Rosehip Oil is the One Thing You're Missing From Your Beauty Routine (2024)

Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Kate Middleton and Miranda Kerr know a thing or two about having glowing skin. Their secret? Other than having access to the top facialists in the world, they both also credit their gorgeous skin to a single skincare ingredient: rosehip oil.

So what is rosehip oil? It's an oil extracted from the seeds of various rose bushes. Historically, it was used by the Egyptians, Mayans, and Native Americans for its healing and nourishing properties. Now it’s used to treat a number of inflammatory diseases including common skin concerns, according to board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology Y. Claire Chang and board-certified dermatologist Melissa K. Levin.

"Rosehip oil has been shown to be full of antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids that may potentially have skin benefits," says Chang.“It is unclear exactly how existing topical formulations of rosehip oil penetrate and effect the skin; more clinical studies are needed to confirm these suggested benefits."

It has anti-inflammatory and healing properties.

Chang explains rosehip oil has a high concentration of fatty acids, like linoleic and oleic acid, which have antioxidant, moisturizing, and skin protective effects. There are studies (although only a small number of them, she cautions) that show it allows for faster wound healing, improved appearance of post-surgical scars, and improvement in inflammatory conditions such as eczema and dry skin.

Levin says rosehip oil’s composition makes it useful to neutralize oxidative stress, one of the causes of premature aging. “Rosehip oil is rich with vitamin A, E, C, and D which has been used for not only hydration but also scars, stretch marks, and redness in rosacea-prone skin,” she says. “The high vitamin C content further helps with pigmentation.”

It smooths out fine lines and firms skin.

Speaking of vitamins, rosehip oil contains pretty much all the ones we need for radiant and taught skin. Vitamin A (the purest for of retinol) targets fine lines while vitamin C brightens dark spots and stimulates collagen production. As an added bonus, it has vitamin E for protection against sun damage and environmental pollution.

It mixes well with other ingredients.

According to both Chang and Levin, rosehip oil can be easily integrated in your existing beauty routine. “It is typically well tolerated and can be used in conjunction with other active ingredients,” says Chang. “However, I always recommend doing a small at-home patch test of any new product or active ingredient before using it regularly on the face.”

Both dermatologists agree that you only need a few drops to get the most out of the multi-faceted ingredient. “In general, I recommend applying skincare products from lightest consistency to thickest,” says Chang. “Rosehip oil, like other oils, can go on after toners, serums, ampoules, and before thick moisturizers. You only need to add a few drops of rosehip oil to apply to the whole face.”

With any essential oils, there's always the risk of an allergic reaction. “All botanicals ingredients such as rosehip oil can cause irritation; it's important to start by testing the product on a small area of your ski, like the inner forearm, to ensure there is no reaction,” adds Levin.