It’s hard to say which oil is better for the skin than coconut oil , but rosehip oil—also known as rosehip seed oil—is just as beneficial to the skin as coconut oil.

Rosehips were a medicine used by the ancient Egyptians, Maya, and Native Americans because of their amazing healing properties. During wartime in Britain, they were made into juice and rationed to ensure children’s resistance to infection.

This juice, made from empty seed boxes, also helps relieve diarrhea, stomach and menstrual cramps, nausea, and indigestion. Today, it is gaining attention for its ability to promote skin health and healthy aging.

As you can see, rosehip oil—technically not an essential oil—has many uses, not just deep into the skin.

What is rosehip oil?

Rose essential oil is made from rose petals, while rosehip oil, also known as rosehip seed oil, comes from the seeds of the rosehip. Rosehips are the fruit left after the plant flowers and sheds its petals.

Rosehip oil is extracted from the seeds of rose bushes that mainly grow in Chile. It is rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids, which are known to correct dark spots, moisturize dry and itchy skin, and reduce scars and fine lines.

The oil is extracted from rosehip seeds using an organic cold-pressing process.

For facial skincare, rosehip oil offers several benefits when used topically. It protects the skin and increases cell renewal because it contains beta-carotene (a form of vitamin A) and vitamins C and E, which are antioxidants that help fight free radicals.

The healing properties of rosehip oil are related to its chemical structure. As mentioned earlier, it is rich in healthy fats, but more specifically oleic acid, palmitic acid, linoleic acid, and gamma-linolenic acid.

Rosehip oil contains polyunsaturated fatty acids (vitamin F), which are converted into prostaglandins (PGEs) when absorbed through the skin. PGEs are excellent for skin care because they are involved in cell membrane and tissue regeneration.

It is also one of the richest plant sources of vitamin C, which is another reason why rosehip oil is an excellent product for fine lines and overall skin care.

Benefits to the skin and more

1. Anti-aging properties

Rosehip oil has significant anti-aging benefits for your face. This ultra-light, non-greasy oil’s skincare benefits come from its high antioxidant content and ability to penetrate deep into the skin, improving hydration levels and reducing visible signs of aging.

As we age, collagen production naturally slows down, but because rosehip oil is high in vitamin C, it can actually help stimulate collagen production in the skin . In fact, a clinical study published in 2015 [ 1 ] showed that 60 days of topical vitamin C treatment “is very effective as a revitalizing therapy, inducing significant collagen synthesis in all age groups with minimal side effects.”

For those trying to avoid chemicals and botulinum toxin, rosehip oil may be perfect because of its skin-regenerating properties, including vitamins C and A and lycopene. This makes it a safer, organic solution that can repair the skin’s surface and restore elasticity.

2. Prevent age spots

The sun’s ultraviolet rays can damage the skin, leading to age spots and pigmentation on the face. The antioxidants in rosehip oil, especially the combination of vitamins C and E, can help fight free radicals that cause sun damage.

Studies have shown that these antioxidants can actually reduce the overproduction of pigment in the skin, which is the cause of uneven skin tone and age spots. It also helps the body obtain these antioxidants by including them in your diet.

Drinking organic rosehip tea is a very simple way to make it, and you can find it at health food stores.

This oil also has deep moisturizing properties, helping to reduce redness and irritation. These properties also make rosehip oil a potential treatment for rosacea when used as a cold-pressed oil, paste, or rosehip skincare product.

3. Helps eliminate stretch marks and reduce acne scars.

The cold-pressed fats in rosehip oil can promote skin regeneration, help remove scars , and reduce the appearance of stretch marks . When applied topically, the fats act as a moisturizer, helping to soften the skin and increase hydration.

Studies have shown that this skincare oil may also help treat eczema due to its emollient properties, meaning it can provide a protective barrier for the skin while also eliminating flaky skin. This oil can also help reduce scalp dryness and itching caused by chemicals in most store-bought shampoos.

4. Boost the immune system

Rosehip is one of the best plant sources of vitamin C, which helps treat infections and boost the immune system. The University of Maryland database notes that rosehip can even be used as a vitamin C supplement.

Fresh rosehips, rosehip tea, or rosehip supplements are all good choices for maintaining a strong immune system.

In addition to being an antioxidant, vitamin C is responsible for the production of collagen in the body, which is an important element in the structure of bones and muscles. Reports indicate that this important nutrient also helps with the proper absorption of iron, thereby producing red blood cells.

5. Reduces inflammation and helps with arthritis.

People with arthritis can benefit from using rosehips both externally and internally. The Arthritis Foundation reports [ 6 ] that rosehip powder is a rich source of vitamin C, which appears to reduce arthritis-related inflammation by inhibiting the production of inflammatory enzymes and proteins.

How effective is topical application of rosehip oil for treating arthritis? There is no recent research on this method, but traditionally, people with arthritis or rheumatism often add rose petals to their bathwater to relieve symptoms.

You may find that adding a little rosehip oil to your bath water or applying it to the inflamed area helps resolve the problem.

Related reading: Combination skin: What is it, how to determine if you have combination skin, and the best skincare routine.

How to use

Want to know how to use rosehip oil in your daily skincare routine? Start by purchasing a pure organic product from a trustworthy company. You’ll find rosehip oil products available in pure oil, paste, powder, tea, and capsule forms.

Please remember that rosehip oil is delicate and easily spoils, so handle it with care . Vitamin E oil is usually added to extend its shelf life. Storing it in the refrigerator or in a cool, dark place can help prevent rancidity.

Although they are more expensive, cold-pressed rosehip oil is the best product because it is not altered by heat and therefore retains more nutrients.

Because rosehip oil is a drying oil, it is quickly absorbed by the skin. You can apply the oil directly to your face with gentle massage motions, or use it in many skincare formulas.

Here are some simple ways to incorporate this new oil into your daily life:

• Make your own organic, homemade lotions and serums, such as this rosehip oil eye cream for dark circles and puffiness .
• Cleanse your skin with oil twice a day. Focus on problem areas; simply put a few drops of oil on a clean cotton ball and gently apply it to areas with fine lines, wrinkles, or dark spots. Remember, it does not prevent sunburn, so follow up with a good quality sunscreen.
• While it can prevent and reduce acne scars, it should not be applied directly to active acne.
• If you have acne-prone skin, be sure to test the product on a small area first to ensure it won’t clog your pores and cause unwanted breakouts.
• Rosehip seed oil can be used on the face and neck because it absorbs quickly and leaves no oily residue. Just remember that you only need two to three drops.

Risks and side effects

Rosehip oil is generally considered safe for topical use. Before applying it to a large area, do a small patch test to ensure you don’t experience any adverse reactions.

If you notice redness, stinging, itching, or any other signs of irritation, wash it off and stop using it.

Consult your healthcare provider before taking rosehip oil orally. Although allergic reactions are rare, be aware of allergy symptoms such as rash, difficulty breathing, rapid heart rate, chest discomfort, and wheezing.

If you are using it internally, please remember that it contains high levels of vitamin C, so people with anemia, kidney stones, and diabetes should consult a doctor before using it.

Summarize

• Rosehip oil is derived from the fruit of rose bushes. These fruits provide important nutrients for the skin and other areas, including healthy fats and vitamin C.
• You can use rose essential oil in your daily skincare routine to improve your complexion. It can also be used to boost the immune system and reduce inflammation.
• If you’re new to rosehip oil, you can start by adding a few drops to your favorite skin serum, and then just one or two drops a day on dark spots and fine lines, or try the homemade face oil below.