Precious rose hip seed oil.
This fabulous oil should be a staple in everyone’s skincare kit because it has so many benefits.
But be warned, careful shoppers: this is not always the purest oil on the market, because extraction is so labour-intensive.
ROSE HIP SEED OIL
The Extraction Process
The oil is hand-picked from the hips of the wild rose.
The extraction process is complex and involves drying, de-hipping, and the removal of irritants, followed by pressing.
The rose grows in thick, spiny bushes; these bushes are there to protect the delicate flowers and tiny seeds, which are attached to the hair-like fronds (this is the basis of ‘itching powder’).
Extraction is known as winterisation, where heavy waxes are removed by refrigeration.
This is an intricate process, which allows for the rose hip seed oil to be more workable and user-friendly.
A good article to read is “CO₂ Extraction Process“, which is critical to the quality of your oil.
Properties and Uses
It is used in many different face care preparations, for the purpose of cellular regeneration.
Anti-scarring agent: Research shows the presence of large amounts of linoleic and linolenic fatty acids in rose hip seed oil.
This is why it is one of the most effective oils in treating both hypertrophic and keloid scars, as the oil is known to significantly help reduce the look of aged and hardened scars.
Anti-wrinkle oil: Rose hip seed oil helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, slowing down the skin ageing process.
Anti-inflammatory agent: The fact that rose hip seed oil is chock-full of linoleic acid and linolenic acid means that it’s perfect for sensitised, inflamed skin.
Anti Ageing: It is also believed to contain the precursor to vitamin A, known as trans-retinoid acid or tretinoin, which is why it is so good for preventing premature ageing.
Burns: Because of the oil’s natural Vitamin A content, it’s great for treating skin infections.
It is also used in the treatment of damaged skin tissue caused by scalds, burns, stretch marks, and varicose veins, due to its ability to encourage skin regeneration.
Cellular rejuvenation: Many clinical trials have proved that rose hip seed oil is an exceptional product in the field of tissue regeneration, helping to improve skin texture and discolouration.
Nourishing: The oil is rich in Fatty Acids, which help to keep our skins cells healthy. As we age, our skin naturally starts to dry and lose water. Fatty acids work to keep the skin plump and moist, preventing it from drying out.
As you can see, good quality Rose Hip Seed Oil is abundantly rich in skin-loving nutrients.
It’s a wonderful source of omega 3, 6 and 9 essential fatty acids, and beta-carotene-pro Vitamin A, which gives the oil its lovely orange hue.
Follow the link to find out why linoleic acid is vital for the health of our skin.
These lipid compounds naturally moisturise our skin, improving texture and elasticity whilst assisting skin cell renewal and repair.
With all of these wonderful benefits, it makes sense to harness the potent power of the CO₂ extracted oil in BIO Lipid Complex, the perfect formula for helping to restore impaired skin.
A+ Retinoid Complex and Nectar Treatment Balm have been created to help with healing on a deeper level; delivering delicate, traumatised skin from irritation and inflammation.
The Science
The first study on rose hip seed oil was carried out in 1983 at the University of Santiago, Chile. All of the participants had different skin conditions, including sun-damaged skin, premature ageing, burns, acne scarring, eczema, dermatitis, and others.
Interestingly, it was found that rose hip seed had significantly noticeable effects in skin regeneration, restoring skin back to its youthful glow.
Usage
- The oil is considered a dry oil, with little slippage.
- Rose hip seed oil can be applied neat on the skin, or within a formulation. Using it neat suits many of my customers, and I have seen good results with inclusions as low as 10%.
- Because the oil has high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids, it naturally has a very short shelf life (less than 6 months).
- I always add 0.5% vitamin E to my oil, which you can also do if you buy it neat.
- I only use a CO₂ extract of the oil, which is known to have higher level of linoleic and linolenic acid
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 o. 15%
Behenic acid 0.2%Docosenoic acid 0.15%
E-vitamin – Natural d-alpha Tocopherol; 0.0001%
My 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 your rose hip seed oil base.
THE NAKED TRUTH
For those thinking of purchasing the oil: when it comes to the purity and the active nature of the oil, you need to be careful.
Why? Because the cold-pressed version doesn’t have a long shelf life, and it can quickly go rancid.
I only use a CO₂ extract that is certified organic, which is obtained by super-critical extraction that uses carbon dioxide as the solvent.
The oil is then further stabilised with rosemary antioxidant, that is also a CO₂ extract.
On a final note, there are often reports that rose hip seed oil contains Vitamin C, a key repairing ingredient responsible for the production of collagen.
However, much of the vitamin C in rose hips is destroyed during the drying and refining process, and also it declines rapidly during storage.
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
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!