Rosehip Oil: Anti-Ageing Benefits and How to Use It on Your Face
Rosehip oil is a precious plant oil obtained by first cold pressing of Rosa Moschata seeds. Rich in vitamins A and C, essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6) and antioxidants, it helps soften wrinkles and fine lines, even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks, while supporting the skin's natural regeneration. Suitable for all skin types, it is particularly well suited to mature, dry or damaged skin.
What exactly is rosehip oil?
Rosehip oil comes from the seeds (or pips) of the musk rose (Rosa Moschata), a wild shrub native to South America, particularly Chile and Argentina. Unlike rose essential oil, which is extracted from the petals, this plant oil is cold-pressed from the seeds contained in the plant's fruit (rosehips).
This first cold-pressing extraction method preserves all of the active components: vitamins, polyunsaturated fatty acids and natural antioxidants. The result? A 100% pure oil, with no additives or preservatives, a characteristic amber colour and a light, plant-like scent.
Natural composition of the oil
The richness of organic rosehip oil lies in its exceptional composition:
- Linoleic acid (omega-6): around 45-50%, helps strengthen the skin barrier and maintain hydration
- Alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3): around 30-35%, with soothing and regenerating properties
- Oleic acid (omega-9): around 15%, aids the penetration of active ingredients
- Natural vitamin A (retinol): supports cell renewal
- Vitamin C: a powerful antioxidant that helps even out skin tone
- Vitamin E: protects against free radicals
The INCI of the pure oil is simply: Rosa Moschata Seed Oil* (*from organic farming).
What are the anti-ageing benefits of rosehip oil?
Rosehip oil is recognised as a particularly effective natural anti-ageing treatment. Its essential fatty acids and vitamins work in synergy to help the skin preserve its youthfulness and vitality.
Action on wrinkles and fine lines
The presence of natural vitamin A (plant retinol) and essential fatty acids helps stimulate cell renewal. The oil helps soften the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, particularly around the eyes, on the forehead and around the lips. Applied regularly, it helps the skin regain suppleness and elasticity.
Skin regeneration and repair
The high concentration of omega-3 and omega-6 supports the regeneration of skin tissue. This property makes rosehip oil a valuable ally to:
- Soften the appearance of scars (acne, surgery, injuries)
- Reduce the visibility of stretch marks (pregnancy, weight loss)
- Soothe damaged or irritated skin
- Improve the overall texture of the skin
Even skin tone and radiance
Vitamin C and natural antioxidants help fade pigmentation spots and uneven skin tone. This face oil helps restore radiance to dull, tired skin, for a more even, luminous complexion.
Deep hydration and nourishment
Although light and non-greasy, rosehip oil quickly penetrates the epidermis to nourish the skin deeply. It helps maintain natural hydration, which is particularly beneficial for dry, dehydrated or mature skin that loses lipids with age.
How do you use rosehip oil on your face?
To get the full benefits of this precious oil, correct application is essential. Here is the complete ritual for adding rosehip oil to your beauty routine.
Daily application: the evening ritual
Rosehip oil is ideally applied in the evening, as it works in synergy with the skin's natural overnight cell regeneration process:
- Cleanse your face thoroughly with a gentle cleanser suited to your skin type
- Gently pat your skin dry with a clean towel
- Place 3 to 5 drops of oil in the palm of your hand
- Warm the oil between your palms for a few seconds
- Gently massage it into your face, neck and décolleté using upward circular movements
- Leave it to absorb for 1 to 2 minutes before going to bed
Specific areas: the eye contour
For the eye contour, a delicate area that is often the first to show signs of ageing:
- Use a single drop on the tip of your ring finger (the gentlest finger)
- Pat gently without stretching the skin
- Apply from the inside outwards, on the orbital bone only
- Avoid direct contact with the eyes
Targeted treatment: scars and stretch marks
To soften the appearance of scars and stretch marks:
- Apply a few drops directly to the affected area
- Massage in circular movements for 2 to 3 minutes
- Repeat daily, morning and evening if possible
- Consistency is key: allow at least 8 to 12 weeks to see visible results
Daytime use
Although evening application is recommended, you can use rosehip oil in the morning. In this case:
- Apply a smaller amount (2 to 3 drops)
- Wait 5 minutes before applying make-up
- Always apply sun protection on top if you are going out in the sun (as with any plant oil)
Which skin types is rosehip oil suitable for?
Contrary to some common misconceptions, rosehip oil is suitable for all skin types, even oily or combination skin. Its light texture and rapid absorption leave no greasy film.
| Skin type | Specific benefits | How to use |
|---|---|---|
| Mature skin | Softens wrinkles, fine lines and loss of elasticity. Helps regenerate tissue. | Daily evening application, face and neck. Can be used morning and evening. |
| Dry skin | Intensely nourishes, restores the skin barrier, soothes tightness. | On its own or mixed with your usual cream. Can replace your night cream. |
| Combination skin | Balances without adding excess oil, evens out skin tone, refines skin texture. | Targeted application on dry areas, or a small amount over the whole face. |
| Oily/acne-prone skin | Helps fade acne scars, regulates without clogging pores. | 2-3 drops in the evening only, on thoroughly cleansed skin. |
| Sensitive skin | Soothes redness and irritation, strengthens the skin barrier. | Patch test on a small area first. Apply gently without excessive rubbing. |
| Damaged skin | Supports repair, softens scars, stretch marks and minor burns. | Local application twice a day on the affected areas. |
How does rosehip oil differ from other anti-ageing oils?
If you're hesitating between different plant oils for your anti-ageing ritual, here is a comparison to help you choose.
Rosehip oil vs argan oil
Organic argan oil, nicknamed “the green gold of Morocco”, is also an excellent anti-ageing treatment, but there are notable differences:
| Criterion | Rosehip oil | Argan oil |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Musk rose seeds (South America) | Argan tree kernels (Morocco) |
| Texture | Very light, rapid absorption | Light to medium, rapid absorption |
| Main composition | Omega-3 and omega-6 (80%), vitamin A | Omega-9, vitamin E, polyphenols |
| Main action | Regeneration, scars, wrinkles | Nourishment, protection, radiance |
| Best for | Damaged skin, scars, targeted anti-ageing | All skin types, versatile use for face/hair/body |
| Use | Preferably in the evening | Morning and/or evening |
BYOU's tip: These two oils complement each other! You can alternate them (rosehip in the evening, argan in the morning) or even mix them to combine their benefits.
Other anti-ageing plant oils
- Prickly pear seed oil: even richer in vitamin E and antioxidants, ultra-light texture, higher price
- Evening primrose oil: excellent for mature and dry skin, rich in omega-6, richer texture
- Jojoba oil: balancing and protective, but less targeted at anti-ageing
How should you store rosehip oil to preserve its properties?
Rosehip oil is precious but fragile. Its richness in polyunsaturated fatty acids makes it sensitive to oxidation. Here's how to store it properly:
Optimal storage conditions
- Away from light: always keep the bottle in its packaging or in a closed cupboard. The tinted glass bottle already protects the oil, but avoid any prolonged exposure to direct light.
- Away from heat: ideal temperature between 10 and 20°C. Avoid an overheated bathroom.
- In the fridge after opening: this is ideal for maximising its shelf life. The oil may solidify slightly; simply let it return to room temperature for a few minutes before use.
- Tightly closed bottle: always close it carefully after use to limit contact with oxygen.
Shelf life
Once opened, use your rosehip oil within 6 months. After that, it may oxidise and lose its properties, or even develop a rancid smell.
Signs of oxidation to watch out for:
- Change in smell (strong, rancid or unpleasant odour)
- Change in colour (darker or cloudy)
- Change in texture (thicker or sticky)
If you notice any of these signs, it is best to stop using the oil on your face.
Can you use rosehip oil for other beauty purposes?
Beyond anti-ageing facial care, rosehip oil proves versatile for other beauty needs.
For hair
If your hair is dry or damaged, or you have split ends:
- Apply a few drops to dry lengths and ends (not the roots)
- As a pre-shampoo treatment: apply generously, leave on for 30 minutes to 1 hour, then wash
- As a finishing touch: 1 to 2 drops on damp hair after washing to seal in hydration
For the body
- Stretch marks: massage the at-risk areas (stomach, hips, thighs) daily during and after pregnancy
- Rough elbows and knees: apply a few drops to soften these thicker areas
- Damaged hands: as an overnight treatment, massage your hands and cuticles
For nails
Massage one drop of oil into each nail and cuticle in the evening. The oil helps nourish and strengthen brittle nails.
Is rosehip oil suitable during pregnancy?
Yes, rosehip oil is perfectly suitable during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Unlike essential oils, which may be contraindicated, this pure plant oil presents no risk.
It is even particularly recommended to:
- Prevent stretch marks: apply daily from the start of pregnancy to the stomach, hips, thighs and chest
- Soothe itching: stretching skin can itch, and the oil helps relieve it
- Fade existing stretch marks: after giving birth, massage the stretch marks regularly
Application tip during pregnancy: Apply the oil morning and evening to slightly damp skin (after showering) for better absorption. Massage in circular movements until fully absorbed.
How long does it take to see results with rosehip oil?
Patience is essential with natural skincare. Results vary depending on your goal and the condition of your skin:
- Immediate hydration and comfort: from the very first applications, your skin is softer and more supple
- Radiant complexion: after 2 to 3 weeks of regular use
- Softening of fine lines: 4 to 6 weeks of daily application
- Reduction of deep wrinkles: 8 to 12 weeks minimum
- Scars and stretch marks: 12 to 16 weeks, or even several months for older scars
The key to success: consistency. Daily application, ideally in the evening, will give much better results than occasional use.
Why choose organic, pure rosehip oil?
The quality of your oil directly determines its effectiveness. Here's why you should choose a 100% pure, organic oil:
First cold pressing
This mechanical extraction process, without excessive heat, preserves all the vitamins, fatty acids and antioxidants. Oils extracted with chemical solvents or refined oils lose a large part of their properties.
Organic certification
An organic oil guarantees:
- No pesticides or chemical fertilisers
- Respect for the environment and for producers
- Full traceability
- Regular inspections
100% pure, with no additives
Some commercial oils contain:
- Cheaper diluting oils (sunflower, rapeseed)
- Synthetic preservatives
- Artificial fragrances
- Colourings
A pure oil contains only one ingredient: Rosa Moschata Seed Oil*. Nothing else.
Protective packaging
A tinted glass bottle (amber or green) protects the oil from light and oxidation, unlike plastic, which can affect the quality and contaminate the oil.
FAQ: frequently asked questions about rosehip oil
Can rosehip oil replace my night cream?
Yes, absolutely! Rosehip oil can perfectly replace your night cream, especially if you have dry or mature skin. It intensely nourishes and regenerates while you sleep. If you have very dry skin, you can even apply it before your cream for an extra nourishing effect. For combination or oily skin, a small amount on its own may be enough.
Can I apply rosehip oil under my eyes?
Yes, it's even recommended! The eye contour is an area particularly prone to wrinkles and fine lines. Apply a single drop with the tip of your ring finger, patting gently without stretching the skin. The oil helps soften crow's feet and dark circles and hydrate this delicate area. Just avoid direct contact with the eyes.
Is rosehip oil comedogenic?
No, rosehip oil has a very low comedogenic rating (1 on a scale of 0 to 5). Its light texture and composition rich in linoleic acid make it suitable even for acne-prone skin. It absorbs quickly without clogging pores. Many people use it precisely to fade acne scars. If you have very reactive skin, start with a small amount (2-3 drops) in the evening only.
Can you mix rosehip oil with other oils?
Yes, you can create beneficial blends! Rosehip oil pairs very well with argan oil (all-round anti-ageing), jojoba oil (balancing) or prickly pear seed oil (super-antioxidant). Simply mix a few drops of each in your palm before applying. You can also add 1 to 2 drops to your usual cream to boost its effects.
How long does rosehip oil keep once opened?
Once opened, rosehip oil keeps for 6 months in optimal conditions: away from light and heat, ideally in the fridge. Its richness in polyunsaturated fatty acids makes it sensitive to oxidation. If you notice a change in smell (rancid odour), colour or texture, stop using the oil on your face. Unopened, it generally keeps for 12 to 18 months.
In summary: why add rosehip oil to your anti-ageing routine?
Rosehip oil has become a must-have in natural anti-ageing skincare. Its exceptional richness in vitamins A and C, omega-3 and omega-6, and antioxidants makes it a valuable ally to:
- Visibly soften wrinkles and fine lines
- Deeply regenerate the skin
- Reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks
- Even out skin tone and restore radiance
- Provide lasting nourishment and hydration
100% pure, organic and obtained by first cold pressing, this plant oil suits all skin types and fits easily into your beauty routine. Applied regularly, preferably in the evening, it reveals its full potential over the weeks.
At BYOU COSMÉTIQUES, we select an exceptional rosehip oil, packaged in a tinted glass bottle to preserve all its properties. A simple, authentic and effective beauty step, in the true tradition of the natural skincare we love sharing with you.
Ready to give your skin the best of nature?
