The Benefits of Rosehip Oil in Skin Care

Rosehip oil, derived from the fruits of the rose plant, is a potent elixir cherished for its remarkable benefits for the skin. Throughout history, many cultures have revered rosehip oil for its skincare properties, and today it continues to be a beloved natural remedy for holistic skin health.

In this article:

• What Is Rosehip Oil?
• Rosehip Oil Benefits
• How to Use Rosehip Oil
• Research Studies on Rosehip Oil
• Is Rosehip Oil Safe?
• Growing and Harvesting Rosehips

What Is Rosehip Oil?

Rosehip oil, or rosehip seed oil, is extracted from the seeds of the rose bush, belonging to the Rosa genus in the Rosaceae family. Typically, it is harvested from the wild rose, of which there are around 100 different species found growing across the globe, predominantly in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North America.¹

The wild rose bush is a small to medium sized thorny shrub that bears delicate flowers—almost always pink!—in the late spring and summer. After the flowers fall away, the plant develops small, orange-red rosehip fruits that are packed with nutrient-rich seeds.²

The nutrient-rich oil extracted from rosehip seeds retains the beneficial properties of the rosehip and is one of the most prized natural oils for skincare. Sometimes referred to as the “oil of youth,” it has been used throughout history and across the world to promote beauty and keep the skin looking youthful.⁴

In fact, the use of rosehip oil has been dated as far back as the ancient Egyptians. The climate in ancient Egypt could be harsh and unforgiving, so the Egyptians turned to nature's gifts like rosehip oil to protect their skin from the exposure to sun and protect its natural radiance.⁵

Rosehip Oil Benefits 

Rosehip oil is a rich, nourishing, and versatile ingredient with a wide array of beneficial properties. The rosehip seed oil benefits for skin care include: 

Natural Hydration. Rosehip oil is deeply moisturizing, making it an excellent choice for supporting the skin’s natural moisture. Its lightweight texture allows for quick absorption without clogging pores, leaving the skin soft and supple.⁶

Antioxidant Protection. Rosehips are known to have a high level of antioxidant activity, due to their content of vitamin C, vitamin A, polyphenols, flavonoids, and carotenoids. These compounds may protect against free radical damage and help promote a youthful complexion.⁷

Sun Damage Protection. The high concentration of vitamin C in rosehip oil helps to protect the skin from sun exposure and its antioxidant properties may aid in supporting the healthy renewal of sun-damaged skin.⁸

Supporting Healthy Collagen Levels. Rosehip oil is rich in vitamin A which is necessary for the production of collagen. Collagen is considered a building block of healthy skin and supports healthy tone and elasticity.⁹

Skin Rejuvenation. Rosehip seed oil is a fantastic natural source of vitamin A and omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids. These nutrients support rejuvenation of the skin and promote the natural healing process.¹⁰

How to Use Rosehip Oil in Your Skincare Routine

By incorporating rosehip oil into your skincare routine, you can enjoy its multitude of benefits while nurturing your beauty with the power of nature. Here are some simple ways to embrace the benefits of rose oil on the skin as a part of your daily rituals:

Boost Your Radiance with Face Oil

This luscious facial serum blends rosehip oil and other skin-supporting oils with a light, enchanting aroma. Soothing and balancing, Face Oil protects a healthy skin barrier, locks in hydration, and supports the appearance of smooth, glowing skin.

To use, gently massage 2–4 drops of oil into your face and neck until it is absorbed. Apply to damp skin or use with a high-quality hydrosol to lock in moisture. Use morning and night for naturally luminous skin.

Nourish Soft Skin with Body Oil

This luxuriously fast-absorbing Ayurvedic Body Oil is perfect for everyday use to support smooth, healthy, and naturally hydrated skin. A non-greasy blend of rosehip oil and other nourishing oils infused with a soothing and grounding scent, it protects the skin's natural moisture and leaves your skin feeling silky soft.

Body Oil is perfect for all skin types and can be used from head to toe. Massage 1–2 pumps into damp skin after bathing or showering for smooth, nourished skin all over.

Research Studies on Rosehip Oil

Numerous scientific studies have explored the efficacy of rosehip oil for face care, skin care, and various other benefits. Here are some examples of modern research that confirm its age-old renown as a powerful skincare ally:

• Rosehip Extract and Wound Healing: A Review. 2023. PubMed Abstract.¹¹
• Bioactive Compounds for Skin Health: A Review. 2021. MDPI Abstract.¹²
• Phytochemistry, Traditional Uses and Pharmacological Profile of Rose Hip: A Review. 2018. PubMed Abstract.¹³
• Therapeutic Applications of Rose Hips from Different Rosa Species. 2017. PubMed Abstract.¹⁴
• Rose Hip (Rosa canina L.) Oils. 2015. ResearchGate Abstract.¹⁵

Is Rosehip Oil Safe?

Rosehip oil is generally safe for most skin types, including sensitive skin. However, it's always recommended to perform a patch test before using any new skincare product, especially if you have known allergies or sensitivities.¹⁶

Contraindications

While rare, allergic reactions to rosehip seed oil can occur. If you experience skin irritation after applying rosehip oil stop using the oil immediately and consult with your doctor or health practitioner for alternative skincare options.

Growing and Harvesting Rosehip Oil

Rosehips are typically harvested from wild rose bushes, though they can also come from cultivated sources. After the bushes flower and drop all of their petals, the "hips" or fruits swell and become red and plump. It is then that they are harvested and the inner seeds are used for oil extraction.

Banyan’s rosehip oil is harvested from cultivated roses grown in regions that include Bulgaria, Poland, Denmark, and Chile. It is manually extracted with an organically approved cold press method without the use of chemicals or heat. This virgin unrefined oil maintains its natural properties, including its antioxidant and essential fatty acid content. 

Sustainability of Rosehip Oil

Thanks to the prolific and flourishing nature of the rose plant across the globe, most species of rose that are commonly sourced for rosehip oil do not face any sustainability concerns. Even so, we choose to source cultivated rosehip seed oil as a general practice to mitigate the risk of overharvesting.

As a part of a larger conversation regarding sustainable sourcing, we are committed to supporting the well-being of both humans and the planet. This means taking an active role in relationship to our supply chain, each ingredient we work with, and the many important choices that go into creating a product.

We use an ingredient-by-ingredient approach to ensure we are truly supporting the health of the plants, communities, and ecosystems we source from. In turn, we can confidently pass that health along to you through trustworthy, planet-friendly products.