When Victoria Beckham, Kourtney Kardashian, and the Duchess of Cambridge all use the same face serum, best believe we sit up and take notes. And it’s not because we think all celebs are skincare experts, but rather because they have access to the very best dermatologists and products, not to mention their *glowing* red-carpet-ready skin, so why wouldn’t we take their advice?
This skin nourishing oil is praised for its anti-inflammatory, glow-giving and hydrating properties and with so many amazing benefits, rosehip oil has a place in every skincare routine, no matter your skin type. If you’re releasing a deep sigh at the thought of having to research yet another ingredient and whether it actually works, you can refrain this time around. We’ve done all the hard work for you and asked three different skin experts to break down everything there is to know about this skincare powerhouse.
Closer's best rosehip oils at a glance:
Best rosehip oil for smoothing skin: Grown Alchemist Pure Rosehip Oil, £63 on Look Fantastic
Best rosehip oil for dry skin: Mario Badescu Rose Hips Nourishing Serum, £21 on Beauty Bay
Best rosehip oil with natural ingredients: Antipodes Divine Face Oil Rosehip and Avocado Oil, £30 on Antipodes
What exactly is rosehip oil?
Rosehip oil is a natural oil extracted from the seeds of wild rose bushes,” says CEO and founder of Formulae Prescott, Pauline Prescott. “It’s renowned for its high content of essential fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants, making it a skincare superstar.”
What are the benefits of rosehip oil?
Rosehip oil helps to fade scars and firm the skin, says Antipodes founder, Elizabeth Barbalich. She went on to explain that rosehip oil contains polyphenols and vitamin E, which provide anti-inflammatory action that offers relief from redness, as well as vitamin A to support collagen production to soften the appearance of fine lines.
Which skin type benefits most from using rosehip oil?
Finding the right oil for your skin type can often feel like a trial-and-error system. Happily, rosehip oil is beneficial for all skin types, but especially for those who suffer from acne. “Rosehip oil helps to smooth the appearance of acne and acne scars, at the same time as softening and nourishing the skin,” says Elizabeth. It’s lightweight and has a high concentration of omega-6 fatty acids (also known as linoleic acid), which makes it particularly helpful for those with acne-prone skin, as deficiency of linoleic acid is linked to the development of acne. According to Elizabeth, rosehip oil also helps to strengthen the skin barrier.
Now that you've gotten the full scoop on this hydrating hero, we bet you're dying to try it for yourself. Check out some of the best rosehip oils below.
SHOP: The best rosehip oils 2024
Best rosehip oil for smoothing skin
lookfantasticwww.lookfantastic.com
While adding moisture, this nourishing oil also supports firmer skin and helps to minimise the look of fine lines and imperfections. Apply just a few drops to give the skin a welcomed hit of hydration.
Tried & tested by Style Writer Phoebe Denman: This pure rosehip oil provided me with nourishment and a much more even and balanced skin tone. My skin began to show noticeable signs of improvement after just one week. Not to mention, a little bit of product goes a long way.
Pros
- Safe for all skin types, including sensitive
- Non-greasy feel and finish
Cons
- Small amount for the high price point
Best rosehip oil for dry skin
beauty bay
Best for those looking for lightweight but effective nourishment, this hydrating serum brightens up a dull complexion, making it the perfect solution for when your skin needs a little pick-me-up. Apply 2-3 drops all over a cleansed face and neck, morning and night.
Tried & tested by Style Writer Phoebe Denman: This rosehip oil is amazing! It really helps to nourish and hydrate my skin when it's feeling on the drier side, it’s my new go-to face oil.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Absorbs easily
Cons
- Dropper can be messy
Best rosehip oil with natural ingredients
Antipodesuk.antipodesnature.com
This oil is a blend of natural ingredients known for their hydrating, protective and skin-firming properties. Apart from rosehip oil, it’s also got avocado oil, which is packed full of vitamins and antioxidants that are perfect for maintaining a healthy complexion.
Customer review: It has a nice consistency and I’ve definitely noticed a difference in my skin. I even use a couple of drops under my moisturiser when wearing makeup and it doesn’t leave me greasy.
Pros
- Lightweight and non-sticky
- A little bit goes a long way
Cons
- Some users didn't like the scent
Best glow-giving rosehip oil
counter culturewww.counterculturestore.co.uk
This product contains a cocktail of highly effective botanical actives including a powerful plant stem cell complex, vitamins and antioxidant-rich ingredients. The formula is lightweight but effective and absorbs easily.
Customer review: “This is my favourite skincare product and the only thing I use on my skin. I’ve been using it daily for the past 4 years and continuously receive compliments on how glowy my skin looks.”
Pros
- Antioxidant-rich formula
- Non-greasy
Cons
- Sensitivity to fragrance
Best lightweight rosehip oil
sephorawww.sephora.co.uk
Rejuvenating skin to leave it feeling smooth and hydrated, the natural ingredients in this plumping oil work overnight to brighten the complexion and seal in moisture. It’s cruelty-free, vegan and has been made to work for all skin types.
Customer review: "Love this product, it moisturises the skin without being heavy at all. Had a flare-up on my body and used this oil to treat it, it worked a miracle at calming things down really quickly."
Pros
- Absorbs into skin quickly
- Non-greasy
Cons
- Doesn't fade fine lines as well as other products
Best budget-friendly rosehip oil
cult beautywww.cultbeauty.co.uk
This hydrating formulation is cold-pressed to avoid any of the nourishing ingredients being compromised, as extraction processes used in other rosehip oils involving heat can cause ingredients to degrade. It's a great affordable option, too.
Customer review: "Easy, effective, slightly on the heavy side but great for dry skin."
Pros
- Results after only a few uses
- Calms redness
Cons
- Some users didn't like the scent
Best organic rosehip oil
sephorawww.lookfantastic.com
This natural rosehip oil is a superstar facial oil with all the right ingredients. It blends rosehip with vitamin E, 80% essential fatty acids and antioxidants to promote repair, rejuvenation and overall skin health.
Customer review: "So effective for dry/combination skin if you're trying to improve dark spots and acne scars. It takes quite a while to sink in, so those with an oily/oily combination might dislike it. It takes less than 2 weeks to completely heal scars and also gives a lot of moisture due to the oil texture. I've tried other rosehip oils from other brands but none gave me as good results."
Pros
- Hydrating
- Fades dark spots
Cons
- May be too much for oily skin types
Best rosehip oil for mature skin
sephorawww.sephora.co.uk
In addition to feeling light as a feather on the skin, this nourishing hero is packed with the glow-giving, hydrating effects of argan oil and black seed oil. With regular use, it promises to repair damaged skin while improving elasticity.
Customer review: "This tiny 10ml bottle lasted me a solid month and I loved using it for my nighttime routine. It's very lightweight and absorbs beautifully, leaving skin feeling plump and pampered. Be warned that it does have a specific flowery scent which I loved but some may find off-putting."
Pros
- Easy to use
- Hydrating
Cons
- Some users didn't like the scent
Best non-greasy rosehip oil
bootswww.boots.com
Sukin's rosehip oil is a natural oil perfect for dry and distressed skin types. It has a cold-pressed formula that keeps your skin glowing without an oily feel.
Customer review: "Nourishing for my skin, sinks in without being too oily and only two or three drops needed per application. Especially good in the colder months when you need a bit of extra hydration."
Pros
- Absorbs into skin quickly
- Lightweight
Cons
- Earthy fragrance that some users may not like
How to use rosehip oil
You can use rosehip oil as the last product in your skincare routine before you go to bed to lock in moisture and give your skin a much-needed boost overnight. The key to using rosehip oil is that a little goes a long way. Just 2-3 drops are usually enough, so if you’re finding that you’re left with an oily residue on your skin after applying, you’re likely using too much. Warm the product between your fingertips and gently massage it into your skin.
Side effects of rosehip oil
Rosehip oil is organic and naturally derived, so it shouldn’t really cause any side effects or irritation. Nevertheless, Cosmetic Chemist at Mario Badescu, Britney Pereira says that those with sensitive skin should still be cautious.
“Individual responses to any skincare product can vary,” Says Britney. “So doing a patch test and monitoring your skin’s reaction is advisable.”
No matter what your skin concerns are, you can benefit from using rosehip oil regularly. From soothing redness and blemishes to treating wrinkles and stretch marks, it’s truly one of the most nourishing and hydrating oils out there.
Phoebe Denman is a Style Writer for heat and Closer where she covers fashion and beauty content. She writes broadly across both for print and online, covering everything from trend reports and shopping pages, to product reviews and chatting to celebs about their style faves.