranes. Essential fatty acids support the formation of ceramides in the skin, which in turn help to reinforce skin barrier function.

Everyday damage to collagen in the skin’s dermis lead to skin ageing. Both dietary consumption and topical application of EFAs will help to reduce photodamage from UV rays and skin inflammation. Thus, EFAs have the ability to minimise skin ageing. Read this article all about what can be done to attenuate UV-induced sun damage.

Vitamin A

The high vitamin A content via carotenoids is perhaps one of the most valuable rosehip oil skin benefits. Vitamin A in rosehip oil will protect skin from environmental damage and inflammation. It is, after all, a powerful antioxidant. The antioxidants aid in the prevention of hyperpigmentation and improve skin tone. For an explanation as to why this is one of the most important rosehip oil skin benefits, read this article about antioxidants.

The use of retinoids and vitamin A derivatives is becoming increasingly prevalent for the prevention of wrinkles. Prescription retinoids or retinols used in skincare contain retinoic acid for its potent wrinkle-fighting, skin firming properties. Retinol is pre-formed vitamin A, while beta carotene is a precursor that must be converted into vitamin A by the body.

Alternative to retinol?

Some natural skincare advocates claim that the carotenoids found in rosehip oil are a viable alternative to retinol. However, the amount of vitamin A in rosehip oil simply isn’t enough to rival clinically proven retinoids. Beta carotene found in rosehip oil does not have the extensive backing that conventional retinol does for anti-ageing and wrinkle reduction. It can however be a useful substitute in those with skin that is simply intolerant to retinols, or women who are pregnant. If you are a more “natural” beauty advocate, you are going to want to take a look at this article about the best botanical extract alternative to retinol.

(Tangent: I use the word anti-ageing as a blanket term to describe the process of ageing “gracefully” with intention, using health and skincare methods. As I have mentioned before, I am not at all against ageing. Ageing is a privilege. I am not advocating the complete prevention of ageing or doing everything in your power to freeze your face in time. The term in this case describes the process of embracing getting older, while taking steps to care for yourself along the way. I know it doesn’t need clarification, but I would not want anyone to misunderstand my use of the word.)

Vitamin C

Rosehip seeds are packed with the powerful antioxidant vitamin C. I wrote an entire article going in depth about all the rest of vitamin C’s skin care benefits. This vitamin is great at brightening the skin and fading dark marks. In fact, rosehips are one of the best sources of ascorbic acid (vitamin C). In spite of this, much of the vitamin C content is degraded during the pressing and extraction process. Not to mention, vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin and so this may mean that the vitamin C from rosehips is not actually bioavailable.

Anti-inflammatory

The potential to combat inflammation is one of my favourite rosehip oil skin benefits. Rosehips are a source of natural lycopene, also found in fruits like tomatoes. Lycopene promotes healthy skin due to its UV-protecting abilities and anti-inflammatory properties. As a child I was encouraged to eat toast with olive oil and tomatoes for this reason and tomatoes are now one of my favourite fruits!

Along with flavonoids and antioxidants, rosehip oil’s high composition of unsaturated fatty acids provides additional protection from inflammation. The anti-inflammatory factor is such a key aspect of rosehip oil benefits for skin in those with inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis.

Wound healing

The essential fatty acids found in rosehip oil also help to promote skin regeneration. At the same time, rosehip oil contains vitamin E, yet another robust antioxidant. Vitamin E has impressive wound-healing, nourishing qualities. Vitamin E can also help boost protection when paired with other antioxidants like vitamin C.

A non-greasy oil

Rosehip oil is a dry oil – that is, it absorbs into skin quickly. This is one of the many rosehip oil benefits for skin especially for acne-prone, oily skin individuals. It does not leave a greasy film over the skin, but sinks in with ease while still infusing your skin with moisture. For oily or acne-prone individuals who are apprehensive about adding a facial oil to their routine, I would definitely recommend trying rosehip oil.

What to look for in a rosehip oil

Rosehip oil should be a rich amber colour. A pale hue may be an indication that the oil has been more refined or obtained from an inferior source.

Because of the delicate composition of the oil, rosehip oil is light sensitive and can easily go rancid. One should therefore store rosehip oil in a dark container away from direct sunlight or heat exposure.

Choosing an organic cold-pressed variety will ensure you are preserving the nutritional content and integrity of the oil.

In order to retain the rosehip oil skin benefits, the method of extraction should be taken into consideration. A less highly processed means of extracting the oil will often result in a higher price point. This is due to the preservation of the oil’s nutritional content and overall quality. Because of how delicate rosehip oil is, I would be careful about trying to cut corners and expenses when choosing your rosehip oil.

To find out exactly where a facial oil should go in your routine, check out this guide to layering skincare.

Rosehip Oil Recommendations

Here are a few fantastic, tried and true organic rosehip oil options:

Trilogy Organic Rosehip Oil – This is a high quality, certified organic, pure rosehip oil sourced from South America. The bottle comes with a hefty 45ml of product but is also available in a smaller bottle. I would suggest purchasing the rosehip oil from here if you are in the USA.

Pai Rosehip Oil – This rosehip oil is sourced by supercritical extraction, rather than cold pressing. The process promises a purer, less refined product than other extraction methods. It contains added rosemary extract and vitamin E for increased stability. If you’re in the US, you need to check out this oil at this amazing clean beauty store.

The Ordinary Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil – For a relatively affordable rosehip oil, check out this one from The Ordinary. They aren’t the best at keeping up stock – which is frustrating – but can easily be found on Amazon.

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Let me know, have you tried rosehip oil? What is your favourite oil to use on your skin? If you would like to read about another of my favourite oils, take a look at this article about avocado oil for skin.

Wishing you boundless love, endless light and life without limit,

Shannon xo

This post is not sponsored in any way. All opinions are my own.