Rosehip Oil, Rose Hip Seed Oil, Rosa Rubiginosa Seed Oil, Rosa Canina, Rosa Eglanteria, Rosa Mosqueta Oil? What is the difference between these all?
Rosehip oil is a superstar extracted from the seeds of the small red berry like fruit – rosehip. Where I grew up, eating rosehip marmalade is like a tradition and it is in such a big abundance that I have never thought it could be a must skincare.
Before getting into the geeky, I want to say that I thought only one type of rosehip oil existed. When I was researching for my blog about the simple skin care (read here yay) I was surprised when brands state a different ingredients for rosehip oil. So I decided to do what medicine has taught me and hit the library.
Now, let’s get nerdy ahah

What are the different types of Rosehip Oils?
Rosehip Oil can be extracted from 3 different types of plant types – rosa canina, rosa rubiginosa and rosa moschata. Although all of them are being referred to as rosehip oil depending on which plant they were extracted from their chemical, fatty acid and nourishing properties can change.
Those plants are widely spread in their native lands in Central and Eastern Europe, Asia and Chile.
Here I will be mainly talking about the different properties of Rosa Canina and Rosa Rubiginosa, because these two are mainly used in the cosmetics.

What is Rosa Rubiginosa Seed Oil and why is it important?
Rosa Rubiginosa Seed Oil you can also see it as Rosa Eglanteria and Rosa Mosqueta Oil, they all refer to the same plant and oil. This bright red oil is really rich in fatty acids, vitamins and other goodies – making it a great moisturising and nourishing oil.
When it comes to its fatty acid content – It is really rich!

- linoleic acid – 44%
- linolenic acid is 34%
- oleic acid is 14%
According to one study, the seed of this oil contains a considerable amount of vitamin C, almost 10 times more than the amount found in orange juice!
But what makes Rosa Rubiginosa Oil stand out is the good amount of tretinoin. In fact it is the main active ingredients of Rosehip oil from Rosa Rubiginosa Seed Oil
Tretinoin is actually a derivate of vitamin A. It is a trans retinoic acid and it is an anti-aging superstar. It has an effective influence on healing and skin regeneration, making it effective in the treatment of scars and burns. But its anti-ageing properties come from making the skin firmer, smoother and wrinkles less visible.
But it does not only stop with being anti-aging start. Tretinoin was first developed to treat acne. Why? Because it can prevent cells sticking together and decrease the amount of sebum that our pores produce.
Rosa Rubiginosa Seed Oil also contains arachidonic acid which helps with tissue regeneration.
A quick summary on Rosehip Oil from Rosa Rubiginosa oil benefits
- Great nourishing and moisturising plant oil
- Anti-agings benefits
- Good for acne treatment
- Suitable for treatment of acne scars and burns due to high skin regeneration properties
What is Rosa Canina Seed Oil and why is it important?
Rosa Canina is a type of plant commonly known as “dog rose”. It is a rose bush that can basically grow anywhere at any condition, I guess it is the sturdiness that makes the seed oil so good as well.
The Rosehip Oils on the market and cosmetics are usually acquired from Rosa Canina.
So just like its close relative Rosa Rubiginosa, Rosa Canina has a substantial amount of fatty acids – around 71%. It is slightly less than Rubiginosa but the composition ratio is mainly similar.
- linoleic acid – 51%
- linolenic acid – 19%
- oleic acid – 20%
The high amounts of fatty acids makes it a great emollient and nourisher. Just like its counterpart Rosa Rubiginiosa, it is suitable for any skin type, making it a universal ingredient in any skin care routine.

This seed oil is also high in Omega 3, 6 and 9 which are components that can promote cell regeneration. Rosa Canina oil is also high in vitamin C, vitamin E and pro-vitamin A, which give it good amount of antioxidative properties and skin brightening.
Rosa Canina oil is really suitable for any type of skin for nourishment, skin brightening and moisturising.
Summary on the benefits of Rosa Canina Seed Oil
- Great emollient and moisturiser for any skin type
- Antioxidative properties
- Helps with Skin cell regeneration
Rosa Canina vs Rosa Rubiginosa – which one is better?
Now to the one question – which type of Rosehip Oil you should buy? It is up to what kind of effect you would want out of your face oil. Both of them are great nourishers and moisturisers and both have a good amount of anti-oxidative properties and skin brightening.
Rosa Rubiginosa seems like is more densely packed with fatty acids and the superstar anti-aging product trans-retinoic acid – tretinion. Rosa Rubiginosa also has some effects on acne treatment.
The choice is going to depend on your own preference and what your skin needs at this moment
My experience with Rosehip Oil
For myself, my skin is very dry so any extra rich nourishment is a major must for me. Skin brightening is also very crucial for me, but I am still not very concerned about anti-aging benefits and/or acne problems, so Rosa Rubiginosa is not a must for me and I can do just fine with Rosehip Oil from Rosa Canina.

Rosehip Oil at this point has become a must for me, it instantly brightens my skin and it is a very visible brightening. My skin gets smoother and clearer, it truly helps to reduce my breakouts because of my very dry skin. I have also noticed a great even tone and texture on my skin after I incorporated it to my routine. You can read a little more about the simple skin care routine I have with rosehip oil here, truly it works!
I am not going to even boost about how soft my skin feels now, I hope you will have Rosehip Oil on your shopping list already and you will experience this softness yourself.
What to pay attention to when buying rosehip oil?
It is important to pay attention to the extraction method. Cold-pressed rosehip oil is your to go because it is the method which maintains the high amounts of tretinoin in the oil.
Are there any side effects from Rosehip Oil?
The clear and fast answer is actually no. But medicine has taught me – things are never just black and white, so I did what I do best and studied. I looked into the medical literature for any allergic side effects reported. I could find only ONE case report from 2018 of a contact dermatitis developing after using Rosa Rubiginosa Oil. Contact dermatitis refers to developing red swollen blisters after an encounter with an ingredient or foods which can be sensitising for some people.
The authors also state that this has never been reported before and it is their first encounter. You can read the case report here.
So now that we have some medical reviewed opinion about the safety of rosehip oil, time for real suggestions. My best suggestion is to apply 1-2 drops on your forearm, not your face. Then wait for couple of hours or overnight just to observe if any kind of reaction develops. Unfortunately, we can develop any kind of reaction towards any kind of foods and ingredients and this can include natural cosmetics as well. So it is better to be safe and cautious!
Now to the juicy part, where can we get those goodies.
Where to get Rosehip Oil from?
I have always tried Rosa Canina Seed Oil so I am going to start with that one.

I would definitely recommend The Ordinary’s 100% Cold Pressed Rosehip Oil. It adds perfectly to my routine!

Alteya Organics, again, not surprised, I think I really like this brand. This small bottle is packed with cold pressed 100% Rosehip Oil, all organic and natural, coming from one of the native countries of Rosehip – Bulgaria.

Need I even say Pai Skincare. Their superstar, hero product is this beautiful red rosehip oil extracting not only the oil from the seeds but also from the fruit.
Really this product is such an icon for the brand, you cannot not try it!
As of Rosa Rubiginosa here are some suggestions 🙂

I found a pure cold-pressed version from The Good Molecules and it looks really cute.

This is also 100% Rosehip Oil from Naissance. I actually have never heard of this brand but it this product has more than 40 reviews and 4.9/5 rating, so I think it is quiet reliable.
Thank you for reading, let me know if you have tried Rosehip Oil or have any questions you would want me to research!
Thank you for sticking to some geeky blog posts. If you are tired of facts and wanna get your hands on the good stuff very fast here are 5 clean skin care brands that are worth your money.
Or if you are not done with skin care facts and science check why you might be needing probiotics in your skincare here.
References
- Ochando-Ibernón, G,Schneller-Pavelescu, L,Silvestre-Salvador, JF.Allergic contact dermatitis caused by “Rosa mosqueta” oil.Contact Dermatitis.2018;79:259–260.https://doi.org/10.1111/cod.13083
- Galeb, P., Kiger, F., 1973. Elaboración de jugo s concentrados, congelados y refrigerados de maranja (Citrus sinensisO.) de las variedades chilena, Washington y tardía de Valencia. Tesis de grado, Fac. Agronomía, Universidad de Chile.
- Daniel Franco, Manuel Pinelo, Jorge Sineiro, María José Núñez,Processing of Rosa rubiginosa: Extraction of oil and antioxidant substances, Bioresource Technology, Volume 98, Issue 18,2007,Pages 3506-3512, ISSN 0960-8524, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2006.11.012.
- https://incidecoder.com/ingredients/rosa-canina-seed-oil
- https://incidecoder.com/ingredients/rosa-rubiginosa-seed-oil#details
FAQs
What are the different types of Rosehip Oil that you need to know? ›
There are 4 types of Rosehip Oil, and not all are pure 100% natural and Certified Organic. These four types include – Cold Pressed Organic Certified, Cold Pressed, Organic Deodorized and refined.
How do I choose rosehip oil? ›You should be opting for cold-pressed and certified organic Rosehip oil if you want quality, potent Rosehip oil. High quality, cold-pressed rosehip oil ranges from a beautiful deep golden hue through to a rich red-orange color. Read on for Rosehip oil benefits for skin and the best Rosehip oils to choose from in 2022.
Are all rose hip oils the same? ›Just like olive oil comes in multiple grades, from the super cheap that you'd rather leave on the shelf to the one you'd happily drizzle on everything, rosehip oil varies in quality. “They all look the same, they all tend to do the same thing, but there is a difference between higher grades.
What's better rosehip oil or rosehip seed oil? ›Rosehip oil is made from fruit, skin, and seed pulp. Meanwhile, the rosehip seed oil is extracted from the seeds only. Since they come from different sources, their nutritional values also differ. Rosehip oil contains more vitamin A and fatty acids, while rosehip seed oil is rich in fatty acids but has less vitamin A.
What are the two types of rosehip oil? ›The two most common types of rosehip oil used in natural skincare are obtained from the species of rose called Rosa Canina and Rosa Rubiginosa (the latter is where Rosa Mosqueta oil comes from).
What is the best carrier oil to mix with rosehip oil? ›Rosehip Oil and Jojoba Oil are known as carrier oils, used to help dilute essential oils. We recommend using tea tree oil as it is inherently antibacterial and anti-fungal, it is a great option for those that are looking to improve their skin and reduce the occurrence of acne breakouts.
How can you tell if rosehip oil is pure? ›Pure, natural Rosehip Oil should be a rich dark yellow/orange colour. If you find a Rosehip Oil that is clear, or lighter in colour, it usually means it has been refined. Brands often do this for a number of reasons but if the oil is on its own, it normally comes down to cost.
Who should not use rosehip oil on face? ›As a result, if you have any of the following conditions, do not use rosehip oil without your doctor's approval: diabetes: vitamin C may impact diabetes control. kidney stones: large amounts of vitamin C may increase your risk of kidney stones. anemia: vitamin C may impact how your body absorbs iron.
Should you keep rosehip oil in the fridge? ›Carrier oils, such as Rosehip Oil, have a shelf life of up to 6 months and are meant to be stored in a cool, dark place. Refrigeration is recommended but the temperature of your fridge should not be set too high. If your refrigerator is too cool, please keep the oil in another cool dark area of your home.
What color should pure rosehip oil be? ›High quality, pure, cold-pressed rosehip oil ranges from a beautiful deep golden hue through to a rich red-orange color. If the oil is very pale yellow to almost clear, it may have been heavily processed or come from an inferior source.
Can I put rosehip oil under my eyes? ›
As an oil that is easily absorbed by the skin, but which leaves no feeling of greasiness after it's been applied, rosehip oil is a very common ingredient in popular facial moisturisers, and is generally accepted to be perfectly safe for use on the skin under and around the eyes.
What rosehip oil does Kate Middleton use? ›Like Miranda Kerr, who has certified organic rosehip products in her own beauty line, Kora Organics; and Gwyneth Paltrow (those famous faces with similarly clear complexions), Kate apparently loves the Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil.
Will rosehip oil help wrinkles? ›Rich in Vitamin A, which is known to help fight against age spots and wrinkles, rosehip oil is great for anti-aging. It's also packed with molecules that are small enough to penetrate deep layers of the skin, improving moisture and collagen levels, while reducing wrinkles and fine lines.
Does rosehip oil go bad? ›Sealed and unopened, certified organic rosehip oil should have a shelf life of about 3 years. As a 100% natural product without preservatives or chemicals, it should be used within 6 months after opening to ensure freshness.
When should I use rosehip oil morning or night? ›Rosehip oil can be applied morning or night. If you're using it as part of your morning skincare routine, you should apply it in the following order to achieve the best results: Cleanser. Toner.
What are the disadvantages of rosehip oil on the skin? ›While rosehip oil has a number of proven skincare benefits, some people may experience negative side-effects. 'Possible side-effects of rosehip oil can include rash, allergy and worsening of acne and pores,' warns Dr Lapa. 'If the extract is taken orally, side-effects can include nausea, stomach cramps and diarrhoea.
What comes first moisturizer or rosehip oil? ›Rosehip Oil for Skin: How to Use it in Your Beauty Routine
When we incorporate any kind of oil into a skincare routine, we usually treat it as a final step, after our moisturizer.
They are both made from rose petals. However, the rose water is actually only a by-product that falls off during the production of rose oil. Therefore, it is cheaper, but not less valuable in its scope of action.
What Cannot mix with rosehip oil? ›AHAs and BHAs: Rosehip oil & alpha and beta hydroxy acids should not be combined because all of it increases cell turnover and using them together can cause irritation and damage to the skin. Though, these products are not recommended for a combination, can be used on separate days.
Can I use rosehip oil without carrier oil? ›Rosehip Oil is not a true essential oil, as it is extracted by cold pressing. It is often described as a carrier oil, which means that it can be used by itself and it can also be used to dilute concentrated essential oils in order to balance the essential oil and allow it to be applied to the skin.
Do you need to dilute rosehip oil? ›
Although rosehip is generally safe to apply as is, diluting the oil in a 1:1 ratio can help prevent discomfort. If your skin care routine already contains vitamin A- or C-based products, you may be more likely to experience irritation. Getting too much of either vitamin can be toxic and result in hypervitaminosis.
What is the difference between refined and unrefined rosehip oil? ›The primary differences between refined and unrefined oils are: Refined oils are extracted using heat, whereas unrefined oils are extracted mechanically with no heat from an external source. The only heat is through the friction that takes place during the mechanical process, which is minimal.
What is the shelf life of trilogy rosehip oil? ›The best before date on all our products is three years from date of manufacture, so the product is good for three years unopened. Once opened, it should be used within six months. Is your rosehip oil cold-pressed? Yes.
How long does it take for rosehip oil to absorb into skin? ›Allow 5 minutes before applying a moisturiser or sunscreen over it. Rosehip Oil will leave your skin feeling softer, firmer and glowing. It has amazing anti-ageing benefits and helps to reduce fine line and wrinkles.
Does rosehip oil have retinol? ›Rosehip Oil is a natural retinol because it contains natural retinoic acid. The kind of vitamin A found in rosehip oil is more beneficial than retinol on its own. This is because your skin will recognize it straight away, so it won't need the time to convert.
Can rosehip oil clog pores? ›No. Rosehip Oil is often referred to as a 'dry' oil because it is absorbed into the skin quickly. It does not clog up pores and should only be applied in small amounts (2 – 3 drops on the face once or twice daily).
Does rosehip oil remove dark spots? ›Rosehip oil can help fade dark spots because it contains skin-brightening vitamin C.
Do you put moisturizer over rosehip oil? ›But a handy rule (and this applies to all skincare layering), we generally recommend applying the most concentrated products first. This allows for maximum absorption, with no barrier from other product formulations. So, apply rosehip seed oil after cleansing, exfoliating and toning, but before moisturising.
Do you put rosehip oil over or under moisturiser? ›Make sure you apply rosehip oil after your moisturiser. This will help the moisturiser absorb better, and the oil will create an extra layer of nourishment and lock the moisture in. Make Trilogy's Certified Organic Rosehip Oil the fourth step in your regular skincare routine.
How do you use rosehip oil for wrinkles? ›Rosehip oil can be used up to twice a day, morning and evening. The most popular way to use this oil is by applying it directly to the skin or adding it to your favorite moisturizer. "Rosehip oil can be found in all types of skincare products, lotions to serums," says Plescia.
Can you use rosehip oil in your hair? ›
You may apply rosehip oil directly to your hair. Some people prefer warming the oil beforehand, but be sure to test it before applying to make sure it's not hot. Massage the oil throughout your hair, making sure that you cover each strand. Place a shower cap over your hair, and leave it on for up to 30 minutes.
Which oil is good for under eye wrinkles? ›Castor oil can be safely used around and near your eyes. Many people report it helps minimize and reduce wrinkles in the eye area.
Does rosehip oil tighten skin? ›Rosehip oil is rich in vitamin A (street name: retinol), which can help reduce signs of skin aging, including smoothing fine lines and thickening the dermis (deeper skin layers), making the skin feel firmer and tighter, says board-certified plastic surgeon Anthony Youn, MD, anti-aging expert and author of The Age Fix.
Does rosehip oil boost collagen? ›She adds that since rose hip oil is rich in vitamin A, it can help stimulate collagen and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It can also calm inflammation due to vitamin E and anthocyanin, the pigment that gives darker-colored fruits and vegetables their hues.
Does rosehip oil increase estrogen? ›Rose hip contains vitamin C. Vitamin C can increase how much estrogen the body absorbs. Taking rose hip along with estrogen can increase the effects and side effects of estrogens. Taking rose hip might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium.
How long does it take for rosehip oil to work on wrinkles? ›One 2015 study on rosehip powder showed a significant reduction in the appearance of fine lines around the eyes, also known as crow's feet, after 8 weeks of treatment.
Is rosehip oil good for Crepey skin? ›Rosehip oil may be effective for crepey skin, but there are many other factors that may affect whether this ingredient would work on your skin or if there are better ingredients that may work for you. Take this skin quiz to find the best ingredients for your skin and build your skincare routine.
Do you put rosehip oil on damp or dry skin? ›Apply a few drops of the oil on slightly wet skin and let it absorb (just a few minutes) before getting dressed. Rosehip is very light and not greasy, and it will absorb easily. Just remember that all oils absorb best with water and on warm skin, this is why doing it directly after the shower is the best!
What can I mix with rosehip oil for my face? ›Some suggestions include Tea Tree, Lavender, Lemon, Geranium, Patchouli, and Rosemary. For a facial blend to soothe and reduce acne, blend Rosehip Carrier Oil with 1 Tbsp of Jojoba Carrier Oil, 3 drops of Frankincense Essential Oil, 3 drops of Lavender Essential Oil, and 3 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil.
What goes first vitamin C or rosehip oil? ›If you wanted my advice, I would suggest applying your vitamin C serum during your morning routine, then following this with your rosehip oil in the evening to rejuvenate the complexion whilst you catch up on your beauty sleep.
Should I put rosehip oil all over my face? ›
Yes, Rosehip Oil can be safely used on all skin types, including sensitive skin. Used regularly, it will help to bring a beautiful, natural glow to your face and leave it feeling soft and hydrated.
Do you put rosehip oil over or under Moisturiser? ›Make sure you apply rosehip oil after your moisturiser. This will help the moisturiser absorb better, and the oil will create an extra layer of nourishment and lock the moisture in. Make Trilogy's Certified Organic Rosehip Oil the fourth step in your regular skincare routine.
Do you put rosehip oil over or under moisturizer? ›But a handy rule (and this applies to all skincare layering), we generally recommend applying the most concentrated products first. This allows for maximum absorption, with no barrier from other product formulations. So, apply rosehip seed oil after cleansing, exfoliating and toning, but before moisturising.
What happens if you use too much rosehip oil? ›Although rosehip is generally safe to apply as is, diluting the oil in a 1:1 ratio can help prevent discomfort. If your skin care routine already contains vitamin A- or C-based products, you may be more likely to experience irritation. Getting too much of either vitamin can be toxic and result in hypervitaminosis.
Can I use rosehip oil on eyelids? ›As an oil that is easily absorbed by the skin, but which leaves no feeling of greasiness after it's been applied, rosehip oil is a very common ingredient in popular facial moisturisers, and is generally accepted to be perfectly safe for use on the skin under and around the eyes.
How long does it take to see results from rosehip oil on face? ›Rosehip oil is available as an essential oil that you can use on your skin. Apply it directly to your acne scars twice a day until you see improvements. One study has indicated that you'll be able to see results around six to 12 weeks after starting to use it regularly.
Can I leave rosehip oil on my face overnight? ›Rosehip oil can be applied morning or night.
Is rosehip oil as effective as retinol? ›"Rosehip oil doesn't contain retinol but actually contains small concentrations of all-trans retinoic acid," explained Dr Mahto. "The main issue with this though is that you don't really know what concentration you're getting to determine whether or not it's clinically effective to produce anti-ageing effects."
What moisturizer to use with rosehip oil? ›Always moisturize first (to replenish hydration), and apply rosehip oil after (to protect hydration). For maximum skin hydration, use a good humectant (like glycerin or hyaluronic acid) to replenish moisture, and then guard that moisture by applying rosehip oil after.