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Ingredients, Sensitive Skin
Why Rose Hip Seed Oil is the Holy Grail Facial Oil in 2023
03
Apr
Apr
Dry skin? Fixed.
Are you concerned about fine lines? It’ll help with those.
Chapped by the wind? It’ll put an end to that.
Whatever your concerns are, rose hip seed oil has you covered.
Upon application, this lovely oil soaks in immediately, allowing the golden goodness to shine through.
Here at the NC, we are a Medici of oils, if you like.
And we believe that gorgeous rose hip seed oil should be a staple in your skincare kit.
Why is it Good for My Skin?
Rosehip seed oils benefits read like a beauty resume so long you may struggle to get past the first page.
It is rich, nourishing, incredibly healing, and ultimately earthy and unique for all skin types.
It’s antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and moisturising while packed with insane amounts of antioxidants and Vitamin A.
We love everything to do with rose hip seed oil: the antioxidants, the beta carotenes, the lovely omegas, and its tretinoin content, which converts into retinol upon application with your skin.
All of which increases skin thickness, wards off premature ageing, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and so much more.
Why is Extraction so Important?
The rose hip is a small fruit left over when the wild rose petals fall off; the delicate fruits hang until hand-picked and pressed into a gorgeous elixir.
The wild rose grows in thick, spiny bushes, protecting the delicate flowers and seeds. These are attached to hair-like fronds, the basis of itching powder.
The extraction process is an intricate process called winterisation, where heavy waxes are removed by refrigeration, drying and de-hipping, followed by pressing. This allows the oil to be more workable and user-friendly.
There are three main ways of extracting the oil with solvents: cold pressing or treating it with enzymes before cold-pressing.
The simple cold-pressing technique is thought to give you up to seven times more tretinoin in the final oil than using a solvent – which is far from a trivial difference.
Because extraction is so labour-intensive, corners are often cut for purity, so it is not always the purest oil.
Which is why we go to such lengths in sourcing ours.
The article on the CO₂ extraction process looks at the critical points to the quality of the final oil.
Rose Hip Oil’s Beautifying Benefits
So now to the exciting part, where we discuss rosehip seed oil’s lovely healing benefits.
Lightens lightly pigmented areas.
This is thanks to the beta-carotene content, and Rosehip can help promote a more even skin tone and reduce the appearance of age spots, which is due to the trans-retinoic acid, the precursor to Vitamin A, and its antioxidant properties, tannins, and gorgeous orange carotenoids.
Barrier Repairing
The oil is extremely rich in linoleic and linolenic acids, so it’s perfect if you have sensitised, inflamed or even suffer from acne or breakouts.
Research (1) found rose hip seeds contain important lipid-soluble compounds, linoleic and a-linolenic acids. important fatty acids that keep your skin plump and moist, preventing it from drying out.
They have noticeable effects on skin regeneration and repair and can significantly help to reduce inflammation in those with sensitive skin issues.
Anti-scarring agent
Rosehip oil has been used for quite some time in traditional medicine for wound healing and as a topical scar treatment.
This is due to the presence of Vitamin A; combined with the large amounts of linoleic and linolenic acids, it effectively treats hypertrophic and keloid scars.
This study (2) found that using rosehip seed oil on patients post-surgery improved the look of their scars.
Anti-ageing agent
Rosehip seed oil helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles as it regenerates cells, slowing skin ageing.
Rosehip seed oil is exceptional in tissue regeneration, improving skin texture and discolouration. It is also used to treat damaged skin tissue caused by scalds, burns, stretch marks, and varicose veins due to its ability to encourage skin regeneration.
In this study, (3) participants aged 35–65 were given rose hip seed powder to treat premature ageing, including wrinkles and crowfeet. During the 8-week study, researchers found that the participants who orally ingested the rosehip powder experienced noticeable improvements in their skin’s overall moisture.
Why is Rosehip Seed Oil Unique?
The ingredient in rosehip oil that is especially interesting is trans-retinoic acid, referred to in the industry as tretinoin.
It is a close relative of Vitamin A and the most researched vitamin in skincare, especially for acne, and it also has a strong anti-ageing effect.
Tretinoin molecules are delicate and must be handled carefully; the tretinoin in rose hips is just as sensitive as the tretinoin in pharmaceuticals.
The other important properties include:
Oleic acid (Omega 9) has an interesting fatty acid profile, softening and moisturising your skin.
Linoleic acid (Omega 6) helps speed up the barrier function’s repair mechanisms.
Gamma-linolenic acid helps reduce inflammation and boosts the protective role of the skin’s barrier.
Phytosterols help to soothe and calm inflamed skin.
Tocopherol (Vitamin E) acts as an antioxidant, neutralising damaging free radicals.
Fatty acid profile:
Palmitic acid 3.6%
Stearic acid 2.15%
Oleic acid 15%
Linoleic acid 47.7%
Linolenic acid 28.5%
Arachidic acid 0.9%
Eicosenoic acid 0.45%
Eicosadienoic acid 0.15%
Behenic acid 0.2%
Docosenoic acid 0.15%
Natural d-alpha-tocopherol 0.1%
Wound-Healing/Anti-Scar Recipe
3-5% Sea Buckthorn
2-3% Carrot seed
1% Calendula CO₂
1% Rosemary
1% Comfrey
3% Helichrysum, known for its regenerative ketones
Add the above ingredients to our rosehip seed oil base.
What to Look for When Buying Rosehip Oil
Like all good things in life, this gorgeous elixir does have its downside.
It is a bit like “buyer, beware”, especially regarding the oil’s purity and dynamic nature.
It would help if you were careful because the cold-pressed version doesn’t have a long shelf life and can quickly go rancid due to the wonderful unsaturated bonds.
Rosehip oil only has a shelf life of about six months, so here at the Naked Chemist, we only use a CO₂ extract that is certified organic, obtained through supercritical extraction that uses carbon dioxide as the solvent.
The oil is then further stabilised with Vitamin E to give it longevity.
Which NC Products Contain it?
With all of these incredible benefits, it makes sense to harness the potent power of the CO₂ extracted oil neat in our cold-pressed Rose Hip Oil.
It can also be found in Bio Lipid Complex, the perfect formula for restoring an impaired barrier.
Nectar Treatment Balm, created to heal on a deeper level, delivering delicate, traumatised skin from irritation and inflammation, is also rich in rosehip seed oil.
To conclude. The naked truth
To recap, rose hip seed oil has excellent antioxidants and free radical scavenger benefits.
It is highly moisturising, and the oleic acid helps make it a superb softening oil.
It has excellent barrier repair and anti-inflammatory properties from all the linoleic and linolenic acids.
If that is not enough, it also helps with signs of photo-ageing and scar reduction.
Wow, with all these lovely benefits, we think you’d agree this could be the holy grail of skincare and one you should invest in for your kit.
References
- Jäger AK, Petersen KN, Thomasen G, Christensen SB. Isolation of linolenic and alpha-linolenic acids as COX-1 and -2 inhibitors in rose hip. Phytother Res. 2008;22:982–984
- Valerón-Almazán, P. , Gómez-Duaso, A. , Santana-Molina, N. , García-Bello, M. and Carretero, G. (2015) Evolution of Post-Surgical Scars Treated with Pure Rosehip Seed Oil. Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications, 5, 161-167. doi: 10.4236/jcdsa.2015.52019.
- Winther K, Vinther Hansen AS and Campbell-Tofte J. (2016). Bioactive ingredients of rosehips (Rosa canina L) with particular reference to antioxidative and antiinflammatory properties: in vitro studies. Botanics: Targets and Therapy 6:11–23.
Can I mix marula oil with rosehip seed oil for keeping it longer ?
It is a great combination but wont extend the shelf life of rosehip
Why does Rosehip have a short shelf life
Hi, thankyou for reaching out; whilst most vegetable oils oxidize over time and eventually become rancid, oils differ in the type of fats they contain and the rate at which they oxidize and deteriorate. Highly saturated oils, like coconut oil which is nearly 85% saturated fat, have a stable shelf life. Oils rich in essential fatty acids and other polyunsaturated fats are the most nourishing for our skin. Still, they are also the most fragile of the oils like rosehip, their shelf life is generally shorter than oils that contain saturated and monounsaturated fats. Samantha
hi samantha,
i would like to ask if i can use rose hip seed oil for my hyperpigmentation that resulted from popping my pimple and how long will it take to to see the results and i am going to order mine from life flo health. is it fine?
Hi Rabia
I really think that it is not going to pull pigmentation from the dermis sorry it’s not active enough. samantha
thank you Samantha :).
Hi Samantha,
Your insights are quite well researched. I was wondering if you could you help me with some specifics about Rosehip extraction process. I have been trying to get my own supercritical extraction done and I must say even with all the available data there is nothing conclusive on its process variables (such as temp./time /pressure/ quantity).
for eg. how much ingredient is required to produce one kg/litre oil. what is the right temp. as high heat destroys any valuable nutrient in Rosehips. what pressure to be used? I have been trying for a long time to get this inf. could u kindly help me.
Hi Roshni
Some of what you are ask is above me, can I please redirect you to fragrant earth in the UK? They are total purists and will be able to help i am sure with your questions. Kind regards Samantha
yes please, If you have a personal contact with them…. i would be grateful.
Hi it is this guy, but although I trained with him I am not sure how approachable he is but here you go https://jankusmirek.wordpress.com/about/
I bought some rosehip oil on eBay it was in a plastic container it has a yellow honey color the lady said it was unrefined do you think I was had
Patricia really hard to tell without seeing it and noting the smell to it..sorry!
I brought some
Rosehip essential oil from Marshall’s. I don’t know if I was using way to much because I was putting it on my whole body like body oil. I didn’t know I was suppose to use one or 2 drops. I began feeling nauseated, dizzy and lightheaded. I also have anemia and heard that it’s not recommended for people who are anemic. Do you know about the side effects?
Hi Briana I have not come across anyone experiencing such side effects. But as always listen to your skin and body, it normally tells you what is or isn’t working. Samantha
Hi, I bought some rosehip oil about 10 months ago and have completely forgotten about it, but it has been stored in a dark dry place the whole time. It has a bit of a strange odor to it that it didn’t have before, is it still safe to use on the face? I know it might not have the same effects anymore but I just love the moisturizing feeling of it, just wondering if it’s still safe to use!
Rosehip can have a slight fishy odour to it,and at the end of the day if you like the skin feel of it I am sure it will be still ok to use, minus the potency
Hello Samantha,
I was wondering what your opinion on rose hip infusion within a carrier oil is? I have an abundance of wild rose hips in my area that I’d like to pick. I know that extracting the seeds in vast quantities is difficult and that the hips contain irritants. I plan to infuse a small quantity of whole hips in another oil such as almond oil (or would you recommend another?). I’m hoping will extract some of the great benefits of rose hip seed oil. I’d love to know your opinion on this method and any tips for preservation etc.
Kind regards,
Victoria
Victoria i have never done this-but no I don;t think it is so simple.
Can i just get the name of a good place to buy the Rosehip seed oil? Is Mountain Rose herbs and good one ? I use it for skin care want to get the best ! Thanks!!
I can only give you fragrant earth in Uk which is where i get mine from and it is held under pressure to ensure best quality i do apologise. Samantha
Hi Samantha.
I bought organic, cold pressed rosehip oil a month ago and have always stored it in the fridge. However, I kept it in the fridge for straight 5 days. Upon taking it out today, it seemed to have frozen. It’s back to liquid form at room temperature now. I wanted to know is it safe to use it? Or has it gone rancid?
Thanks
Hi I think it is perfectly fine to use.
Hello Samantha!
I was wondering what your thoughts were, I have been using rosehip oil almost 4 months now- i have these white bumps (acne scars) on my chest and back and I haven’t noticed much of a difference. I know it will not make them go away completely but I was hoping it might diminish their look. Ive gotten them at different times since freshman year of high school and I just finished my sophomore year of college. They annoy me so much!! and Ive heard countless times laser removal probably wont help- so Im just looking for some positive feedback 🙂 thank you!!
Hi erica
Hard to consult like this, its most certainly hormonal grade 3 by the sounds of it though. I don;t think laser treats this but I am not 100% sure Overtime they will go away, my advise is don’t pick infection spreads and they will scar. Use linoleic acid internally, do your research on why we need omegas to treat acne. Use fuller earth masks on your back, stay away from harsh chemicals and possibly occasionally use Salicylic acid to flush out the follicular wall. You can go to the doctor and they could prescribe you roaccutane but again this is a last resort as has adverse side effects. Hope this helps. samantha
Thanks for the advise Samantha, i really appreciate it. I will take a look at the options you presented to me!
Thank you for the feedback Samantha I really appreciate it! So do you think i should continue to use the rosehip oil?
Hi Erica yes i do, but please don;t forget to check for the quality of your oil
Sorry for all the questions, but I have been using Aura Cacia’s which is organic and cold pressed. Is that a good one?
I am not sure about the brand sorry but it’s organic so sounds ok.
Hi Samantha!
Thanks for all the helpful info here. I am wondering if I need to refrigerate if I am using rosehip oil in an oil mixture. I have two mixtures that both have a bit of Rosemary and Carrot Seed as a preservative. I had hesitated to refrigerate as I use them daily and see it is better to wait 12 hours before use after refrigeration. Any advice is greatly appreciated!
Hi Kate
Yes I think refrigerating them could help, but in saying that in a dark bottle in a cool place is suffice. Carrot and Rosemary are both natural antioxidants so great for helping with preamture ageing to..good luck
Hi Samantha,
I’m new to Rose Hip (seed) oil. After buying my 1st bottle of Rose Hip Seed oil on line, I searched to buy another & found Rose Hip oil. Hmm, what happened to the “seed” I wondered.
I did some searching & found a site that said the Rose hip seed oil is oil extracted from just the seed, whereas Rose Hip oil is from the whole “fruit.”
IF this is true (?), which is better to purchase? with seed or without? The prices were about the same. I’m using for directly on face for ache, wrinkles, nourish skin, & use on arms & hands for dryness, as well as on my husbands eczema.
Thank you :0)
Hi there they are just two different ‘species’ but variations of the same plant, so don;t get to hung up on the latin names or terminology. enjoy.
Hi Samantha
Thank you for the great post and the thread , really cleared most of my queries
However there are few things i’d like to know.
I’m planning to get rosehip oil ( in large quantity 2 ltrs) and refill smaller dropper bottles (mix with other oils such as pumpkin seed etc), i heard that nitrogen is added to increase its shelf life once being bulk packed.
i)In case where i open the 2 ltr container does it mean ill have to add nitrogen to it to ensure it maintains the shelf life for the remaining oil?
ii)if im refilling smaller bottles would it have the same shelf life as the bulk or would it get affected in anyway?
iii) Should i go for Organic non CO2 or CO2 oil
thanks
Hi Emm
Thank you for your feedback and enquiry. This is a really good question and one I don’t know the answer to because i don’t bulk pack it. I would go back to your supplier and ask them. However if you find out I would love to know the answer.
I recently bought a different brand of rosehip seed oil than my usual brand and this new one isn’t the deep orange colour, it’s more of a deep pink. Now I’m worried that I might have bought something ‘fake’. What’re your thoughts?
Hi you could be right, deep pink is not a colour you would associate with rosehip seed oil, difficult to tell without seeing it but sounds like it may of been adulterated.
Hi, I purchased a small bottle of rosehip seed oil a while ago and have noticed that it’s gone rancid, (the color has changed and it smells acidic) but I feel terrible throwing the remainder (about half of it) away. Do you think any significant harm will come to my hair or skin if I still decide to use it like that, even though I know it’s not a potent as it can be, or is it unsafe to use the oil once it turns rancid? Thank you.
I purchase mine from Dr. Mercola’s website. It is a very golden/orange color, thick and earthy smelling, I love it !! Also, reasonably priced. Hope this helps!