Rosehip Oil For Face: Anti-Aging, Acne, Dark Circles, And More

Maybe your like

HealthlineSubscribe

Skin Care

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process

9 Benefits of Using Rosehip Oil on Your Face

Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP — Written by Kitty Jay — Updated on May 5, 2023

Hydrating
Moisturizing
Exfoliating and brightening
Firming
Anti-inflammatory
Damage protecting
Color correcting
Skin regenerating
Immune-boosting
How to use
Side effects and risks
Takeaway

Rosehip oil has a long history as a therapeutic remedy and beauty product. It contains a wealth of vitamins, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids that can help nourish and hydrate your skin. It may also reduce the visible signs of aging and help clear up scarring.

Rosehip oil is also known as rosehip seed oil. It’s derived from the rosa canina rose bush, which is grown mostly in Chile.

Unlike rose oil, which is extracted from rose petals, rosehip oil is pressed from the fruit and seeds of the rose plant.

Prized since ancient times for its valuable healing benefits, rosehip oil is loaded with skin nourishing vitamins and essential fatty acids. It also contains phenols that have been shown to have antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.

Rosehip oil is often used as a carrier oil for essential oils that are too intense to put on your skin directly.

Keep reading to learn more about how rosehip oil can benefit your skin, and how to add it to your skin care routine.

1. It hydrates

Hydration is essential for soft, supple skin. Lack of hydration can be a problem during extreme weather or as skin ages.

Rosehip oil contains a wealth of essential fatty acids, including linoleic and linolenic acid. Fatty acids help keep cell walls strong so they don’t lose water.

The many fatty acids in rosehip oil make it an excellent option for hydrating dry, itchy skin. The skin also easily absorbs the oil, allowing its antioxidants to travel deep into the skin’s layers.

2. It moisturizes

Moisturizing helps lock in your skin’s natural hydration and any added oils.

A 2015 study using rosehip powder suggested that rosehips offer several anti-aging properties, including the ability to keep skin moisturized. Researchers found that participants who took rosehip powder orally experienced noticeable improvements in their skin’s overall moisture.

You may also receive these benefits by applying rosehip oil topically. Rosehip oil is a dry, or nongreasy, oil. This makes it a great natural moisturizer for all skin types.

3. It helps exfoliate and brighten skin

Natural exfoliation with rosehip oil can help reduce dullness and leave you with glowing, vibrant skin.

The vitamin A, or retinol, in rosehip oil encourages skin cell turnover.

4. It helps boost collagen formation

Collagen is the building block of skin. It’s essential for skin elasticity and firmness. Your body naturally makes less collagen as you age.

Rosehip oil is rich in vitamin A which is necessary for the production of collagen. Rosehip has also been shown to inhibit the creation of MMP-1, an enzyme that breaks down collagen in the body.

Research supports these benefits, too. In a 2015 study, researchers found that participants who took rosehip powder orally experienced a noticeable increase in skin elasticity.

5. It helps reduce inflammation

Rosehip is rich in both polyphenols and anthocyanin, which may help reduce inflammation. It also contains vitamin E, an antioxidant known for its anti-inflammatory effects.

With this in mind, rosehip oil may help calm irritation resulting from:

rosacea
psoriasis
eczema
dermatitis

6. It helps protect against sun damage

Cumulative damage from a lifetime of exposure to the sun plays a major role in premature aging. Ultraviolet (UV) exposure can also interfere with the body’s ability to produce collagen.

Rosehip oil contains antioxidants like vitamins A and E. These vitamins have been shown to synergistically combat visible sun damage. They may also help prevent photoaging.

With this in mind, rosehip oil may be used to help reduce the negative effects of UV exposure. But it shouldn’t be used in place of sunscreen.

Talk with your doctor or dermatologist about how you can safely use both in your skin care routine.

7. It helps reduce hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation occurs when excess melanin forms dark spots or patches on the skin. This can result from a number of factors, including:

sun exposure
hormonal changes, such as with pregnancy or menopause
certain medications, including birth control pills and chemotherapy drugs

Rosehip oil is rich in vitamin A. Vitamin A is made up of several nutritional compounds, including retinoids. Retinoids are known for their ability to reduce hyperpigmentation and other visible signs of aging with regular use.

Rosehip oil also contains both lycopene and beta carotene. These ingredients are said to have skin-lightening properties, making them staple ingredients in many skin-lightening products.

Animal studies indicate that rosehip extract contains melanin-reducing properties and may warrant further study for its use on humans.

8. It helps reduce scars and fine lines

Rosehip oil is rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants, which are integral for tissue and cell regeneration in the skin. It’s no wonder the oil has long been used as a remedy for wound healing, as well as the reduction of scars and fine lines.

One 2015 study on rosehip powder showed a significant reduction in the appearance of fine lines around the eyes, also known as crow’s feet, after 8 weeks of treatment. Participants in this study consumed the powder orally.

In a separate 2015 study, participants with post-surgical scars treated their incision site twice per day with topical rosehip oil.

After 12 weeks of use, the group using rosehip oil experienced significant improvements in scar color and inflammation when compared with the group who received no topical treatment.

9. It helps boost immunity

Rosehip oil is rich in antioxidants and polyunsaturated fatty acids, like linoleic acid, which are imperative for preventing the breakdown of cell membranes in the skin. Strong, healthy cells act as a barrier to prevent bacteria from invading the skin, which can lead to outbreaks and infections.

In both animal and human studies, rosehip powder has been shown to bolster the strength and longevity of the skin’s cells. Rosehip powder was also shown to reduce the production of MMP-1, an enzyme that breaks down cell structures like collagen.

How to use rosehip oil

Rosehip oil is a dry oil that easily absorbs into the skin.

Although it’s generally safe for all skin types, you should perform a patch test before your first use. This will ensure you aren’t allergic to the oil.

To do this:

Apply a small amount of rosehip oil to your forearm or wrist.
Cover the treated area with a bandage or gauze.
After 24 hours, check the area for signs of irritation.
If the skin is itchy or inflamed, you shouldn’t use rosehip oil (see your doctor if the irritation persists).
If the skin doesn’t show any signs of irritation, it should be safe to use the oil elsewhere.

Once you’ve done a patch test, you can apply rosehip oil up to twice per day. The oil can be used on its own, or you can add a few drops to another carrier oil or your favorite moisturizer.

Rosehip oil can go rancid quickly. To help extend its shelf life, store the oil in a cool, dark place. You can also store it in your refrigerator.

Though it’s slightly more expensive, cold-pressed, organic rosehip oil is recommended for purity and best results.

Popular choices include:

Radha Rosehip Oil
Kate Blanc Rosehip Seed Oil
Majestic Pure Cosmeceuticals Rosehip Oil
Life-Flo Organic Pure Rosehip Seed Oil
Teddie Organics Rosehip Oil

Possible side effects and risks

Rosehip oil is generally safe for all skin types, but allergic reaction is not uncommon. Before using rosehip oil for the first time, you should perform a patch test to make sure your skin can tolerate the oil.

See your doctor if you experience:

red, itchy skin
itchy, watery eyes
scratchy throat
nausea
vomiting

Anaphylaxis is possible in severe cases of allergic reaction. Seek immediate emergency medical attention if you experience:

difficulty breathing
wheezing
swollen mouth, throat, or face
rapid heartbeat
stomach pain

The bottom line

Rosehip oil has a long history as a therapeutic remedy and beauty product. It’s full of vitamins, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids that are all valued for their ability to nourish skin.

Scientific studies showing rosehip oil’s promise make it an intriguing option for anyone looking to reduce the visible signs of aging, clear up scarring, or otherwise improve their skin care routine. Not only is it reasonably affordable and easy to use, but it’s also considered generally safe for all skin types.

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Angelo G. (2012). Vitamin A and skin health.https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/health-disease/skin-health/vitamin-A
Binic I, et al. (2013). Skin ageing: Natural weapons and strategies.https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2013/827248/
Christensen R, et al. (2008). Does the hip powder of Rosa canina (rosehip) reduce pain in osteoarthritis patients? – A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.https://www.oarsijournal.com/article/S1063-4584(08)00065-4/fulltext
Mármol I, et al. (2017). Therapeutic applications of rose hips from different rosa species.https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/18/6/1137
Michels AJ. (2011). Vitamin C and skin health.https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/health-disease/skin-health/vitamin-C
Park J-E, et al. (2015). Inhibitory effect of rosa multiflora hip extract on UVB-induced skin photoaging in Hs68 fibroblasts.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/292673425_Inhibitory_Effect_of_Rosa_multiflora_hip_Extract_on_UVB-induced_Skin_Photoaging_in_Hs68_Fibroblasts
Phetcharat L, et al. (2015). The effectiveness of a standardized rose hip powder, containing seeds and shells of Rosa canina, on cell longevity, skin wrinkles, moisture, and elasticity.https://www.dovepress.com/the-effectiveness-of-a-standardized-rose-hip-powder-containing-seeds-a-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-CIA
Valerón-Almazán P, et al. (2015). Evolution of post-surgical scars treated with pure rosehip seed oil.https://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?PaperID=57497
Winther K, et al. (2015). The effectiveness of a standardized rose hip powder, containing seeds and shells of Rosa canina, on cell longevity, skin wrinkles, moisture and elasticity.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/284194698_The_effectiveness_of_a_standardized_rose_hip_powder_containing_seeds_and_shells_of_Rosa_canina_on_cell_longevity_skin_wrinkles_moisture_and_elasticity

Share this article

Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP — Written by Kitty Jay — Updated on May 5, 2023

Read this next

The 5 Best Oils for Your SkinMedically reviewed by Catherine Hannan, M.D.
Traditional lotions not doing the trick? Try one of these oils packed with antioxidants and vitamins to help your skin look and feel better.
READ MORE
Why Science Says Hyaluronic Acid Is the Holy Grail to Wrinkle-Free, Youthful HydrationMedically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT
Hyaluronic acid may be the answer to wrinkle-free skin but not all varieties are equal. Here's what you need to know about this magic ingredient.
READ MORE
Can I Use Vitamin E Oil for Scars?Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP
There's a popular belief that rubbing vitamin E oil onto your acne scars can help them heal quickly, and reduce their visibility. Ointments and creams…
READ MORE
Is Coconut Oil Good for Your Skin?Written by Rachael Ajmera, MS, RD
Coconut oil is a type of fat that has many health benefits. This article looks at the evidence to determine whether coconut oil is also good for your…
READ MORE
What are the Benefits of Taking Collagen Supplements?Medically reviewed by the Healthline Medical Network
Consuming collagen may have a variety of health benefits such as relieving joint pain and improving skin health. These are the top benefits of…
READ MORE
What Is Collagen, and Why Do You Need it?Medically reviewed by the Healthline Medical Network
Collagen is a protein needed for many body processes including tissue repair. Learn the benefits and how to add it to your diet.
READ MORE
‘Spray it Safe’ and Skip the Tanning Nasal Spray — Here's Why It's RiskyMedically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP
Considering tanning nasal spray for that deep summer glow? Experts don't recommend it — this tanning option involves plenty of risk. Learn more here.
READ MORE
How Effective Is Biotin for Hair Growth?Medically reviewed by the Healthline Medical Network
There's limited evidence that supplementing with biotin or lathering it through your hair promotes hair growth. The evidence is slightly stronger for…
READ MORE
Can Flaxseed Gel Tame Your Frizz and Smooth Your Curls?Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP
These little seeds have just what you need to treat your curls right. Here's how to use them.
READ MORE

Tag » When To Apply Rosehip Oil In Routine

Health Conditions

Condition Spotlight

Wellness Topics

Product Reviews

Featured Programs

Featured

Lessons

Newsletters

Lifestyle Quizzes

Health News

This Just In

Top Reads

Video Series

Find Your Bezzy Community

Follow us on social media