Rosehip Oil for Face: Benefits, Side Effects and How to Use It

Rosehip oil is a lightweight seed oil rich in linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids. It helps soften dry skin and support the skin barrier, and some small studies suggest it may improve the look of scars. It is not a strong treatment for dark spots, and it can go rancid quickly. Use two or three drops at night as the last step.

What is rosehip oil?

Rosehip oil is cold-pressed from the seeds of wild rose fruit, mostly Rosa canina and Rosa rubiginosa. The rosehip is the round red fruit that's left behind after a rose flower falls. Good rosehip oil is golden to orange-red and has a slightly earthy smell.

Rosehip oil is mostly made of fatty acids. Linoleic acid (omega-6) is usually the largest part, at roughly 40–50%. Alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3) is often 20–35%, and oleic acid is around 15–20%. Rosehip oil also has small amounts of vitamin E (tocopherols) and carotenoids, which give it its color.

One common myth is that rosehip oil is "full of vitamin C." Rosehip fruit is rich in vitamin C, but vitamin C dissolves in water, not oil. Very little of it ends up in the oil pressed from the seeds. If vitamin C is what you're after, a formulated serum is much more reliable. Our vitamin C for skin guide explains why.

What does rosehip oil actually do for the face?

Rosehip oil acts as an emollient. It fills the gaps between skin cells and slows water loss, so dry, rough or flaky skin feels softer within days. Its high linoleic acid content is also useful for the skin barrier, which uses linoleic acid to build ceramides.

Here's what the research supports:

• Barrier and dryness. Oils high in linoleic acid help support a damaged barrier. This is the strongest, most consistent benefit of rosehip oil. If moisturiser terms confuse you, our guide to humectants, emollients and occlusives explains where oils fit in.
• Scars. A small 2015 clinical study found that a rosehip oil product applied twice a day for 12 weeks improved the color and texture of post-surgical scars compared with no treatment. This is promising, but it was one small study on surgical scars, not acne scars.
• Acne-prone skin. Some research has found that people with acne have lower linoleic acid levels in their skin oils. An older study found that applying linoleic acid reduced tiny clogged pores. This suggests that a linoleic-rich oil is less likely to make acne worse than heavier, oleic-rich oils, but rosehip oil hasn't been proven to treat acne.
• Dark spots. There is no good evidence that rosehip oil alone fades pigmentation. Any improvement in glow is mostly from smoother, better-hydrated skin reflecting more light.

Does rosehip oil clog pores?

Rosehip oil is considered low on the pore-clogging scale, mainly because it's high in linoleic acid and fairly light in texture. Most people with oily or combination skin can use a few drops without breakouts. Anyone can react to anything, though, so start slowly.

What are the side effects of rosehip oil?

The biggest problem with rosehip oil is that it oxidises quickly. Omega-3 and omega-6 fats are fragile. When they're exposed to light, heat and air, they go rancid. Rancid oil smells sharp or like old crayons and can irritate skin instead of soothing it.

• Rancidity. Buy small, dark-glass bottles, store them in a cool place, and use the oil within a few months of opening. Our guide to skincare shelf life and storage covers the warning signs.
• Allergy or irritation. This is uncommon, but possible, especially with oils that contain added fragrance. Patch test first. Our patch test guide explains how.
• Breakouts. These are usually caused by using too much, not by the oil itself. Two or three drops is enough for your whole face.
• Not a sunscreen. Rosehip oil has no meaningful SPF. You still need sunscreen in the daytime.

How do you use rosehip oil on your face?

Use rosehip oil at night as the last step of your routine, on top of any serum and moisturiser. Oils work best when they seal in what's under them. Put an oil on first, and your water-based serums will have trouble reaching the skin.

1. Cleanse and pat your skin mostly dry.
2. Apply your treatment serum first, such as niacinamide for uneven tone or salicylic acid for breakouts.
3. Apply moisturiser if your skin needs it.
4. Warm 2–3 drops of rosehip oil between your fingertips and press it onto your cheeks, forehead and chin.
5. In the morning, finish with sunscreen.

If you have very oily skin, start with every other night, or use it only on dry patches.

Should you use rosehip oil or a serum for dark spots?

For dark spots and acne marks, an active serum will do more than rosehip oil, and the two work well together. Niacinamide at 5–10% has been studied for reducing the transfer of pigment to the skin's surface. It usually shows visible results in 8–12 weeks. Read how niacinamide fades acne marks for the details.

A good pairing is niacinamide serum, then a few drops of rosehip oil at night, and SPF 50 every morning. The serum treats pigmentation, the oil keeps the skin barrier comfortable, and sunscreen stops new marks from getting darker.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use rosehip oil every day?

Yes, most people can use 2–3 drops every night. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, start every other night and watch for new bumps.

Does rosehip oil remove acne scars?

No. Rosehip oil may soften the look of some scars over months, but it won't remove pitted acne scars. Flat brown marks respond better to niacinamide and sunscreen. See acne marks vs acne scars.

Can I use rosehip oil with niacinamide?

Yes. Apply the niacinamide serum first, let it absorb for a minute, then press in the oil.

Is rosehip oil good for oily skin?

It's lighter than most oils and high in linoleic acid, so many oily-skin users tolerate it. Use less, and use it only at night.

Does rosehip oil contain retinol?

Not in a meaningful amount. It contains carotenoids that the body can turn into vitamin A, but not at a level that works like a retinoid serum.

How do I know if my rosehip oil has gone bad?

If it smells sharp, fishy or like crayons, or if its color has turned dark brown, throw it away.