From Anti-Ageing To Skin Elasticity: Why Rosehip Oil Is Your Next Everything Treatment
The enduring fascination with rosehip oil shows that while the beauty world constantly touts new and complex ingredients, some of the most effective have been valued for centuries. Derived from the fruit and seeds of Rosa canina bushes, rosehip oil has a long history of medicinal and skincare use for its reparative properties.
It remains a staple in contemporary skincare for the same reason. Modern formulations may feel fresh and innovative, but they follow the same guiding principles: harnessing rosehip oil’s power to stimulate collagen, hydrate, and heal the skin.
Vogue’s top rosehip oils at a glance:
Germaine de Capuccini Multi-Regenerating Rosehip Oil
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In this article:
What is rosehip oil, and what are the benefits of using it?
According to consultant dermatologist Dr Derrick Phillips, “Rosehip oil is a plant-derived oil extracted from the seeds of the rosehip fruit, not the petals. That distinction matters because, unlike rose essential oil, which is distilled from petals and primarily used for fragrance, rosehip oil has a fatty acid and antioxidant profile that is more relevant to skincare.”
He reveals why it is considered such a powerhouse in the skincare industry: “It contains linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids, alongside smaller amounts of oleic acid and naturally occurring antioxidants such as tocopherols and carotenoids,” the expert explains. “There are also trace amounts of vitamin A-related compounds, although these are not comparable to prescription or over-the-counter retinoids.”
Dr Phillips also spotlights some studies that suggest “its fatty acid content may help support the skin barrier and improve hydration by reducing water loss. It may also have mild antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can contribute to overall skin resilience.”
Rosehip oil for the face
Often dubbed as a solution for acne-prone skin, Dr Phillips wants to make clear that this is not always the case. “It has a relatively low comedogenicity rating, typically around 0 to 2, and it is rich in linoleic acid. Acne-prone skin tends to have lower levels of linoleic acid in sebum, so in theory it may be better tolerated than heavier, oleic-acid dominant oils.” That being said, the oily texture may not be easily tolerated. “Oils are inherently occlusive and, in some individuals, can contribute to congestion or flare-ups, particularly in active inflammatory acne,” he adds.
