Rosehip
Rosa Canina
Rosehip Oil is a beautifully scented, nourishing oil which is popular in facial and body skincare due to its soothing properties. It has been used in the past as a wound healer too, but today is mostly used in the skincare community.
History of Rosehip Oil
Rosehip Oil has a vast history, and was originally used by Ancient Egyptians, Mayans and Native Americans. It was believed to have vast healing properties, and the assumptions were correct! Rosehip Oil is naturally packed with essential vitamins and acids that work wonders for the skin, the most notable being Vitamin E, which nourishes and plumps the skin in minutes. It isn’t to be confused with Rose Oil as the two are very different. Rose Oil is the essential oil whereas Rosehip Oil is used as a carrier oil to either dilute essential oils, or be used on its own topically. Rose Oil wouldn’t be advised to be used without diluting in a carrier oil, however Rosehip Oil is absolutely fine to use as a standalone oil as it’s a carrier oil.
Although the first use of Rosehip Oil isn’t completely clear, it’s believed that the Ancient Egyptians were in fact the first to use the oil and benefit from it, as it was recorded in hieroglyphics! The Egyptians were known to use many different oils either for aromatic purposes or as medicine. Around the 1980's, studies were conducted and the multiple beneficial healing properties of Rosehip Oil were officially discovered, and it was at this point that the oil began to rise in commercial popularity. Studies showed that even extremely sensitive skin reacted well to Rosehip Oil, thus explaining why today so many skincare products aimed at “sensitive” or “acne-prone” skin contain Rosehip Oil in it. Today, it’s a widely respected and highly popular oil which is best used on the skin: face, body, hands, as well as your scalp. We love Rosehip Oil!
So, why has Rosehip Oil survived through the ages?
Along with smelling gorgeous and having vast historical use, the main reason as to why Rosehip Oil has continued to be a household name and incredibly popular is because of the many benefits that it can give. Although it is a slightly more expensive carrier oil, it’s one that works with pretty much any essential oil on the market, and can be used for massage, general skincare as well as scalp and hair care due to the high vitamin and moisture content. Overall, it’s an oil that we love and we’d highly recommend having as an essential carrier oil in your collection!
Extracting Rosehip Oil
Unlike many other essential oils, the process of making Rosehip Oil is a little bit more complicated. To produce cold pressed carrier oil, the rosehips need to be washed, dried and then cooked in a pot until seeds float to the top. The seeds are then removed and cold pressed. In some circumstances a small amount of heat may be used (around 30 degrees) but anything more will result in losing the fatty acids and nutritious vitamins that Rosehip Oil possesses. It’s a slightly more complicated process which explains why the carrier oil is more expensive in comparison to others on the market. Around 30ml of Rosehip Oil requires around 50,000-60,000 plants overall. You can also use a solvent extraction in some circumstances to yield the oil, however this is more likely to produce an essential or absolute oil rather than the carrier oil, which is what we’re looking to do.
So, can I make Rosehip Oil at home?
Unless you are a professional, we wouldn’t recommend making this oil at home. It’s one of the few oils on the market that requires a complex process, time and a lot of patience to create a high quality oil, and if you don’t follow the process correctly, then there’s a high chance that you’ll damage the yield of the oil as well as the overall quality of it. It’s unlikely that you’ll be able to access so many blooms/plants to even make a small amount, so in this scenario - we recommend buying the oil instead, rather than trying to make it at home!
What do you think of Rosehip Oil? Is it an essential collection? Have you ever tried to make it before, and if you have - did you try another method? We’d love to know the outcome, so, feel free to reach out and share your stories with one of the team today.
So, can I make Rosehip Oil at home?
Unless you are a professional, we wouldn’t recommend making this oil at home. It’s one of the few oils on the market that requires a complex process, time and a lot of patience to create a high quality oil, and if you don’t follow the process correctly, then there’s a high chance that you’ll damage the yield of the oil as well as the overall quality of it. It’s unlikely that you’ll be able to access so many blooms/plants to even make a small amount, so in this scenario - we recommend buying the oil instead, rather than trying to make it at home!
What do you think of Rosehip Oil? Is it an essential collection? Have you ever tried to make it before, and if you have - did you try another method? We’d love to know the outcome, so, feel free to reach out and share your stories with one of the team today.
Rosehip Oil Varieties
Rosehip Oil Varieties
There are two main varieties of rose used to make Rosehip Oil, and that is Rosa Canina and Rosa Rubiginosa. Rosa Canina is referred to as the “dog rose” and is native to North Africa, Asia and Europe. The oil that is extracted from this rose has many hydrating properties, and has a high content of vitamins A, E and D. The composition is around 70-75% of essential fatty acids. It’s also a rich source of Omega 3,6 and 9 which is highly beneficial for your skin, nails and scalp. Rosa Rubiginosa, also known as “rosa mosqueta” is native to Chile. It has a higher fatty acid content than canina which sits at 78%. It has very similar levels of vitamins, however is better on acne-prone or extremely sensitive skin in comparison to canina.
There are other varieties out there, but overall these are the two which are the most popular and commonly used on a commercial scale. You may find some variations that are called Rosa Eglanteria or Rosa Moschata; these come from Chile but again, have very similar properties to both rubiginosa and canina.
So, which variety of Rosehip Oil should I use?
Your skin type will depend on which variety would work best for you. If you struggle with acne-prone or incredibly sensitive skin, then you’d be better off using Rosa Rubiginosa as this is said to perform better on that skin type. However, if you struggle with very dry and/or combination skin, then the Rosa Canina variation will probably work better for you overall. Please ensure that whatever variation you buy, that you check that it is ethically sourced and from a reputable distributor, as well as ensuring that it isn’t mixed with any alcohols or oils to bulk out the amount.
What do you think of Rosehip Oil? Is it an essential in your collection? Which variety do you prefer? As always, the team loves to hear how you’re getting the most out of your collection. So, feel free to reach out and share your story with one of the team today.
There are other varieties out there, but overall these are the two which are the most popular and commonly used on a commercial scale. You may find some variations that are called Rosa Eglanteria or Rosa Moschata; these come from Chile but again, have very similar properties to both rubiginosa and canina.
So, which variety of Rosehip Oil should I use?
Your skin type will depend on which variety would work best for you. If you struggle with acne-prone or incredibly sensitive skin, then you’d be better off using Rosa Rubiginosa as this is said to perform better on that skin type. However, if you struggle with very dry and/or combination skin, then the Rosa Canina variation will probably work better for you overall. Please ensure that whatever variation you buy, that you check that it is ethically sourced and from a reputable distributor, as well as ensuring that it isn’t mixed with any alcohols or oils to bulk out the amount.
What do you think of Rosehip Oil? Is it an essential in your collection? Which variety do you prefer? As always, the team loves to hear how you’re getting the most out of your collection. So, feel free to reach out and share your story with one of the team today.
Benefits of Rosehip Oil
Rosehip Oil is naturally packed with essential vitamins that work miracles for the skin, the most notable being Vitamin E, which moisturises and plumps the skin within moments. Rosehip Oil is used as a carrier oil to either dilute essential oils, or be used on its own topically! Read more to learn about the benefits...
What are the benefits of Rosehip Oil?
High vitamin content
Rosehip Oil naturally is packed full of vitamins and essential fatty acids. Vitamin A,D,C and E are all present in Rosehip Oil, making it an excellent oil to own if you’re looking to nourish your skin with an oil that has a high vitamin content. Using the oil on a daily basis can have a considerable impact on your skin’s look and feel.
Moisturising Properties
Due to the high content of Vitamin E in Rosehip Oil, is it a highly moisturising carrier oil. You can use it on your whole body, hands, face as well as massage into your nails and cuticles, especially if they are brittle and dry. It’s an excellent carrier oil to bring on holiday with you and add a few drops into your after sun, to inject your skin with moisture.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
Naturally, Rosehip Oil is an excellent anti-inflammatory and can be used on inflamed breakouts as well as a massage oil for inflamed muscles and joints. You can use it on its own or with essential oils that have similar properties.
Healing Properties
Along with being an anti-inflammatory, Rosehip Oil has a number of healing properties due to the high content of Omega 6. You can use it on small cuts, wounds and grazes and it can facilitate a quicker healing process overall.
Emulsifier
Rosehip Oil is an excellent thinner when mixed with other essential and carrier oils, and can also work well when used in soaps, moisturisers or other homemade cosmetics due to its emulsifying properties. If you are looking to create your own products from scratch, Rosehip Oil is an excellent foundation ingredient to use.
Please note that the benefits of Rosehip Oil may vary from person to person, and what may work for you may not work for someone else. If you’re looking to use Rosehip Oil as a replacement for a prescribed cream or oil, please consult with your dermatologist before doing so.
Uses of Rosehip Oil
Rosehip Oil is a nourishing and luxurious feeling carrier oil which has been used for thousands of years in cosmetics, skincare as well as alternative medicinal therapies. It was first used by the Ancient Egyptians to soothe dry skin as well as act as a perfumed moisturiser, and over time has grown in popularity due to the high content of vitamins and fats that are crucial for our skin, hair and nails to thrive. It is not to be confused with Rose Oil which is the essential oil, as the extraction process as well as the part of the plant is completely different when making Rosehip Oil. It’s a slightly more expensive carrier oil, however the benefits excuse the price! It’s a widely commercialised oil and if you’re struggling with dry skin, oily skin or even acne-prone skin - Rosehip Oil is great for all types.
So, what can I use Rosehip Oil for?
Skincare
Whether it’s a daily moisturiser, nourishing face mask or a topical, acute spot treatment; Rosehip Oil is one of the holy grail carrier oils when it comes to skincare. It is deeply moisturising and can be used either on its own or blended with essential oils or moisturisers to create amazing treatments.
Haircare
If you’re struggling with brittle ends, a flaky scalp or dull hair that lacks shine, then using Rosehip Oil regularly (around 3x a week) will work wonders. We recommend using it either in a spray bottle mixed with water or as a hair mask that you can leave overnight. If you’re using it as a hair mask, we recommend mixing it with another rich carrier oil such as Coconut Oil.
Nail care
Use a small amount of Rosehip Oil on a cotton bud and dab onto the nails and cuticles before bed. Do this every evening and you’ll see that your nails will grow thicker and stronger and won’t break as easily.
Massage
Struggling with aching muscles and want the feeling of a spa at home? Rosehip Oil is an excellent massage oil and can be used either on its own or mixed with other essential oils to make a gorgeous massage oil.
Homemade products
You can use Rosehip Oil to create perfumes, moisturisers, oils, soaps and balms due to its emulsifying properties.
Blends well with
Here at Essentially Yours we’re passionate about sharing our tips, tricks and knowledge with you so you can get the most out of all the oils that you own. Whether it’s finding the best essential oil blends or understanding which carrier oils can add the most value to your collection - don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this blog we’re going to talk about Rosehip Oil and what it blends well with. So, if you want to learn more - keep reading!
Jojoba Oil
Moisturising and light, this is a gorgeous blend for facial treatments or cuticle treatments, particularly if you suffer with dry hands (excessive washing) or brittle nails which break and crack.
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Coconut Oil
Rich and creamy, this is a perfect blend for hair masks or overnight facial treatments. Both oils are packed with fatty acids and essential vitamins that can help to restore your hair and skin; injecting them with moisture and making you feel nourished from head to toe. Please note that if you have acne-prone skin, to only use a small amount of this blend or swap it for Jojoba Oil if you are worried about using an oil on your face for the first time.
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Almond Oil
Rich and sweet, this is a great blend for massage or for overnight hair treatments, particularly if you’re dealing with very brittle ends or a dry scalp. You can also put this blend into a spray and spritz onto wet hair and comb through before blow drying to lock in extra moisture.
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Jasmine Oil
Delicate and complex, this is a great blend to add into the bath. The Rosehip Oil will moisturise your skin and leave it feeling soft, whilst the Jasmine Oil will work as a sedative and help to relax your muscles, whilst aiding restful sleep.
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Clary Sage Oil
This is a great blend for pain relief, and can be used massaged into the skin or used in the bath right before bed. If you’re struggling with menstrual pain, you can use this blend soaked into a muslin cloth and as an ‘oil pack’ on your pelvic area.
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Tea Tree Oil
Refreshing and medicinal, this blend is great for topical, acute spot treatments or on a spot that looks as though it will turn into a whitehead. It should calm the area and prevent the spot from developing further. If you have extremely sensitive skin then be careful before using this treatment and consult with a dermatologist where necessary.
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