Estimated reading time: 10 minutes
CONTENT:
HISTORY OF ROSEHIP OIL
While rose petals are well-known for their use in beauty products, it’s the rose’s seed pods—called rosehips—that offer powerful skin benefits through their cold-pressed oil. These small, reddish-orange fruits appear after the rose has bloomed and are rich in nutrients, especially Vitamin C.
Historically, rosehips were used in teas, jams, and traditional medicine to treat digestive issues, joint pain, and cramps. During WWII, Britain even turned to rosehip syrup as a Vitamin C-rich alternative to citrus.
In modern skincare, rosehip oil gained attention in the 1980s for its ability to reduce scars, hydrate skin, and support sensitive or problem-prone skin. Known as a “dry oil,” it absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy feel, thanks to its high unsaturated fatty acid content.
Traditionally extracted from Rosa rubiginosa and Rosa moschata varieties in the Andes, this oil has been used for over 2,000 years by cultures including the Mayans, Egyptians, and Native Americans—earning its nickname: The Oil of Youth.
BENEFITS OF ROSEHIP SEED OIL
Due to its rich fatty acid profile and “dry oil” consistency, Rosehip Seed Oil is especially beneficial for replenishing and maintaining moisture in the skin and hair without feeling greasy. Rosehip is even believed to reduce the appearance of acne scars.
The main chemical constituents of Rosehip Carrier Oil are: Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Oleic Acid, Palmitic Acid, and Stearic Acid.
LINOLEIC ACIDS (OMEGA 6) are known to:
- Moisturize hair and promote its growth
- Facilitate wound healing
- Be an effective emulsifier in the formulation of soaps and quick-drying oils
- Exhibit anti-inflammatory properties
- Soothe acne and reduce chances of future outbreaks
- Promote moisture retention in skin and hair
- Make oils feel thinner in consistency when used in an oil blend, thus being beneficial for use on acne-prone skin
ALPHA-LINOLENIC ACID (OMEGA-3) is known to:
- Lessen inflammation
- Control blood clotting on the skin
- Soothe joint pain and ease stiffness to improve flexibility
OLEIC ACIDS (OMEGA 9) are known to:
- Maintain the softness, suppleness, and radiance of skin and hair
- Stimulate the growth of thicker, longer, and stronger hair
- Reduce the appearance of aging, such as premature wrinkles and fine lines
- Eliminate dandruff and thereby support hair growth
- Boost immunity
- Exhibit antioxidant properties
- Prevent joint inflammation, stiffness, and pain
PALMITIC ACID is known to:
- Have emollient properties
- Soften hair without leaving a greasy or sticky residue
- Be the most common saturated fatty acid
STEARIC ACID is known to:
- Have cleansing properties that purge dirt, sweat, and excess sebum from hair and skin
- Be an ideal emulsifying agent that binds water and oil
- Help products remain potent when stored for long periods of time
- Condition and protect hair from damage without diminishing luster or making it feel heavy
- Have exceptional cleansing properties
- Soften skin
CULTIVATING AND HARVESTING QUALITY ROSEHIP OIL
Rosehip Carrier Oil comes from the seeds of specific varieties of Rose, including Rosa Canina, Rosa Rubiginosa, Rosa Eglanteria, and Rosa Moschata. Rose bushes thrive in ample sunlight but prefer not to be in direct sunlight on a hot day. They are cultivated predominantly in Chile and South Africa, requiring loose but moist soils with adequate drainage and a pH level between 6.5 and 7.0.
In spring, Rose plants begin to develop buds that are surrounded by green sepals that resemble leaves. When the sepals open, they expose soft, brightly-colored petals that bloom into the fully-developed, sweet-smelling flowers famously known to be Roses. Wild Roses have 5 petals while those of the garden variety have several rows of petals.
From late summer to autumn, after the flowers have been successfully pollinated by insects and other pollinating creatures, the fertilized flowers begin to die and the petals fall off. In order to protect the growing Rose seeds, the flower’s base continues to develop, producing a reddish-orange flesh known as the Rosehips. Sometimes referred to as the “fruit” of the Rose, Rosehips contain Rose seeds; however, Rosehips are not produced by most modern Roses.
Rosehips are usually left on the Rose bushes until after the first frost, as this chilling period is required to soften them and to allow them to become bright red in color. Depending on the species, Rosehips range in color from red-orange to violet or black, bearing a close resemblance to berries or small crabapples. When the seeds inside this round, fleshy fruit are not being dispersed by birds and other animals and growing into new Rose bushes, they are gathered to produce Rosehip Carrier Oil. During the harvest, Rosehips have remaining blooms trimmed off before they are clipped off the bush as closely as possible to their bases.
HOW IS ROSEHIP OIL EXTRACTED?
To produce cold-pressed Rosehip Carrier Oil, the Rosehips that have been freshly pruned from the Rose bushes have any remaining blooms, leaves, and stems removed. They are washed then dried, usually by being placed in a heated room. The Rosehips are cooked in a pot with water until the seeds float to the water’s surface. In a sieving process, seeds are removed from the resultant mash, which is commonly used to make jam or syrup. Seeds are then dried.
To ensure that they retain their potent antioxidants and essential fatty acids, the seeds are cold-pressed. If heat is applied in the process, it is in a low temperature range that is controlled to a maximum of 30C (90F) to prevent the loss of essential compounds caused by high temperatures.
The color of the resulting Rosehip Carrier Oil can indicate its quality. Its concentration of essential fatty acids and beta-Carotene can also cause a significant variation in color. Pure, cold-pressed Rosehip Carrier Oil of a high quality is a deep gold or a reddish-orange in color. It should never be darker than brown. After being extracted, Refined Rosehip Carrier Oil is bleached to a light-yellow color and deodorized to a subtle woody smell. Contrary to popular expectation, Rosehip Carrier Oil does not have the fragrance of Roses, as it is not derived from Rose petals.
1 ounce of Rosehip Carrier Oil is said to require 60,000 blooms. It is also possible to produce Rosehip Oil by using a food grade solvent to process the hips in this method that results in an “Absolute.”
USES OF ROSEHIP OIL
Rosehip Carrier Oil is great on its own or as a natural ingredient in oils, gels, lotions, creams, soaps, serums, and shampoos.
Skin Care: Used topically, Rosehip Oil may be applied directly to the skin right out of the bottle to promote healthy, radiant, firm, youthful skin. To create a natural exfoliating scrub for the face and body, blend Rosehip Carrier Oil with a couple of drops of a preferred essential oil as well as some sugar. Apply this mixture to skin with the fingertips, rubbing in a gentle, circular motion, then rinse it off with warm water. For a gentle facial moisturizer, massage no more than 3 drops of Rosehip Oil to a freshly cleansed face. This can be applied once in the morning and once at night to keep skin hydrated and supple. Alternatively, up to 2 drops of Rosehip Carrier Oil can be added to a usual skin moisturizer. In hot weather, Rosehip Oil can be diluted with water inside a spray bottle and spritzed onto the skin for a refreshing feeling of hydration and to lock in moisture.
For those with sensitive skin prone to acne, Rosehip Carrier Oil should be used sparingly in small amounts and should be diluted with other carrier oils and essential oils that are reputed to be beneficial for this skin type. Some suggestions include: Tea Tree, Lavender, Lemon, Geranium, Patchouli, and Rosemary. For a facial blend to soothe and reduce acne, blend Rosehip Carrier Oil with 1 Tbsp of Jojoba Carrier Oil, 3 drops of Frankincense Essential Oil, 3 drops of Lavender Essential Oil, and 3 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil. Blend all the oils together in a small, dark glass bottle and shake it gently to mix them thoroughly. No more than 3 drops of this oil blend can be gently massaged into skin to moisturize and to reduce acne blemishes, scars, or stretch marks. Rosehip Carrier Oil makes an effective makeup remover as well, especially for eye makeup. To cleanse skin of makeup such as eyeliner, eyeshadow, and mascara, pour a few drops of the oil onto a cotton bud and gently wipe it across the eyelids and lashes. Any oil that remains on the skin will work to reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Hair Care: Rosehip Oil can be applied directly to the scalp and left on for an hour before washing it out. This will hydrate dry hair while soothing, eliminating, and preventing dandruff. For a conditioning hair treatment, Rosehip Oil can either be added to a preferred natural shampoo, rubbed onto the scalp before showering, or applied to hair and left on overnight. To restore the luster to dull hair and to repair damaged strands, Rosehip Oil can be combined with Coconut Carrier Oil before being applied to the hair and scalp. These oils can also be gently heated in a bowl before being massaged for 10 minutes into natural, permed, or colored hair. The result will be hair that feels softer, smoother, and stronger.
Nails: Rosehip Carrier Oil hydrates and strengthens dryness and brittleness. It can be massaged directly onto nails using fingertips or cotton swabs and allowed to dry. This treatment is ideal for use just before bed and will restore nail health, especially if applied every night for at least one week.
Massage: Rosehip Oil’s thin consistency allows it to be absorbed into skin faster than many other oils and it will not clog pores. To prevent and fade blemishes, to minimize the appearance of stretch marks, to relieve sunburn and inflammation, and to balance the production of collagen, 2-3 drops of Rosehip Oil can be massaged into the affected area daily for 2-3 months or until there are visible results. For an aromatherapy massage, Rosehip Oil can be enhanced by blending it with Peppermint Essential Oil, Lavender Essential Oil, Chamomile Essential Oil, or Frankincense Essential Oil.
A GUIDE TO ROSEHIP OIL VARIETIES & THEIR BENEFITS
| ROSEHIP VARIETY & BOTANICAL NAME | COUNTRY OF ORIGIN | BENEFITS OF OIL |
| Rosehip Carrier Oil (Extra Virgin) Rosa canina | Found in: Chile | – Produced from the first pressing of the seeds – High content of Vitamin E and essential fatty acids – Highly recommended for use in cosmetics, hair, and skin care |
| Rosehip Carrier Oil (Refined) Rosa canina Rosa rubiginosa Rosa eglanteria Rosa moschata | Found in: Chile | – Soothes dry, irritated, weathered skin – Suitable to use as a moisturizer – Reduces appearance of scars and wrinkles – Best suited to skin that is not acne-prone |
| Rosehip Organic Carrier Oil Rosa canina | Found in: Chile | – Ideal for use in creams that require organic ingredients – Replenishes skin’s moisture barrier and relieves dry skin – Reduces the visible signs of aging – Suited to skin that is not prone to acne |
CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR ROSEHIP OIL
As with all other New Directions Aromatics products, carrier oils are for external use only. Rosehip Carrier Oil should not be ingested and should not be stored within the reach of children, in case of accidental ingestion. As with all other oils, a patch test should be conducted on the inner arm or other generally insensitive area of skin, using a dime size amount of Rosehip Oil to check for sensitivities. An absence of an allergic response within 48 hours indicates that the oil is safe to use. Individuals with Diabetes, Anemia, kidney stones, or very sensitive skin are at a higher risk of developing an allergy to Rosehip Oil and should avoid its use.
Potentially severe side effects of using Rosehip Carrier Oil may include anaphylaxis, chest discomfort, congestion, dizziness, difficulty breathing, hives, itchy and watery eyes, rash, rapid heartrate, and wheezing. The slightly fishy aroma of some Rosehip Oils may induce vomiting in pregnant women. In the event of an allergic reaction, discontinue use of the product and see a doctor, pharmacist, or allergist immediately for a health assessment and appropriate remedial action.
Individuals may find that using the oil causes acne while those with acne-prone skin may experience an increase in acne. Individuals taking medication for blood clotting may experience a drug interaction. The Vitamin C content of Rosehip Oil may negatively impact the control of diabetes, increase the risk of developing kidney stones, and affect iron absorption in the body. To prevent these side effects, consult with a medical professional prior to use, and stop using the oil two weeks before a surgery, as Rosehips in any form may increase the risk of bleeding.