Rosehip oil may seem like a terrifying addition to your skin care routine, especially if you already have oily skin. But you can actually reap the benefits of this liquid gold no matter your skin type.
Rosehip oil (which comes from the fruit left behind once a rose has dropped all its petals) is one of the hardest-working oils, boasting benefits from stimulating collagen production and improving fine lines to diminishing scars.
We spoke to Oz Beauty Expert, Bonnie Gillies, to find out exactly how to incorporate this multi-tasker into your routine, plus exactly how it’s working to benefit your skin.
Rosehip oil benefits & FAQs
Why does rosehip oil work so well?
Rosehip oil is packed with antioxidants, vitamins and essential fatty acids we need for our skin to thrive. “The oil is a really high quality that can effectively penetrate into the skin. It penetrates the layers and infuses them with hydration and nutrients. In turn it keeps the skin supple from hydration and more firm from the nutrients it delivers,” says Bonnie. Plus, the fatty acids promote tissue regeneration, as well as working to even texture and tone.
What are its main benefits?
“Rosehip oil is great at nourishing the skin. It helps diminish scars and improves fine lines,” says Bonnie. The essential fatty acids found in rosehip oil promotes skin regeneration, which in turn, will help fade acne scaring and blur fine lines. The other positive to this form of skin regeneration is that it is completely natural. “I recommend it to people [with] skin sensitivity and those who want a 100% natural skin care routine that is also anti-ageing.”
As well as fading scarring, fine-lines and age spots, rosehip oil also has the properties needed to protect your skin from the free radicals that actually causes many signs of ageing, including dark spots and fine-lines. “[It] nourishes the skin and keeps it hydrated, keeping skin soft, supple and less prone to fine lines. It also means fine lines will appear softened,” says Bonnie
Additionally, the vitamin C and antioxidant content in rosehip oil stimulates collagen production. Collagen is what our skin loses when it begins to sag. Stimulating this production allows the skin to stay firmer and bouncier for longer.
How to apply rosehip oil and when to use it
As with most skin care products, it is best to store in the fridge or a cool, dark place, as many have active ingredients that react to light and air. Then “you just need a couple of drops on your hands, rub them together and lightly massage the oil into the skin. If you apply it straight after a shower, the steam will assist the oil in penetrating the skin,” says Bonnie. We suggest applying at nighttime, allowing half an hour for the oil to sink into your skin before following with a moisturiser.
5 of our favourites to try:
- Kosmea Certified Organic Rosehip Oil, $29.95 for 20ml at kosmea.com.au
- Sukin Naturals Certified Organic Rosehip Oil, $24.95 for 25ml at Chemist Warehouse
- A’kin Certified Organic Rosehip Oil, $19.99 for 20ml at Chemist Warehouse
- Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+, $37.95 for 30ml at Chemist Warehouse
- Swisse Rose Hip Antioxidant Facial Oil, $30.99 for 50ml at Chemist Warehouse
Main image credit: @aimeesong
Have you tried rosehip oil before? Have you seen any of these results?
I have long championed this oil as my all round skin saviour. I also like to try different brands. I have tried all the listed brands in this article! The main differences are in price, texture, fragrance and colour. I believe a thicker texture and a more yellow/orange colour show a superior oil. Price and added fragrance not as important.
Yep – the darker, the better! I used a light rho once & it wasn’t very effective.
Which brand do you find most effective @Frenchy1 ?
Absolutely love Rosehip Oil it is just so nice it smells lovely and is a good skin moisturiser keeps it soft and supple.
I am a facial oils fan.
I love the texture of rosehip oil, it isn’t very oily and is more like a ‘dry’ oil. I am not a fan of the smell though, even fresh bottles that haven’t gone off. I’m talking about 100% formulas without added ingredients.
I’d call it an earthy smell – I don’t like it either, but it’s so good on my skin that I put up with it. At least the scent doesn’t linger.
I just love how soft and plump facial oils make my skin in the morning. RHO is one of the many oils I love for my face.
Im actually using an oil by La Mav at the moment. I do have some of the trilogy Rosehip oil that i will get to once im finished with the La Mav.
Yes, have tried. Just not for my skin .
I love Rose Hip Oil. A little goes a long way, and it makes my face feel lovely and soft. I love the scent too.
For years I used RHO, now I like trying different facial oils, but would still be happy to use RHO again in the future
I’ve been a big fan of Rosehip oil for years its a great multi -tasker and always in my travel bag.
There has been a lot of talk on Rosehip oil
I have been using rosehip oil as part of my night time routine for many years and have seen great results! It has diminished the appearance of acne scars really well for me
very hydrating with the cold weather now here
I’d love to, but sadly, oil is really not my cup of tea
I have used quite a few different oils and I do like using rose hip oil to make my skin look radiant.
I would use it on my face and body and it’s great
I have some but don’t use it often enough.
been using rosehip oil for a solid 6 months and my skin loves it, i only use it 3 times a week or i break out
I like the looks of the one with the little ‘bud’ symbol for being Australian Certified Organic. I hear it is very hard to get ACO on your products.
I love rosehip oils!
I like the skin feel and smell when using rosehip oil
Rosehip oil has helped me in so many ways
Rosehip oil is definitely my go to. I’m currently using the Sukin, which smells delightful and works brilliantly on my aging skin.
My daughter uses it, and now I’ll give it a go too.
Funnily enough I’ve started to incorporate this more into my skin routine, loving how hydrated my skin is feeling
I love the trilogy Rosehip Oil, it really brightened my skin up.
I would either use it by itself, before bed, or mix it with moisturiser in the morning before applying makeup!
RHO isn’t really my favourite, it doesn’t seem to work well with my skin.
I have tried Kosmea Rosehip Oil and I am currently using Trilogy Rosehip Oil. So good for damaged skin and sunspots, nourishing.
I’m not really a fan. It doesn’t seem to do much for my skin. I prefer ha serums layered with an oil free moisturiser these days. My skin looks and feels more hydrated. I like oils for massage but they tend to sit on the top of my skin when used as a moisturiser.
Same here.
No matter what sort of oil it is it will just sit on top of my skin. I’ve tried so many but I get the same results.
I’ll be needing a new facial oil soon so I’ll try a Rosehip oil.
I love using oils in my routine but has any one found that the sukin rosehip oil smells funny.
They got me at Oily Skin. Now I have to try it. It’s the only way.
Unfortunately Rose Hip Oil breaks me out and I have tried a multitude of brands.
My skin loves the ordinary sea buckthorn oil, so I use that occasionally . The only problem is that oil is very orange in colour and it stains clothes and bedsheets. So I have to use with caution.
Absolutely love Rosehip Oil it is so very Luxurious on your Skin and your skin does glow 🌟 when using this lovely Oil. Have a great Hand Cream with Rosehip Oil in it.
Yes I love rosehip oil – but there are so many oils to try!
I’m using this oil at atm. I will try to remember to leave it on for half an hour before following with a moisturizing night cream.
it stains clothes i find, i wear it on my neck and chest at night and my pj top is stained
I haven’t tried it on my chest,
I’ve tried many different types of oils, rosehip to marula, and my skin simply refuses to absorb them no matter how I apply them or how long I wait.
I’ve tried different brands of rosehip oil as well just to make sure. The results remained the same.
I do like rosehip oil, especially during winter.
I first tried rho from recommendations on the Bh forum. I’ve now used it for years – my blemish-prone skin loves it! It fades those red spots that linger for weeks after a zit has healed.
Rose hip oil is nice but it works slowly.
Used it before, love it , it’s great in winter time.
I love Trilogy Rose Hip Oil.
My oily/combination skin doesn’t really like oils, but I’m willing to try it in other products like moisturisers.
Have been using Sukin’s rosehip oil for the last couple of years. However, I have never waited 30 minutes between using rosehip oil and then applying moisturiser. Might need to try adding the oil to the moisturiser and then applying it
I use an organic CO2 extracted red rosehip oil that I purchase from an essential oil wholexsaler. You want to avoid refined oil and the more red the colour, the richer the carotenoid content.
I use Trilogy Rosehip oil, and feel that it works really well. I’ve noticed the difference when I trial other oils or serums.
Not terrifying at all and has the added benefit of the most gorgeous scent
I like rosehip oil when it’s combined with other ingredients. On it’s own I don’t enjoy the oily feeling on my skin, although I do acknowledge that it is great for skin.
I like Kosmea the best, nice cold pressed and dark oil.