Rosehip Oil Benefits for Skin, Including Face - Dr. Axe

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Rosehip Oil Benefits for Skin

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Rosehip oil for skin

It’s hard to suggest anything over coconut oil for skin, but rosehip oil — also known as rosehip seed oil — is running a close race with coconut oil when it comes to its benefits for the skin.

Rose hips were a remedy used by the ancient Egyptians, Mayans and Native Americans all because of their amazing healing properties, and they were made into a syrup and rationed in Britain during wartime to ensure children’s resistance to infection.

The syrup was made from the empty seed cases and also helped provide relief from diarrhea, stomach and menstrual cramps, nausea, and indigestion. Today, it’s getting plenty of attention for its ability to boost skin health and promote healthy aging.

As you can see, rosehip oil — which is technically not an essential oil — has many uses that go more than skin deep.

What Is Rosehip Oil?

Rose essential oil is made from rose petals while rosehip oil, also called rosehip seed oil, comes from the seeds of rose hips. Rose hips are the fruit left behind after a plant has flowered and dropped its petals.  

Rosehip oil is harvested from the seeds of rose bushes predominately grown in Chile, and it’s full of vitamins, antioxidants and fatty acids that are known to correct dark spots and hydrate dry, itchy skin, all while reducing scars and fine lines.

By using an organic cold-press extraction process, the oil is separated from the hips and seeds.

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

Rosehip oil’s healing properties are due to its chemical structure. As noted, it’s rich in healthy fats, but more specifically oleic, palmitic, linoleic and gamma linolenic acid.

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

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

Rosehip oil benefits - Dr. Axe

Benefits for Skin & More

1. Anti-Aging Properties

Rosehip oil has significant anti-aging benefits for your face. Super light and non-greasy, this oil’s skin care benefits come from its high antioxidants and ability to penetrate into deeper layers of the skin, where it can improve moisture levels and reduce visible signs of aging.

Collagen production naturally slows down as we age, but thanks to the high levels of vitamin C in rose hips, this is an oil that can actually help stimulate collagen production in the skin. In fact, a clinical study published in 2015 reveals that 60 days of topical vitamin C treatment was “highly efficient as a rejuvenation therapy, inducing significant collagen synthesis in all age groups with minimal side effects.” 

For those who are seeking to avoid chemicals and Botox, rosehip oil may be perfect because of its skin-rejuvenating properties of vitamins C and A and lycopene. This makes adding it into your skin care routine a safer, organic solution to repair the skin’s surface and restore elasticity.

2. Protection from Age Spots

The UV rays of the sun can damage the skin, resulting in age spots and hyperpigmentation on the face. The antioxidants found in rosehip oil, especially the combination of vitamins C and E, can help combat free radicals that cause sun damage.

Research suggests that these antioxidants can actually reduce the overproduction of pigment in skin, which is exactly what leads to uneven tone and age spots in the first place. It also helps get these antioxidants internally by including them in your diet.

Drinking organic rosehip tea, which you can find at health food stores, is a great, easy way to do this.

This oil is also deeply moisturizing and aids in removing redness and irritation. These properties also make rosehip oil a possible treatment for rosacea when used as a cold-pressed oil, cream or rosehip-based skin care product

3. Helps with Stretch Marks and Reduces Acne Scarring

The cold-pressed fats found in rosehip oil can help get rid of scars and reduce the appearance of stretch marks by promoting skin regeneration. When applied topically, the fats act as emollients, helping soften the skin while also increasing hydration. 

Studies indicate that this skin care oil may also help with cases of eczema thanks to its emollient status, which means it can provide a protective barrier to the skin while also smoothing out flakiness. The oil can also help reduce dry scalp and itchiness that are often caused by chemicals in most store-bought shampoos.

4. Boosts the Immune System

Rose hips are one of the best plant sources of vitamin C, which helps treat infections and boost immune function. The University of Maryland database points out that rose hips can even be used as a vitamin C supplement.

Fresh rose hips, rose hip tea or a rose hip supplement are all great options for keeping the immune system strong.

Besides being an antioxidant, vitamin C is responsible for collagen production in the body, which is an important element in the structure of bones and muscles. Reports indicate that the important nutrient also aids in the proper absorption of iron that produces red blood cells. 

5. Reduces Inflammation and Helps Arthritis

People suffering from arthritis can benefit from using rose hips internally in addition to externally. The Arthritis Foundation reports that rose hips powder is a rich source of vitamin C, and it seems to reduce arthritis-associated inflammation by inhibiting the production of inflammatory enzymes and proteins. 

What about topical use of rosehip oil for arthritis? There isn’t recent research on this approach, but traditionally, a rose petal infusion was often added to bath water for people suffering from arthritis or rheumatism to relieve symptoms.

You may find that adding a little rosehip oil to your bath water or applying it to areas of inflammation helps with this issue. 

Related: Combination Skin: What It Is, How to Tell If You Have It & Best Skin Care Routine

How to Use

Wondering how to use rosehip oil for your skin care routine and more? Start by purchasing a pure, organic product that’s made by a trusted company. You’ll find rosehip oil products in pure oil, cream, powder, tea and capsule forms.

Keep in mind that rosehip oil is delicate and can easily go rancid, so it’s important to take great care of it. Oftentimes, vitamin E oil is added to improve shelf life. Keeping it in the refrigerator or stored in a cool, dark location can help prevent rancidity.

Though it’s more expensive, cold-pressed rosehip oils are the best products because they haven’t been altered by heat and therefore retain more nutrients. 

Since rosehip oil classifies as a dry oil, it absorbs quickly into the skin. You can apply the oil directly to the face using gentle, massaging motions or use it in numerous skin care recipes.

Here are some easy ways to bring this new oil into your routine:

  • Make organic, DIY lotions and serums, such as this Rosehip Oil Eye Serum for Dark Circles + Puffiness.
  • Apply the oil twice a day to clean skin. To focus on problematic areas, apply only a few drops of oil to a clean cotton ball and dab onto to areas with fine lines, wrinkles or dark spots. Remember that it does not protect against sunburn, so apply a good quality sunscreen afterwards.
  • While it can prevent and reduce acne scars, it should not be applied directly to active acne.
  • If you have acne-prone skin, make sure to test an area first to ensure the product won’t clog your pores, causing unwanted flare-ups.
  • Rosehip seed oil can be used on the face and neck since it absorbs quickly without leaving an oily residue. Just remember you only need two to three drops.

Risks and Side Effects

Rosehip oil is generally considered safe for topical use. Before using it on larger surface areas, do a small patch test to ensure that you won’t have an adverse reaction.

If you notice redness, stinging, itchiness or any other signs of irritation, wash it off and discontinue use.

Consult your health care provider before using rosehip oil internally. Although allergic reactions are rare, look out for allergy symptoms like rash, trouble breathing, rapid heart rate, chest discomfort and wheezing.

If you are using it internally, keep in mind that it continues high levels of vitamin C, so people with anemia, kidney stones and diabetes should consult their doctors before use.

Conclusion

  • Rosehip oil comes from the fruit of the rosebush. These fruits provide important nutrients for skin and more, including healthy fats and vitamin C.
  • You can use roseship oil in your skin care routine to improve your complexion. It can also be used to boost immune function and reduce inflammation.
  • If you’re new to rosehip oil, start by adding a few drops to your favorite skin serum, simply apply one to two drops to dark spots and fine lines daily, or try the DIY facial oil below.
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Rosehip oil

Rosehip DIY Facial Oil


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  • Author: Dr. Josh Axe
  • Total Time: 3 min
  • Yield: 20 applications 1x

Description

You can use roseship oil in your skin care routine to improve your complexion. You can simply apply one to two drops to dark spots and fine lines daily. Or you can use this recipe with two essential oils.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ounces organic rosehip oil
  • 15 drops frankincense essential oil
  • 15 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions

  1. Blend well and place into a small glass jar.
  2. Gently massage into the skin of the face at night before going to bed.
  3. It is best to make small amounts at a time due to the vulnerability of rosehip oil to rancidity.

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114 Comments

  1. anna on

    What is your take on supplementing for reduction of numerous things, including abdominal fat? I’ve read if someone has thrombosis it is not recommended. I’m interested in considering it for supplementation because it sounds wonderful. I don’t have thrombosis, but my mother has some issues. I like to take ginger to keep the blood thin & inflammation down so unsure if rosehips would adversely affect this.

    I appreciate your input! Also, curious since the abdomen is a highly absorbable region topically, if it would have a positive effect on fat when applied as an oil there?

    Reply
  2. Chris Burrett on

    Thank you Dr Axe. Your information is always very useful and I have learnt so much from the your readings. Well informed and very, very helpful.

    Reply
  3. Alva on

    Hi Dr. Axe,
    Thank you for the informative, detailed and professional article. ☺
    Do you have any idea if i could use rosehip seed oil in conjuction with Apple cider vinegar? As I’m trying out this homemade ACV toner, and im wondering can i apply rosehip oil after toning my face with ACV, would they have any adverse reaction when in used together? Thank you very much. Cheers ? alva

    Reply
  4. Luminita Thomas on

    Hi, I got pretty big pores and blackheads and white dots under the skin. My skin is bit oily.
    Seems like all the creams that I use now increase the problems with the clogged pores, probably they are too rich.
    I tried to get rid of some blackheads and white commedons under the skin and I got a lot of bruises.
    Can hiprose oil help me with moisture for my skin?
    Do I have to use in combination with something else?
    Do I use cream after using the oil?
    Thank you so much for helping me

    Reply
  5. Sophie on

    Quality does matter…the oils effacacy is the potency and purity so be sure your dollars are being spent wisely…Where an oil comes from is extremely important and a good health care company will be transparent about this fact. Temperature and climate provides optimal conditions for a particular plant so deal with a company that harvests around the world, a company that will bring the world’s best health care product to you…do your research, get a sample and test the claim. Become an expert and share your wisdom…there are snake oil sale people everywhere and there are true health care advocates that can provide you with the help you are seeking.

    Reply
  6. Michelle W L on

    Rosehip oil is excellent! I am 40 and have recently started applying it under and to the sides of my eyes every night before bed. After a month I have noticed the lines appear softer and the dark circles less obvious. It’s a great natural moisturiser and I don’t bother with the expensive eye cream anymore as this works better! I’ve also just started applying it to the frown line between my eyebrows too.

    Reply
  7. Samsung on

    Please help i want to buy rosehip oil by mountain rose herbs but its no available in INDIA.even if it is how do i pay in dollar. Plz reply .forgot to mention i live in the notheast part of India.

    Reply
  8. Samsung on

    Please help i want to buy rosehip oil by mountain rose herbs but its no available in INDIA.even if it is how do i pay in dollar. Plz reply

    Reply
  9. Raque on

    Hello, Im about to buy a few essential oils for hormonal balance and would really appreciate if you guided me regarding branding.
    I often buy it from an online store called Go Native. Is it a good source?
    the information under the oils is: 100% pure therapeutic grade, Plant part: fruit peel
    Extraction method: cold pressed, Origin: India.

    However, when I bought my lavender oil the other day from a health store, I noticed this product is Organic – 100% pure and natural.

    Go Native has better price deals but Im just not sure about the quality now.

    Is there any difference?

    thank you very much,

    Reply
    • Justin on

      I enjoy a lot of the info on this website, but it frequently has to be fact-checked. Many claims are made that simply are not true. The Vitamin C in Rosehip Oil myth also appears to be myth for the reason you have stated – Vitamin C is not soluble in oil.

      Reply
    • Maria on

      Absolutely, they did scientific studies on patients, and it proved absolutely healing to these patients burns. Use Google and research it.

      Reply
  10. Alean Ryce on

    Dr. Axe
    I would like to know your thoughts on what company is best to purchase essential oils?
    Also, if oils like Frankincense and Myrrh can be added to commercial moisturizers?

    Reply
    • JoDean on

      I add frankincense to my moisturizer it works just fine. But my favorite thing is adding frankincense to my coconut oil and using that on my face.

      Reply
  11. Judy on

    I recently started using a serum of Rose essential oil, Geranium essential oil mixed with coconut oil. It feel fantastic on my face. I have never had open pores on my face until a few weeks ago. I now have over my right eyebrow about three open pores, they look like pin holes. Never ever having them before I immediately noticed them and the only thing I had done differently was use the serum. After reading that coconut is a “4” I’m now wondering if this could have caused the open pores. I welcome any thoughts and if anyone knows if it’s possible to close these pores, that would be great.

    Reply
  12. Chetins on

    Anatolian Treasures av-at.com is a wonderful source for essential oils
    at reasonable prices. Great company! I have never regretted any purchase

    Reply
  13. Kim Diedrich on

    I use Sukin organic rose hip oil for my face including around my eyes- no more dry eyes! I love that it is organic & natural and does not feel too oily. It cleared up keratosis pilaris on my atms, the little red bumps you get from dry skin trapping sebum oils. This is a wonderful product, worth every cent! I would use a carrier oil if you mix it with anything or an organic skin care cream. Never with a pricey skin care cream that contains fragrance & a million chemicals- you will undo the benefits! My eyes look & feel wonderful!

    Reply
  14. Marsha G on

    I would like try this product for myself. I have adult acne and the scars that come with it. My 6 yr old also has a mild eczema. Where can I purchase this in its best form?

    Reply
  15. Fran on

    I am 65 years old and would like to start using Rose essential oil. I very much want to learn how to make my own oils, organic. Where can I get information on how to start all of this process? Thank you

    Reply
  16. Pat on

    When looking up places to purchase rosehip oil, I found two different names listed for the oil, “rosa moschata” and “rosa canina”. Is this the same oil?

    Also, I did not see a reply for this question: Can one use rosehip oil on, or around the eyes? I have been battling dry skin around, especially my left eye, for a while.

    Reply
  17. Ginger Caywod on

    I have psoriasis and have had it for almost 20 yrs.I found that by living on the GulfCoast of Texas and wading in the gulf waters cures it . However in the winter months the psoriasis attacks my skin face not as much as on my legs and elbows.What combo of oils should I use? Or is Rosehip for me?
    Sincerly Ginger Caywood

    Reply
    • shemika on

      Try Auruverdic oils. Kalasakadi Kashayam. My daughter applies it every day, until it absorbed , and four hrs latter she takes shower since it had strong herbal scent. First two weeks she applied all over her body. Now she applies only on psoriasis patches.
      Good luck

      Reply
    • kerri on

      Have you tried organic black seed oil? My husband used to get it on his face so tried it on a lark and we were happy to find it actually worked. Sidenote not sure if he has psoriasis or eczema. But it was pretty bad. He only uses a small frops on the effected areas.

      Reply
  18. Barataria on

    I am a DoTERRA advocate also, but I do not use DoTERRA exclusively. Rosehip oil is not expensive. But Rose essential oil is. The two are not the same. I buy Rosehip oil from Camden Grey for about $4 per ounce for my facial serum. They are frequently out of stock so sometimes I make my own Rosehip oil by placing rose hip seeds in hemp oil and letting it soak for a couple of weeks before using. I discard after 6 months. I get the same results from the homemade as I do the purchased. I sell my custom facial serum in my store as well as using it personally. My face is much clearer, blemish free and softer since I started using Rosehip about a year ago.

    Reply
  19. Mar on

    Can you believe Rosehip Oil is not made in the USA? Last I checked we live in a nice temperate climate that can def grow roses. All I see is Chile and Bulgaria as a source.

    Reply
    • Clare on

      As stated in the article the rosehip oil comes from a specific species of rose grown predominantly in Chile. Not all roses are the same.

      Reply
  20. Kendra Freeborn on

    Dr. Axe,

    Could you tell me if you have any recommendations for Solar Urticaria. I don’t do supplements but I wondered if this oil would be helpful? I do fine if I’m out in the sun a lot and have a good tan, but if my tan begins to fade and/ or I don’t get out in the sun for awhile I get itchy little welts all over the exposed skin. I’m getting ready to spend the month of February in Florida and I’m trying to work something out before I go. It has gotten so bad this year that even if I sit in front of a window I’ll break out.

    Thanks so much for all your excellent articles, etc.

    Gratefully,
    Kendra

    Reply
  21. Nancy on

    Rosemary’s Garden carries Veriditas Botanical s Organic oil. They are sourced from small organic and bio-dynamic farms around the world.

    Reply
  22. Mary on

    Last fall I gathered a basket of rose hips from wild roses and simmered them on the stove for maybe 30 minutes and them let them sit in extra virgin olive oil for a month.I then strained the hips and was left with an incredible product. I now have a wonderful mason jar of the most wonderful moisturizer. It has cleared my skin and feels great.

    Reply
  23. Gwen on

    I found a serum with rosehip oil and lots of other oils from Young Living. Would this be the same as just using rosehip oil? Do you use it “straight”? The other oil they carry is Rose Oil which I assume is not the same as rosehip oil?

    Reply
  24. Chris DeVitto on

    Thank you so much. This is the first time I have read really good information on Rosacea. Very helpfull information. Very informative.

    Reply
  25. Kelcey on

    Rosehip oil is awesome. It is a “1” on the comedogenic rating chart; this chart rates oils on how much they will clog your pores; a 0 does not clog pores and a 5 is the highest and will clog pores. I actually love hemp oil for my face; it is the only oil with a 0 rating. Coconut oil is a 4! I use it on my body but not my face.

    Reply
    • Lisa on

      Kelcey do you use the rosehip along with the hemp oil on your face? I use coconut oil bummer that it is a 4 did not know that. It sure makes my skin soft. My pours are really big what do I use to shrink them? Is there an oil for that?

      Reply
      • Katherine on

        I cannot use coconut oil on my face. It caused my skin to develop huge pores. I use it in my homemade body butters but never apply those to my face.

    • reece on

      Where do you buy your hemp oil from? I seen one on Mountain Rose Herbs and was considering getting that, and the rosehip seed oil. Are their products 100% organic and cold pressed? I seen their rosehip seed oil was cold-pressed refined. Will it still offer the same benefits since refined? I have super sensitive skin so trying to find a good mix. New to the essential oil thing so just learning. I currently am using Argan oil and rosehip seed oil from NOW, but they have mixed reviews on their quality. Thanks for your help, and sorry for all the questions.

      Reply
  26. ErinK on

    Can rose hip oil be used as a carrier oil for essential oils? Right now I’m using argon oil as a carrier for a blend I make.

    Reply
    • Judy Bernes on

      Absolutely! As stated, it isn’t an Essential oil, so compare it to argan, jojoba, almond, coconut etc.
      The bottle I received from Now organic brand suggested adding these essential oils for a facial serum, which I did and it’s lovely on my face twice a day: to 1 oz Rosehip oil add 3-5 drops each of geranium and lavender and 1-2 drops patchouli. I use it either alone or add a pea-size amount to my moisturizing creme and blend. On my 3rd bottle of Rosehip and will never go without it!

      Reply
  27. Gloria Skipper on

    Well having read about rose hip oil above i have requested the free book, at 67 i feel I need all the help i can get to nourish my skin and benefit my body as a whole, so Im going to buy some and read the free book when it arrives, can not wait! ill let you know how it all goes.

    Reply
      • Tena on

        I buy a lot of stuff from them! Great service! Great products! MRH is the only place I will buy EO’s from. The quality of their oils is the best I have found!

    • Jacqueline Gonzalez on

      Thank you for sharing your knowledge with me you really have educated me with all your emails about the importance of good nutrition I have many health conditions my many allergies don’t allow to eat but orgánics and gluten free I also love the recipes I thank you immensely JG

      Reply
    • april on

      I would be careful of what gets purchased on amazon, unless items are coming directly from companies that make them, I have heard that some sellers, are purchasing str. from the manufacturing companies, undoing lids, putting less quality oils into the jars, and re packaging them, hard to know the difference when product arrives, SO it maybe cheaper, and if its much cheaper it too good to be true, and I would stay away. Did anyone see the article about OLIVE OILS from Italy, some 75 % of the oils, are not what they say they are in the bottles! think twice if you see an Essential oil that is a ROSE, or FRANKINCENSE, JASMINE, or even Lavender that is really cheap….its not the real deal. rose oil, jasmine are oils that very expensive perfume companies use, and they only buy the best, the essence last longer, and is stronger, and cost is about 70 to 150.00 + for a 5ml bottle of the real deal…..and in some cases that is considered cheap!

      Reply
      • Kristin Stone on

        April, what source did you find this out about amazon sellers? Please provide us with a link or some proof of this because I order from Amazon all the time and need to know!

      • Catherine on

        That’s rubbish, sorry. There are quality assurance standards in place and 150? Any chance you work for a ‘luxury oils’ brand??

      • Lauren on

        You got it twisted Rosehip is different to rise oil. In Australia, most roseip oils of about 30ml go for $30

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