Rosehip oil comes from the seeds of the rosehip fruit. Its rich antioxidant content suggests it may be useful for treating several skin conditions. As an oil, it could also serve as a cleanser and makeup remover.

Many skin care companies now offer rosehip oil in its pure form or as an ingredient in other products.

Read on to find out the benefits and possible uses of rosehip oil. We also outline its potential side effects and other drawbacks.

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Rosehip oil may have many potential uses when applying it to their skin. Its benefits include the following.

Moisturizing the skin

Harsh chemicals and environmental pollutants can damage the outermost layer of the skin, leaving it dry and itchy and unable to retain adequate moisture.

Rosehip oil is high in vitamins A, C, E, and B vitamins. Vitamins are important for moisturizing skin, assisting inTrusted Source antioxidant defense, combating UV damage, and protecting it from oxidative damage.

Research from 2024Trusted Source found that rosehip oil or rosehip powder can aid in:

  • increasing forehead moisture, reducing wrinkles
  • enhancing skin elasticity
  • preventing moisture loss by creating a barrier

Treating scars

A 2023 reviewTrusted Source found that rosehip oil may reduce the size of postsurgical scars and inhibit the amount of inflammatory cytokines contributing to excessive scarring.

Other researchTrusted Source also found that rosehip oil aided wound healing and improved the appearance of scars. This could stem from promoting macrophages — a type of white blood cell — in the skin that are essential for tissue healing.

However, further research on the success of rosehip oil in treating scars is necessary.

Treating eczema

Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that causes chronic dryness, itchy red spots, and skin irritation.

Rosehip oil is rich in antioxidants that can help fightTrusted Source inflammation. Therefore, it may helpTrusted Source reduce the severity of eczema, especially when using it alongside conventional treatments.

Removing makeup

Traditional cleansers and face washes may contain harsh chemicals that can aggravate dry and sensitive skin. Rosehip oil is a suitable alternative that will not strip the skin of moisture. It may be particularly suitable for people with dry or allergy-prone skin.

Oil-based cleansers can help dissolve even waterproof makeup, including mascara and long-lasting foundation.

Lightening age spots

Some claim that rosehip oil can help prevent or reduce age-related skin discoloration, such as age spots. However, no direct research has investigated this claim.

Nonetheless, rosehip oil is very high in vitamin C. This vitamin helps protectTrusted Source skin cells from the damaging effects of sun exposure.

Caring for acne-prone skin

Rosehip oil quickly absorbs into the skin and is unlikely to clog pores. This makes it a suitable cleansing oil for people with oily or acne-prone skin.

Research from 2024Trusted Source mentions that rosehip oil has antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, meaning it can minimize the effects of acne, such as scarring and hyperpigmentation.

Rosehip oil contains high levelsTrusted Source of antioxidants, particularly vitamin C. Antioxidants may helpTrusted Source fight the effects of DNA-damaging molecules called free radicals, which play a key role in aging and disease.

Some potential free radical fighting benefits of rosehip oil includeTrusted Source:

  • protecting the skin from oxidative damage
  • reversing some sun-induced signs of aging
  • reducing skin inflammation that can cause conditions such as eczema and acne

Most research reports that rosehip oil is safe and has a low risk of side effects. However, as with any other natural or artificial product, rosehip oil can cause an allergic reaction.

Allergic reactions can range from a mild rash or irritation up to life threatening anaphylaxis. People can gradually add rosehip oil to their skin care routine to reduce the risk of side effects.

Before using rosehip oil or any other new treatment, a person needs to patch test an area on the arm and wait 24 to 48 hours to ensure no reaction occurs. After that period, they can start using it on their face.

A person who experiences skin irritation when applying rosehip oil should stop using the oil and seek an alternative treatment.

Another potential drawback of rosehip oil is its shelf life. Once it is exposed to the air, the oil tends to go rancid quickly. Oil that has gone bad may have an unpleasant odor and not work effectively. People can buy small bottles and store them in the refrigerator to avoid replacing the oil frequently.

Rosehip oil is not the only antioxidant-rich oil people can use on their faces. Several other oils can remove makeup, prevent moisture loss, and improve skin health. They include:

Some essential oils, such as tea tree oil, may also help ease skin problems. However, essential oils contain botanical allergens, which can trigger skin irritation and allergies.

People interested in incorporating natural oils into their skin care routine can start with a gentle oil. Rosehip oil and sesame oil are suitable options.

Rosehip oil is a gentle oil that most people tolerate well. This makes it a suitable choice for those with eczema or sensitive skin.

Rosehip oil is also rich in antioxidants, so it may ease skin irritation and inflammation and target signs of skin aging.

However, rosehip oil can cause skin irritation and allergies in some cases. People who wish to try the oil can start by applying a small amount daily. A dermatologist or herbalist knowledgeable about skin care and natural remedies may be able to offer further guidance.