The Many Benefits of Rosehip Oil (and the 6 Best Products to Add to Your Skincare)

The Top 10 Benefits of Rosehip Oil

1. It’s hydrating

Keeping your skin hydrated but not greasy can be tricky. Rosehip oil does the job well because it’s high in minerals and essential fatty acids such as linoleic and linolenic acid, which lock in water within your cells, so your skin remains supple and plump.

2. It moisturizes your skin

Those aforementioned fatty acids found in rosehip oil make it a great daily moisturizer. It has a dry, non-greasy texture that’s easy to blend into the skin and accentuate your glow.

3. It evens out skin tone

For those who have blemishes, acne scars or suffer from hyperpigmentation, rosehip oil may be the perfect addition to your skin regimen. Rich in vitamin C—a brightening ingredient and potent antioxidant—it has been shown to even out skin tone.

4. It helps protect against sun damage

Listen, we’re suckers for a beautiful sunny day. However, sun damage eventually takes a toll on your skin. Again, because of its abundance in antioxidants like vitamin A, C and E (which have been proven to reduce sun damage) rosehip oil is a great ingredient to pair with your regular sunscreen.

5. It has anti-aging effects

With a high concentration of vitamin A, rosehip oil tightens your skin naturally, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time.

6. And reduces inflammation

For people with sensitive skin, eczema or rosacea, rosehip oil can help calm things down thanks to vitamin E and other compounds that soothe inflammation.

7. It combats acne

Rosehip oil contains vitamin A (aka retinoids), which is the powerhouse ingredient known for its ability to perform a multitude of tasks, including combatting acne.

8. And reduces the appearance of scars

A 2015 study conducted on post-surgical patients found that those who treated their incision sites with rosehip oil twice per day saw major improvements in scar color within 12 weeks, compared to those who didn’t.

9. It softens stretch marks

Again, because of its vitamin and antioxidant density, rosehip oil is believed to support skin texture and promote cell turnover. In fact, a 2013 study found that a moisturizer containing rosehip oil reduced the severity of existing stretch marks in pregnant women. The study also concluded that the ingredient was effective in preventing new marks from forming.

10. And it’s the perfect carrier oil

For those who often use essential oils, applying them directly to your skin can cause unwanted breakouts and overall irritation. Instead, mix a few drops of your preferred essential oil with some rosehip oil to balance out the strength of the essential oil before application.

How can I use rosehip oil in my skincare routine?

While it’s often sold in its pure form for direct application to the skin, rosehip oil can also be found in a multitude of products—from moisturizers to serums. The best option is to figure out what your skin needs, then make your selection accordingly. Note: As with any other product, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and test it out on a small section of skin (i.e., behind your ears) before you apply it to your entire face.

OK, ready to shop? Check out some rosehip oil products below.

Tried, true and budget-friendly, this beloved bottle courtesy of The Ordinary has over 1300 reviews from customers because of its ability to hydrate, reduce redness and keep the breakouts at bay.

Another fan-favorite, this Amazon bestseller is certified organic and can be used from head to toe to solve all sorts of skin woes. Rub it over a pregnant belly to minimize stretch marks or on inflamed cheeks to calm redness.

This one comes duchess, supermodel and Posh Spice approved as Kate Middleton, Miranda Kerr and Victoria Beckham have all given this oil a thumbs up. This ultra-luxe face oil reinvigorates dehydrated skin and infuses it with other good-for-you healing—and, more important, anti-aging—properties.

Great for all skin types—including dry, mature, blemish-prone, combination and sensitive—this clean and natural facial oil is packed with Omegas 3, 6, 7 and 9 and promises to deeply condition skin, boost firmness and elasticity and even out your skin tone.

Great for oily, sensitive and rosacea skin types, this soothing moisturizer is loaded with rosehip extracts that hydrate and improve the appearance of skin. The lightweight texture sinks in quickly without feeling greasy or pilling under makeup.

Yes, friends, your lips are a continuation of your skin, too. (It’s actually one of the most delicate areas, along with your undereyes and neck.) Keep those kissers protected and soft with this tinted balm from Ilia.