🌹 Rosehip Oil
Latin Name: Rosa rubiginosa (also known as Rosa canina)
📌 How It Is Extracted
Rosehip Oil is cold-pressed from the seeds (hips) of wild rose bushes, primarily Rosa rubiginosa, grown in the Andes of Chile. The seeds are pressed without the use of heat or solvents to preserve their potent concentration of essential fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants. Solvent-extracted versions are also available but cold-pressed is preferred for therapeutic use.
⏳ Shelf Life
Approximately 6–12 months. Rosehip Oil is relatively high in polyunsaturated fatty acids (especially linoleic acid), which makes it prone to oxidation. Store in a dark glass bottle in a cool, dry place – refrigeration is strongly recommended. Adding Vitamin E can extend its shelf life.
✨ Properties & Characteristics
- Light, dry-feeling oil that absorbs quickly into the skin
- Deep golden-red to orange colour with a faint earthy, slightly floral scent
- Exceptionally rich in Vitamin C precursors and Vitamin A (retinoids)
- Strong regenerative and anti-aging properties
- High in essential fatty acids (Omega-3 and Omega-6)
- Promotes collagen synthesis and skin cell renewal
🎯 Best Used For
- Dry, mature, and damaged skin – excellent for anti-aging skincare
- Reducing the appearance of scars, stretch marks, and hyperpigmentation
- Brightening dull skin and evening out skin tone
- Fading fine lines and wrinkles
- Post-sun or post-procedure skin repair
- Diluting essential oils for facial blends (typical dilution: 1–2%)
- Nourishing dry hair ends
🧪 Key Chemical Constituents
- Linoleic Acid (Omega-6): ~44–56% – essential for skin barrier repair and hydration
- Linolenic Acid (Omega-3): ~19–33% – anti-inflammatory, supports skin regeneration
- Oleic Acid (Omega-9): ~14–20% – moisturising and conditioning
- Palmitic Acid: ~3–6% – emollient and protective
- Trans-retinoic Acid (Vitamin A precursor): promotes cell turnover and collagen production
- Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid): brightening and antioxidant (more prevalent in the fresh fruit, trace amounts in oil)
- Tocopherols (Vitamin E): antioxidant protection
- Carotenoids: contribute to the orange colour and provide antioxidant activity
⚠️ Contraindications & Cautions
- Due to its high Vitamin A content, use with caution during pregnancy. Consult a healthcare professional before use.
- Not recommended for very oily or acne-prone skin – the high oleic/linolenic ratio may exacerbate breakouts for some individuals.
- Highly prone to oxidation – always check freshness; rancid oil can irritate the skin.
- Perform a patch test – those with rose or plant allergies should exercise caution.
- Avoid using on open wounds without professional guidance.