Rosehip oil: how to use it & why you should

If you want to smell sweet while doing your skin a world of good, consider adding rosehip oil to your beauty arsenal.

It’s a powerhouse when it comes to richly nourishing nutrients and could be a real saviour if you experience dry skin or have any scars which you’d like to reduce the appearance of.

Before we examine exactly how to use rosehip oil though, let’s take a look at what this amazing multitasking oil is.

What is rosehip oil?

Despite its name, rosehip oil isn’t the same as rose oil.

While the more commonly known variety is extracted from the petals of roses, rosehip oil is sourced by pressing the fruit and seeds of the plant.

It doesn’t smell as fragrant as rose oil. However, it still has a subtle woody scent.¹

Why should you start using rosehip oil?

Curious as to why this humble oil is so beneficial for the body?

Rosehip oil has been used for centuries – especially in its native country of Chile – to treat a variety of ailments. That’s all thanks to the fact it’s:²

• Super hydrating

Rosehip oil contains high numbers of fatty acids, and these are essential for building up strong cells which efficiently lock in moisture in the skin.

Although it’s an oil, rosehip is also non-greasy, which makes it ideal for use on all skin types.

• Packed with vitamins

Rosehip oil is rich in a variety of essential nutrients, including vitamins A, C and E.

All three play a part in maintaining healthy-looking skin, from protecting it from pollutants in the environment to supporting collagen production so it stays elastic and youthful.

• Contains phenols

These chemical compounds are present in high numbers in rosehip oil and they’re thought to have a variety of health properties, including being anti-bacterial.

5 reasons why you should be using rosehip oil

Thanks to ‘The Kate Effect’, rosehip oil is set to join spirulina smoothies as a cult favourite.

If the Duchess of Cambridge uses a product, sales go through the roof, as her fans around the globe hurry to snap up her top picks.

1. It’s rich in skin-friendly vitamins

Rosehip oil is bursting with vitamins A, C, D and E - antioxidants needed to keep skin youthful and healthy.

Their natural soothing effect helps protect the skin’s surface.

2. It could help prevent stretch marks

Commonly caused by pregnancy or sudden weight changes, stop these red or purple lines in their tracks by massaging rosehip oil into the skin to help improve the appearance of stretch marks.

3. It’s full of wrinkle-fighting fatty acids

You might recognise oleic and linoleic acid from the labels of many bestselling skincare products. Well, rosehip oil naturally contains these essential fatty acids.

Valued for their moisturising and healthy-aging properties, fatty acids boost skin hydration and restore elasticity to help battle fine lines and wrinkles.

4. It's organic and free from harmful ingredients

During pregnancy, many women avoid using potentially unsafe ingredients like retinoids that have been known to aggravate the skin. 

And Kate is no different.

According to a source close to the Duchess, “Kate is very cautious of products and treatments, baby’s health comes first.”

Rosehip oil is a pure plant oil with no added fragrances, colours or preservatives.

5. It could help reduce the appearance of scars

Rosehip oil’s healing properties are backed by research based on post-surgery scars

Plus, independent clinical studies show that Trilogy’s Certified Organic Rosehip Oil can improve the appearance of scars.

How to use rosehip oil

There are multiple ways you can reap the benefits of rosehip oil.

Rub it onto stretch marks or scars to reduce their appearance

Rosehip oil’s high concentration of fatty acids makes it perfect for rubbing on any stretch marks or scars you might have.

That’s because fatty acids are vital for regenerating cells and helping to repair damaged tissue.

For the same reason, it’s thought to have some success at reducing the appearance of wrinkles too.³

Massage it into your face as a hydrating overnight mask

If your skin is looking a little parched, measure out a few drops and then massage it gently on to a cleansed face.

Rosehip oil is very absorbent so it shouldn’t leave your skin looking greasy.

For the best results, leave it on overnight and you’ll likely wake up with softer, brighter-looking skin!⁴

Add a few drops to your moisturiser

To reap the benefits of rosehip oil all over your body, try adding a little bit into your normal moisturiser.

As it contains heaps of fatty acids which are a key ingredient in most moisturisers, you could also apply it directly to the skin to help soften it.

Its non-greasy formula even makes it ideal for using underneath makeup.⁵

Should anyone avoid using rosehip oil?

Rosehip oil is organic, meaning it shouldn’t really cause any irritation or side effects.

Nevertheless, people with highly sensitive skin will want to be cautious.

You should always patch test it on a small section of skin first.

Check out our full skincare range to discover products containing nourishing rosehip oil and other amazing plant-based ingredients.

Want more advice on how to effectively look after your skin? Check out The Health Hub.

Last updated: 2 September 2021