Next to a rich night cream, no skincare product feels quite as decadent as a facial oil. Finishing off your routine with an oil or adding a few drops of one to your favorite moisturizers can transform your nightly ritual into a relaxing, spa-like experience. While there are a ton of facial oils out there suited for different skin types and needs, few are as hyped up as rosehip oil.
Rich in vitamin A and essential fatty acids, rosehip oil can be used to treat visible signs of aging, acne scars, dullness, and inflammation. It’s also been said to help heal acne. But what makes this multitasking oil so effective? We turned to dermatologist Michele Green, M.D., and skincare expert Sofie Pavitt to find out all of rosehip oil’s benefits and how to use the ingredient in your skincare routine.
Keep reading for a complete guide to using rosehip oil on skin.
What Is Rosehip Oil?
“Rosehip or rosehip seed oil is made from pressing the small berry/fruit that lies underneath the rose flower,” says Pavitt. Although similar-sounding in name, rosehip oil is not the same as rose oil, which is extracted from rose petals, Pavitt says.
The Skincare Benefits of Rosehip Oil
“Due to its small molecular structure, rosehip oil has the ability to penetrate the deep layers of the skin to stimulate collagen and reduce fine lines and wrinkles,” explains Dr. Green. “It is also full of antioxidants and has moisturizing benefits due to its high percentage of fatty acids—a whopping 80%, to be exact.”
Rosehip oil contains vitamin A (also found in retinol, the holy grail of anti-aging products), vitamin E, vitamin C, and omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids, which promote skin cell turnover and skin elasticity and improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
Its essential acids—linolenic (omega-3) and linoleic (omega-6)—are known for strengthening the skin barrier function (which helps skin to retain moisture) and boosting collagen (which helps skin maintain firmness).
How to Use Rosehip Oil
Pavitt recommends massaging a few drops of rosehip oil into your face as the last step in your skincare routine. “This oil will leave your skin feeling smooth, hydrated, and nourished,” she says. However, to see the full benefits of rosehip oil, Pavitt says it takes about six to eight weeks of use.
Since rosehip oil is a dry oil, Dr. Green agrees it should be applied at the end of your skincare routine, following all of your water-based products. “Due to its moisturizing benefits you can opt to skip added moisturizer, especially in the summertime, but don’t skimp on applying sunscreen,” she says. “During colder months you can adjust this routine by adding a moisturizer after your rosehip oil.”
Side Effects
While rosehip oil boasts an impressive list of skincare benefits and is generally safe for all skin types, it’s always best to err on the side of caution when adding any new product into your skincare routine—especially since it’s an essential oil, which can be irritating for some.
“You should apply a small amount of the oil to your inner arm to test for any allergic reaction,” says Dr. Green. “If there is no reaction after 24 hours you can proceed with applying to your face.”
Pavitt says that those with acne-prone skin may find that the oil exacerbates breakouts, even though the oil is said to help clear pimples. She also notes that because rosehip oil contains vitamin A, it’s wise not use it in conjunction with retinol products.
Our Favorite Rosehip Oil Products
Pai Skincare Organic Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil
Thanks to a mix of concentrated rosehip seed and fruit oils, Pai’s Rosehip Bioregenerate treats dullness, fine lines, discoloration, and acne. Plus, it’s packed with hydrating plant fats, so it’s gentle on sensitive skin. Bonus: The oil has a gorgeous golden-hour color that doesn’t stain skin.
Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil
Call it the Kate Middleton effect. After it was revealed that the duchess used Trilogy’s Certified Organic Rosehip Oil while pregnant, the royal-approved product quickly became one of the most popular rosehip oils on the market. The cold-pressed organic oil is safe for all skin types, but it’s become known for its ability to help minimize acne scars and other types of hyperpigmentation.
The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil
If you’re looking for an affordable rosehip oil, your search ends here—The Ordinary is known for making wildly affordable products with clinically proven ingredients. The vitamin A and omega fatty acids, including linoleic and linolenic, in The Ordinary’s 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil can improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne, and…
Read More: The Benefits of Rosehip Oil for Skin, Per Experts