Rosehip Oil
What is rosehip?
Rosehips are the small orange-red fruits a wild rose, Rosa canina, forms after its petals fall. The oil is pressed from the seeds inside, and sometimes from the whole fruit. It is a light, golden-orange oil that sinks in quickly, which is why it has become one of the most loved face oils in the world.
Rosehip is the first ingredient in both of our elixirs.
What is in it
| Compound | What it is |
|---|---|
| Linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids | Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids that make up most of the oil and support the skin's natural barrier |
| Provitamin A carotenoids | Plant pigments such as beta-carotene, which give the oil its colour and which the body can convert into vitamin A |
| Tocopherols | Natural forms of vitamin E that help protect the oil and the skin from oxidation |
You may read that rosehip oil is "natural retinol". It is not. It contains carotenoids, the plant pigments the body can turn into vitamin A, not retinol itself. That is part of why it is so gentle.
What does the research show?
In a 2015 study published in the Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications, people with new surgical scars applied pure rosehip seed oil twice a day for six weeks, while a control group applied nothing. Of the 108 people who completed the study, those using rosehip oil had noticeably less redness, discolouration and sunken texture at 12 weeks.
The authors called the results preliminary, the study was funded by a rosehip oil manufacturer, and surgical scars are not the same as everyday marks. Still, it supports what many people find with rosehip: skin that looks more even and recovers better over time.
How we use it
Rosehip leads both of our formulas, morning and night.
- Bio Retinol Elixir, our day face oil, pairs rosehip seed oil with bakuchi, marula and squalane for a smoother, more radiant look.
- Night Repair Elixir, our night face oil, pairs rosehip fruit oil with tamanu, black seed and hemp seed for breakout-prone skin.
Neither contains water or synthetic fragrance.
Frequently asked questions
Does rosehip oil contain retinol?
No. Rosehip oil contains provitamin A carotenoids, plant pigments the body can convert into vitamin A. It is not a retinoid.
Is rosehip oil good for oily skin?
Rosehip is a light oil rich in linoleic acid, which suits oily and combination skin as well as dry skin. Start with fewer drops and build up.
Can I wear rosehip oil during the day?
Yes. Follow with a broad-spectrum sunscreen, as you should with any routine aimed at more even-looking skin.
Should I patch test first?
Yes. Any plant oil can cause a reaction. Apply a drop along your jawline and wait 24 hours before your first full use.
Which Sapphire Botanics products contain rosehip oil?
Both: Bio Retinol Elixir and Night Repair Elixir. Try them together in the Discovery Set or Power Couple.
Sources
- Valerón-Almazán P, et al. Evolution of post-surgical scars treated with pure rosehip seed oil. Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications. 2015;5(2):161-167.
- Lin TK, Zhong L, Santiago JL. Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2018;19(1):70.