Rosehip Seed Oil

What is it?

Rosehip seed oil is a pressed seed oil extracted from the seeds of wild rose bushes, predominantly Rosa canina or Rosa rubiginosa. It is renowned for its skin-nourishing properties and is often used in skincare products for its ability to hydrate and rejuvenate the skin.

How does it work for medicinal purposes?

Rosehip seed oil is rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants, which work together to improve skin health. It helps to regenerate skin cells, repair damaged tissue, and reduce inflammation. Its emollient properties help to keep the skin hydrated, while its high content of vitamin C and retinoic acid supports collagen production and skin renewal.

What are the active ingredients that are important for its medicinal properties?

The primary active ingredients in rosehip seed oil include:

• Essential fatty acids: Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that help repair and regenerate skin cells.
• Vitamins: High levels of vitamin C and vitamin A (in the form of retinoic acid).
• Antioxidants: Such as lycopene and beta-carotene, which protect the skin from oxidative stress and premature aging.

What forms does it come in?

• Pure oil
• Blended in serums
• Incorporated into creams and lotions
• Capsules for internal use (less common)

What if I have an imbalance or deficiency?

Rosehip seed oil is not used to address specific nutrient deficiencies but can support overall skin health by providing essential nutrients directly to the skin. It can be particularly beneficial for individuals with dry, damaged, or aging skin.

When was it first used for medicinal purposes?

Rosehip seed oil has been used for centuries by indigenous peoples in Chile and other regions of South America for its healing properties. Its popularity in modern skincare has grown significantly over the past few decades.

What does Rosehip Seed Oil help with?

Rosehip seed oil is pressed cold from the seeds of wild rose bushes. Most of it comes from Rosa canina and Rosa moschata. The oil is rich in fatty acids and in plant forms of vitamin A.

Our library holds no human trials on this oil. What it holds is lab-level work on the oil's parts, plus long use in Chile, the Mediterranean, Indigenous American practice and modern skin care. So every use below is graded insufficient.

• Dry, tight, thirsty skin
  Not yet tested in people — lab work on the oil's fats plus long skincare use; no human trial on file. The oil is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fats. In lab work, fats like these help rebuild the skin's barrier, the layer that holds water in. Our file reports softer, more supple skin within weeks of daily use, but no human trial measured that.
  Evidence grade insufficient
• Red, irritated skin from eczema or rosacea
  Not yet tested in people — lab studies of two fatty acids in the oil; no human trial on file. The oil holds linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid. In lab studies, these fats calmed inflammation, the process behind redness and sting. Our file calls the oil gentle for most skin and notes it helps rebuild a weak barrier. No human study on file tested either claim.
  Evidence grade insufficient
• Scars from surgery, acne or injury
  Not yet tested in people — lab-level work on vitamin A compounds and fats; tradition and clinic use only. The oil holds natural vitamin A compounds. In lab terms, such compounds push skin to grow fresh cells and lay down less tough scar tissue. Our file says steady use softens and flattens scars over time, including marks left by surgery. No human trial on file backs that.
  Evidence grade insufficient
• Dark spots, sunspots and marks left by acne
  Not yet tested in people — lab-level work on vitamin A forms and vitamin C in the oil; no human trial on file. In lab work, vitamin A forms help hold back melanin, the pigment that makes a spot look dark. Our file says spots and patches fade slowly with steady use. It also credits vitamin C in the oil with a brightening effect. No human study on file has tested this.
  Evidence grade insufficient
• Dull or patchy skin tone
  Not yet tested in people — chemistry of the oil's vitamin A, vitamin C and beta-carotene; tradition only. The oil carries vitamin A, vitamin C and beta-carotene. In lab terms, these help even out how much pigment skin makes. Our file describes a brighter, more even look over time, with no human trial behind it.
  Evidence grade insufficient
• Fine lines and wrinkles
  Not yet tested in people — lab-level work on vitamin A compounds and antioxidants; no human trial on file. In lab work, vitamin A compounds prompt skin to make more collagen, the protein that keeps skin firm. The oil's antioxidants also guard collagen from damage by UV light and daily wear, at lab level. No human study on file looked at lines or wrinkles.
  Evidence grade insufficient
• Stretch marks in and after pregnancy
  Not yet tested in people — moisture and elasticity claims on file; tradition and popular use only. Our file says the oil holds water in the skin and helps skin stretch and spring back. Its fats are said to support repair of skin that has been pulled or torn. This is a popular choice in pregnancy, but no human trial on file tested it.
  Evidence grade insufficient
• Sun-damaged skin
  Not yet tested in people — lab-level antioxidant work on beta-carotene and vitamin E; no human trial on file. The oil holds beta-carotene and vitamin E. In lab studies, both mop up the kind of damage UV rays cause. Our file adds that the oil's fats support repair of the barrier that sun exposure wears down. No human study on file tested this.
  Evidence grade insufficient
• Brittle nails and dry cuticles
  Not yet tested in people — tradition and practice only; no human study of any kind on file. Our file describes rubbing the oil into cuticles and nail beds. The fats and antioxidants are said to soften dry skin and cut down hangnails. Stronger nail growth over time is a tradition claim, not a study result.
  Evidence grade insufficient

What Rosehip Seed Oil has not been shown to do

• No study on file shows the oil erases a scar or removes one for good.
• It has not been shown to stop stretch marks from forming; our file speaks only of how they look.
• It is not a sunscreen, and no study on file shows it blocks UV rays or stops burns.
• Nothing on file shows it clears active acne or kills the germs involved.
• Our file holds nothing about taking rosehip seed oil by mouth.
• Nothing on file supports using it for nail fungus or for hair growth.
• No use on this page rests on a human trial, so none of them is proven.

How to read this:

Grades run from A down to D. A means many good human trials agree. B means one good human trial. C means small or mixed human studies. D means the human proof is weak or clashes. Insufficient means there is no human study at all, just lab work, animal work, or long use by hand. Every use on this page sits at insufficient. We list options and say what is known. This page is not medical advice, and it is not a promise of results.

Which conditions and symptoms does it help prevent?

Rosehip seed oil can help prevent:

1. Premature Aging (Both): Protects against oxidative stress and supports collagen production.
2. Skin Dehydration (Both): Helps maintain skin hydration and prevents dryness.
3. Hyperpigmentation (Both): Prevents the formation of new dark spots and pigmentation issues.
4. Scarring (Both): Reduces the likelihood of scarring by supporting skin healing.
5. Sun Damage (Both): Protects against UV-induced damage and photoaging.

Which foods are rich in it?

Rosehip seed oil is not found in foods; it is used topically or in supplements.

What are possible side effects?

Rosehip seed oil is generally safe for most people when used appropriately, but possible side effects include:

• Common (10-30%): Mild skin irritation or redness
• Less Common (1-10%): Allergic reactions (e.g., rash, itching)
• Rare (<1%): Acne breakouts in individuals with oily or acne-prone skin

What’s the recommended daily dose?

The recommended usage of rosehip seed oil varies depending on its form and individual health needs, but common recommendations are:

• Topical application: Apply a few drops of pure oil to the face and neck, usually 1-2 times daily.
• Serums or creams: Follow the product instructions, typically applied once or twice daily.

How many days does it take to work?

Some benefits, such as improved hydration and reduced redness, can be noticeable within a few days to weeks. Long-term benefits, such as reduced fine lines and improved skin tone, may take several weeks to months of consistent use.

What time of day is best to take it?

Rosehip seed oil can be applied at any time of day. It is often used in the evening as part of a nighttime skincare routine, but it can also be used in the morning under makeup or sunscreen.

Is it best to take it with or without food?

Rosehip seed oil is typically used topically and is not associated with food intake. For internal use, follow the product's instructions regarding food.