Rosehip oil benefits

While celebrities might now be praising the benefits of rosehip oil, rosehips have a long history of medicinal and therapeutic use.¹ Roses, and their rosehips, have been used to help with a range of different health and beauty concerns since ancient times, and are often prized for their reported benefits.²

But is rosehip oil worth the hype? If you’re wondering whether you should add rosehip oil to your beauty routine, we’ve got everything you need to know below.

What is rosehip oil?

Rosehips are what we call ‘false fruits.’ Nestled beneath the rose petals is a seed-filled bulb, which starts to grow once the petals have fallen off. These bulbs are what we call rosehips, and they tend to be harvested in autumn.³

Rosehips are edible, and they’re packed full of healthy nutrients too. They’re incredibly rich in vitamin C and fibre, as well as antioxidants.⁴ 

Rosehip oil is made by pressing the seeds and the fruit of the rose plant. The oil is thought to have a variety of health benefits, particularly for the skin.⁵

Benefits of rosehip oil

Rosehips themselves are thought to have a range of health benefits. Rosehip oil, on the other hand, is prized for its potential skincare uses.⁶

Research into the benefits of rosehip oil is quite limited, and some of it is anecdotal, so you may not experience all its reported advantages.

Some rosehip oil benefits may include

• Improved moisture and hydration⁷
• Soothing effect⁸
• Refreshing and plumping skin⁹
• Heal and even skin tone¹⁰

Like when trying any new beauty product, stop using rosehip oil if you notice any unwanted side effects or irritation and seek professional advice. While it’s generally thought it be safe for most people, it’s always worth proceeding with caution if you have sensitive skin or a health condition.¹¹

How to use rosehip oil

Rosehip oil is available as a single-ingredient product, or it might be blended with other ingredients to create a serum or a multi-purpose facial oil.

Depending on the type of product you choose, rosehip oil can be applied as an alternative to moisturiser or used before putting on your other moisturising creams or products.

It’s usually best to use both in the morning and at night, although this might be different based on the type you choose.¹² The label should provide some helpful tips on how to use your chosen rosehip oil.

If you pick a pure rosehip oil, it’s a good idea to look for the term ‘cold-pressed’ on the label. Rosehips are sensitive to heat, and the potential benefits may be reduced if the rosehip oil you choose has been prepared using heat.¹³ Most good quality rosehip oil products will explain how the oil has been extracted to help you choose the best option for your needs.

Last updated: 12 April 2021