Rose hip seed oil comes from the fruits of rose hip shrubs, which have the scientific name of Rosa rubiginosa. This oil typically has a pale yellow-brown to orange coloring and a strong rose scent. Rose hip seed oil contains numerous vitamins and may offer several health benefits. Talk to your health care provider before consuming rose hip seed oil.
Botany
Rose hip shrubs belong to the Rosaceae plant family and naturally grow in Europe, Asia, Chile and North Africa. This perennial bush bears flexible branches, purple thorns, green leaves and white or pink flowers. It also features vibrant red or orange fruits known as hips. Each rose hip contains several seeds, which are pressed or ground into oil.
Chemistry
Drugs.com reports that rose hips are a rich source of vitamin C and ascorbic acid. Rose hips also contain vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin E and several of the B vitamins. According to Centerchem Inc., rose hip seed oil offers high levels of essential fatty acids, including oleic, linoleic, stearic and palmitic acids. Other active ingredients include flavonoids, tannins, malic acid and a volatile oil.
Benefits
Drugs.com explains that the high levels of vitamin C make rose hip seeds a natural choice to include in vitamins and herbal teas. Some health supplement manufacturers claim that rose hip seed oil also has a diuretic effect, but more research is needed to support this claim. Add this oil to sauces, syrups or jellies to obtain its nutritional benefits. Talk with your doctor before consuming rose hip seed oil to treat specific health issues.
External Uses
Women have long used rose hip seed oil to care for their skin. This oil might help reduce the appearance of acne scars, deep wrinkles, burn scars and sun damage. Botanical.com explains that it might also help delay the aging process by increasing your skin's elastin and collagen levels. Centerchem Inc., adds that this oil often appears in many creams and lotions designed to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy. Rose hip seed oil might also help you to treat your brittle nails or dry, damaged hair.
Considerations
Botanical.com explains that rose hip seed oil typically soaks into your skin without leaving a greasy residue. Use rose hip seed oil directly from the bottle, or mix it into your favorite massage oils, body lotions or facial creams. This oil is gentle enough for even sensitive skin, but isn't recommended for use on extremely oily or acne-prone skin.
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