Why We Use Rosehip Seed Oil as a Key Ingredient in Our Skincare Products

Using natural ingredients is something we’re committed to. We care deeply about the planet we live on and realize that our own health depends on how we treat the earth. We make sure our products are safe, organic, cruelty-free, and naturally sourced. And we use ingredients without chemicals, sulfates, and that are paraben-free. 

Using natural ingredients is important to us, and we’re pretty sure it’s important to you too! For example, take the Rosehip Seed Oil that we incorporate into some of our products. The reasons we use it are because of the great properties it has for our skin, such as being a natural retinol, and how it’s something that can be naturally derived from its plant source. 

Have you ever wondered what exactly a Rosehip is though? And how do we get Rosehip Seed Oil? Let’s take a closer look and see just why it’s so good for your skin.

What is Rosehip Seed Oil? 

It’s important first to note that there are two main parts of the rose plant that can be made into oils. These are the fruit and the seed. The fruit is what’s used to create Rosehip Oil and the seed, well, you guessed it; that’s what’s used to make Rosehip Seed Oil. 

The rosehips are the brightly colored balls that you see on the rose bush after it’s done flowering, and they contain the seeds that are pressed to make Rosehip Seed Oil. 

There are 30,000 cultivated varieties of rose bushes, and with few exceptions, they all make rosehips, but only a few are grown and used for medicinal and cosmetic products. Most Rosehip oil products come from the Rosa Canina rose bush, which are mostly grown in Chile. 

And why are they called “hips”? There are several versions of how this came to be called a hip, and the actual definition can be a bit illusive. As Shakespeare wrote in “Romeo and Juliet”, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose, by any other name would smell as sweet.” So a hip is a hip, and is still a hip regardless of if it’s referred to as a hep or a haw, (some of the other titles they hold). 

Now with all this talk about roses, rose hips, and rosehip seeds, it’s time to talk about how we get the oil from the rosehips or rosehip seeds. The oil is extracted by one of several different methods - either by solvent, cold pressed or supercritically extracted. Depending on the grower and the methods used determines the quality of the product. Cold-pressed is often considered the best for purity and quality.

Rosehip Seed Oil has been made and used in herbal remedies for hundreds, if not thousands, of years because of its many benefits, including that it contains Vitamin A which acts as a natural retinol. Even though the oil extraction process may have evolved, this very simple and beneficial ingredient has a lot to offer once produced. 

Rosehip Seed Oil Benefits 

Rosehips have been used to reduce the signs of aging, manage arthritis pain, and improve heart health. So it holds true that Rosehip Seed Oil boasts the same benefits. Because it’s packed with vitamins, like Vitamin A that works as a natural retinol, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids, this oil can really do quite a bit for our overall health and wellbeing. 

The elements within this oil are known to correct dark spots and keep dry and itchy skin hydrated. It also has been known to reduce scars, fine lines, and wrinkles. Side effects are few, and very rare. You can always do a patch test before using any products to check for allergic reactions, but Rosehip Seed Oil is normally used without any problems. 

Another of its many benefits is that it is a dry oil which makes it easily absorbed, allowing antioxidants to penetrate into the layers of the skin. The Vitamin A in rosehip oil acts like a natural retinol, leaving your skin looking bright and smooth. The Vitamin E in Rosehip Oil helps reduce inflammation and irritation, so it can be helpful for conditions like sun damage or eczema. 

It’s a great carrier oil. But also can be applied directly to your skin alone. One thing to note is that if the product you choose is unrefined, meaning it’s less processed, the color may be noticeable on your skin. Organic, cold-pressed oil might be your best option. 

The benefits of Rosehip Seed Oil are so expansive, which is why it’s one of the ingredients we chose for products like our OiLixers and Hand & Heel Cremes. Plus, since it’s considered a dry oil, which makes it a different texture than traditional oils, it absorbs fully and doesn’t leave the skin feeling greasy.

Best Ways to Use it

Using products with Rosehip Seed Oil couldn’t be easier when you opt for the OiLixers and cremes we have available. We already did the work of combining the best oils and ingredients for safe and effective body care products so you don’t have to. 

Rosehip Seed Oil, either on its own, or blended into a product, can be used twice a day. On its own, just a few drops is all you need. After cleansing, exfoliating or toning, smooth Rosehip Seed Oil onto your skin, day or night. Using a moisturizer on top will help seal in the hydrating qualities of the oil. We have a lovely array of body lotions available to help you round out your skincare routine. 

If you’re using Rosehip Seed Oil in its pure form, it may be best to store it in a cool, dark place, or in the fridge, avoiding UV rays. Be sure to use it within 6 months after opening, for retaining the best quality. 

If it’s already in the product you’re using, like one of our OiLixers or cremes, storing it wherever you’d usually keep your skincare products is a-okay! 

Rosehip Seed Oil has been around since ancient times and has always been known for its gentle, hydrating, and anti-aging qualities. It's generally safe for all skin types and helps keep skin looking healthy and fresh. That’s why we love it. 

Shop our selection of products and find a love for it yourself.