Rosehip oil has been making a name in the cosmetics industry because of its phenomenal benefits for the skin. Supermodels and actors even swear by their skin rejuvenating and clarifying effects.
What Is Rosehip Oil?
Rosehip oil, sometimes called rosehip seed oil, can be obtained from wild rose (Rose moschata, Rosa rugosa or Rosa canina) bushes, which grow in various areas around the world, including Europe and South Africa.1 Not to be confused with rose essential oil, rosehip comes from the “hips,” the small fruits found behind the flowers, which are left once the roses have bloomed and lost their petals.
Rosehip oil has a subtle woody smell — it doesn’t have a rosy fragrance since it’s not made from the flower. The color can range from a deep golden hue to a rich red-orange color to a light yellow color. This can be an indicator of quality: golden or reddish rosehip oil is cold-pressed, while light-colored ones may be heavily processed or obtained from an inferior source.2
Uses of Rosehip Oil
Rosehips have been used for generations by Egyptians, Mayans and Native Americans because of their healing properties.3 The Andean Indians of Chile also recognized the exceptional skin and hair care benefits of the plant, as well as its essential oil.4 Rosehips, can be used to treat wounds and inflammations. For example, researchers in Germany and Denmark found that rosehip can actually ease rheumatoid arthritis pain and improve mobility by 20 to 25 percent.5
Today, rosehip oil is most notably added to cosmetic products like moisturizers, shampoos, and lotions for its skin and hair rejuvenating and healing properties. However, you can actually purchase rosehip oil and mix it with a safe carrier oil to make your own topical applications.
Composition of Rosehip Oil
Rosehip oil contains a bounty of nutrients including vitamins A, C and E, essential fatty acids (linolenic, linoleic, and oleic acid), stearic acid and palmitic acid.6 Carotenoids, flavonoids and trans-retinoic acid, which have therapeutic properties, are also found in this oil.7
Benefits of Rosehip Oil
- Promotes healthy and vibrant skin
- Nourishes dry hair and prevents dandruff
- Keeps nails healthy
- Helps heal wounds and burns and removes scars
- Relieves sunburn
How to Make Rosehip Oil
High-quality rosehip oil is made via cold pressing, which uses a press or a screw-driven machine to extract the oil while preserving its potent antioxidants and essential fatty acids, which can be reduced via a chemical extraction process. Cold-pressed rosehip oil is solvent-free and rich in nutrients.
As mentioned above, color can be used to gauge the quality of your rosehip oil. However, I still advise looking for one with independent organic certification. This will guarantee that the oil will come from plants that are grown and processed without chemicals, pesticides, and herbicides.