What Is Rose Hip Seed Oil?

Rose hip seed oil comes from the wild roses of Chile and has long been known for its healthful properties. The native people of the region have used the oil from the rose hip seeds for centuries. Rose hip seed oil is quickly finding its place as a natural skin healing agent.

Identification

• Rose hip seed oil is obtained by cold-pressing the seeds of the wild Chilean rose and extracting the oil. The seeds contain about 9 percent oil, which is ideally a rich, rosy color.

Features

• Rose hip seed oil is high in linoleic fatty acid and linolenic fatty acids; both are known as essential fatty acids and helps reduce pore size when applied to the skin.

Function

• Rose hip seed oil is the only vegetable oil that contains vitamin A acids, which are helpful in treating scaring from burns and acne wounds, as well as treating sun-damaged and aging skin.

History

• Studies testing the benefits of rose hip seed oil are recent. The first major scientific study was composed by the University of Santiago in 1983 and involved 180 people. The study indicated the benefits of rose hip seed oil in treating scarring, aging and sun-damaged skin.

Considerations

• Rose hip seed oil is light and gentle and contains high amounts of vitamin E, making it an excellent moisturizer for delicate facial areas. Its healing properties have earned this oil a place in many high-end cosmetics; it can also be used alone for a healthful and inexpensive daily moisturizer.