Rosehip Oil Benefits: What Do We Know For Sure?

Skincare marketing praises rosehip oil for various benefits, from wrinkle reduction to acne control. But how much of it is actually backed by science? Before you buy in and add another bottle to your routine, let’s take a look at what rosehip oil can and can’t do, according to scientists.

What Is Rosehip Oil?

Rosehip oil is made from the seeds of wild rose plants, known as rosehips. These small fruits are valued for their many beneficial properties, especially in skincare.

For centuries, rosehips have been used as natural remedies for a variety of health issues. Some sources even claim that ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians, used rose-based products in their beauty routines. However, when it comes specifically to rosehip oil, there’s no solid historical evidence to confirm its use in ancient Egyptian skincare.

History and legends aside, what we know for sure is that rosehips and the oil made from their seeds are rich in beneficial compounds. These include vitamins A, B, C, and E, as well as essential fatty acids. This nutrient-rich composition is what makes rosehip oil so popular in skincare today.

But what exactly does it help with?

Rosehip Oil Benefits (According to Science)

1. It may help wounds heal faster

Scientists have been trying to improve wound healing for many years, but there are still very few treatments that work well across the board.

Rosehip oil is one of the components they’ve tested, according to this study. The thing is, we have immune cells called macrophages. When skin is damaged, they cause inflammation to protect it. Later, they switch to a healing mode to help rebuild the skin.

Rosehip oil helps these cells switch from inflammation mode to healing mode sooner, speeding up the recovery process. And as a bonus, it also prevents excessive scar tissue from forming, so patients develop fewer scars.

2. It may reduce some signs of aging

In a different study, researchers looked at whether rosehip oil could help improve wrinkles. The study included 27 participants (23 women and 4 men) who applied rosehip oil to their faces every day for five weeks.

Using detailed facial scans, the researchers compared each person’s skin before and after the treatment. The results were promising. Many participants (especially those middle-aged and older) showed a visible reduction in wrinkles.

A few participants didn’t see much change, but the overall trend showed that rosehip oil helped improve skin firmness and elasticity.

FYI:

A small clinical study checked whether rosehip powder could help reduce wrinkles and improve aging skin. The experiment involved 34 adults aged from 35 to 65 with visible eye wrinkles and lasted 8 weeks.

As part of the study, participants took either rosehip powder or astaxanthin, a well-known anti-aging supplement. After 8 weeks, the rosehip group showed visible improvements: reduced wrinkles, more hydrated skin, and increased elasticity.

The study also found that rosehip powder helped protect cells, which may support skin health and slow aging. However, as far as this study is concerned, there’s no direct correlation between the benefits of rosehip powder and rosehip oil.

3. It may help even out skin tone, but only for some people

In the same study that examined wrinkles, scientists also looked at whether rosehip oil could improve brown spots and overall pigmentation. The results, however, were mixed.

Some younger participants noticed slightly clearer and more even-looking skin. Overall, the changes in pigmentation were modest. In several cases, pigmentation even increased, likely due to skin sensitivity or sun exposure during the study.

To sum it up, rosehip oil may help improve skin tone in some people, but it’s not a miracle fix for hyperpigmentation. Regular sun protection is still key for keeping dark spots and uneven tone under control.

4. It may make skin smoother

One of the most noticeable benefits in the study was smoother skin. Across almost all age groups, participants said that their skin felt softer and more refined.

Many even said their skin looked more radiant, with some comparing the glow to the “glass skin” look.

5. It may help keep acne-related bacteria in check

The same study also looked at porphyrins, which are substances linked to acne-causing bacteria on the skin. When more of these bacteria are present, porphyrin levels tend to be higher.

After using rosehip oil, many participants showed lower porphyrin levels. This effect was most noticeable in people with oily or acne-prone skin. Long story short, fewer acne-causing bacteria on the skin point to a healthier overall skin environment. It means that rosehip oil may help support better oil balance and reduce some of the conditions that contribute to breakouts.

However, it doesn’t mean that rosehip oil should be used to treat acne. It doesn’t directly kill acne bacteria, unclog pores, or prevent acne from forming.

Side Effects of Rosehip Oil

As you’ve seen, individual responses to rosehip oil vary, and side effects can occur. There are few human studies carried out to determine how often and how seriously rosehip oil causes adverse reactions like irritation, sensitivity, or allergic reactions.

So, for now, the best advice is to do a patch test before you apply the product. Apply a small amount of oil on your wrist or neck and wait around a day for any reaction. If you observe any redness or irritation, stop using the product.

How to Use Rosehip Oil

You’ll find many options labeled as 100% pure rosehip oil, meaning they don’t have any additional ingredients. Blended products can also be effective. If you choose a blend, pay attention to the ingredients list. It’s not always clear how much rosehip oil is actually added to them. However, there’s a trick: If rosehip oil appears as the first ingredient, it’s likely the main component. The closer it’s listed to the bottom, the lower the concentration.

If you’re unsure whether a product is suitable for your skin type, try the OnSkin app. You can use it to check a product’s formula, see what ingredients it contains, and whether they’re safe, and understand how they might affect your skin before you try them.

When choosing a rosehip oil, packaging also matters. It’s best to look for products stored in dark bottles or packages to protect the oil from UV exposure. Light can degrade oil over time, making it less effective. At home, it’s also important to keep the product in a dark, cool place.

Key Takeaways

• Rosehip oil may reduce wrinkles and improve skin firmness, especially for mature skin. However, studies are limited.
• It may even out skin tone for some people, but it’s not a silver bullet for dark spots.
• Rosehip oil can make skin feel smoother and look more radiant.
• It might help keep acne-related bacteria in check, but it’s not a treatment for acne.
• It can also cause side effects, so it’s best to do a patch test before using it regularly.