Essential Oils & Aromatherapy · Carrier oil
Rosehip Seed Oil
Rosa canina L. and Rosa rubiginosa L. (also sold as Rosa moschata) · also called Rosehip oil, rose hip oil, rosa mosqueta oil, dog rose oil (Rosa canina), sweet briar oil (Rosa rubiginosa).
Rosehip seed oil is a plant oil from the seeds of wild roses, used on skin and to dilute essential oils. Studies on scars and stretch marks are few and small, and many are lab or animal work. An allergy case report exists, and the oil goes rancid more easily than many oils. It is not the same as rosehip powder taken by mouth.
General information, not medical advice. Last substantive update · Not medically reviewed. A named clinician has not signed off on this page. How this page is made
About Rosehip Seed Oil
Rosehip seed oil is a plant oil from wild rose seeds. Human research on skin is small, old or tied to combination creams, and the best-looking results come from rats and cells. Allergy has been reported, and the oil goes rancid more easily than many others. The research on rosehip powder for osteoarthritis is a different product and does not tell us about the oil.
What it is
Rosehip seed oil comes from wild roses, mainly Rosa canina (dog rose) and Rosa rubiginosa (sweet briar, called mosqueta rose in Spanish papers). Rosa moschata also appears on some labels. GBIF accepts all three names. Papers disagree on whether the oil is pressed from the whole hip or from the seeds, so check the label.
It is a fatty oil used on skin and as a carrier oil to dilute essential oils. It is not rose essential oil, rose water, rosehip tea or rosehip powder.
Traditional and current uses
Spanish and Chilean papers describe mosqueta rose oil on skin, and old Russian and Brazilian papers describe rose hip oil for skin disease and open wounds. Today it is sold for scars, stretch marks, ageing skin and dark spots. Long use is not proof it works.
What the research shows
A 2024 review found few good studies and said two human trials suggest the oil may reduce scar size and redness, but concluded there is not enough evidence to recommend it for wounds.
In pregnancy, a cream with four active ingredients including rosehip oil did not change the overall rate of stretch marks (37.6% treated, 33.3% control). New marks were less common in women who had none at the start (5.6% against 35%), but that is a subgroup and the oil cannot be separated out.
In 68 children with diabetes, the oil on finger-prick skin damage gave no benefit over no treatment. A small open radiotherapy study and a 1990 study of 10 ulcer patients were positive but weak. Rats and dish tests are encouraging for wounds. Wrinkle, acne, pigment and hair claims have no human trial of the oil alone.
Oil versus rosehip powder, tea and fruit
The one meta-analysis that found a small pain benefit used rosehip hip powder taken by mouth for osteoarthritis. All three trials were supported by the maker, and the authors asked for independent trials. Nothing in it applies to the oil on skin. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking any rosehip supplement.
Quality and storage
Seven commercial rosehip oils fell into two groups with different make-up, and a fraud paper says rosehip oil is open to mixing with cheaper oils. Two cold-pressed oils tested well on quality values. Look for a label that names the species, and smell the oil before use.
Regulators
An expert panel for cosmetic ingredient safety (2022) judged 12 Rosa canina cosmetic ingredients safe as used when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing. The abstract does not say which one is the seed oil. A 2008 review says the German Commission E gave rose hip preparations by mouth negative monographs for insufficient evidence; we did not open the monograph. We did not check other regulators.
At a glance
Traditional uses history, not proof
- Used on skin as mosqueta rose oil in Spanish-language papers from Spain and Chile, and in old Russian and Brazilian papers. Long use is not proof it works.
- Rosehips (the fruit) are traditionally used as herbal remedies for many disorders, according to a 2024 review. That is the fruit, not the seed oil.
Studied for research
- Scars after surgery, insufficient
- Stretch marks in pregnancy (cream containing the oil), very low
- Leg ulcers and wounds (small old study), insufficient
- Wound healing in animals and cells, very low
- Skin reactions from radiotherapy, insufficient
- Finger-prick skin damage in children, no benefit found
- Wrinkles, acne and dark spots, insufficient
- Hair regrowth (mice), very low
- Osteoarthritis pain (rosehip powder, a different product), low
Main compounds
- Linoleic acid (omega-6 fat)
- Alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3 fat)
- Oleic acid
- Tocopherols (vitamin E family), phytosterols and carotenoids in small amounts
Common forms
- Pure cold-pressed oil
- Creams and serums that contain the oil (contents vary)
- Carrier oil blends for diluting essential oils
- Rosehip powder, tea and capsules are different products
Research links: Review: rosehip oil and postsurgical scars (abstract) · Stretch mark cream trial in pregnancy (abstract) · Finger-prick skin trial in children (abstract) · Rosehip seed oil and wounds in rats and cells (abstract) · Allergic contact dermatitis from rosa mosqueta oil (2018 case report) · Oxidation of rosehip, sunflower, olive and jojoba oils (abstract) · Research Library · Genes & Biomarkers Library
What it is and its history
- Accepted scientific name
- Rosa canina and Rosa rubiginosa (Rosa moschata also named on some labels)
- Naming authority
- Rosa canina L.; Rosa rubiginosa L.; Rosa moschata Herrm.
- Common names
- Rosehip oil (English); Rosehip seed oil (English); Rose hip oil (English); Rosa mosqueta oil (Spanish / English); Dog rose (Rosa canina) (English); Sweet briar (Rosa rubiginosa) (English)
- Family or group
- Rosaceae (the rose family)
- Classification
- Plantae > Tracheophyta > Magnoliopsida > Rosales > Rosaceae > Rosa > Rosa canina; Rosa rubiginosa; Rosa moschata
- Native range
- Not checked.
- Habitat
- Not checked.
- What it looks like
- Roots: Not checked.; Stems: Not checked.; Leaves: Not checked.; Flowers: Not checked.; Fruit: The rosehip is the fruit; its seeds hold the oil (Saini 2024 abstract).
- Cultivation
- Not checked.
- Harvest and processing
- Oil is pressed or extracted from rosehip seeds or hips. Cold-pressed oils were tested in one paper; extraction methods differ and were not read in detail.
- Look-alikes and adulterants
- Name: Rosehip powder, tea or fruit extract; Note: Different products from the oil. The osteoarthritis research is on a powder taken by mouth.; Name: Rose essential oil and rose water; Note: Made from rose petals, not hips; see the rose oil page.; Name: Other carrier oils; Note: Jojoba, olive and sunflower oil resisted oxidation better than rosehip oil in one heated test.
- Sustainability and conservation
- Not checked.
Traditional use and history history, not clinical proof
| Tradition or era | Documented use | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional herbal medicine (rosehips) | A 2024 review says rosehips are wild plants traditionally used as herbal remedies for a wide range of disorders. That covers the fruit, not necessarily the seed oil. Long use is not proof of benefit. | p38666029 |
| 1960s to 1990 clinical papers | A 1967 Russian paper (title only) used rose hip oil with a vitamin preparation for some skin diseases; a 1988 Brazilian letter (title only) was on Rosa rubiginosa oil and open wounds; a 1990 Spanish study of 10 patients used mosqueta rose oil on leg ulcers. | p2214931 |
| German Commission E | Per a 2008 review abstract, rose hip, rose hip and seed and rose hip seed all got negative monographs for insufficient evidence. The monograph itself was not read. | p18384191 |
Traditional use shows how it was used. It does not show that it works or is safe today.
What is inside, and how it may work
What it contains and how those compounds act in cells and animals. Laboratory and animal mechanisms are not proven effects in people.
Main compounds
| Compound | Family | Where it is concentrated | Activity studied | Level of evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Linoleic acid PubChem 5280450 | omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid | Seed oil 45.46% in one rosehip seed oil sample (GC-MS) | Authors link fatty-acid make-up to oxidation and to skin effects; not shown in people. 2 15 | Laboratory |
| Alpha-linolenic acid (linolenic acid) PubChem 5280934 | omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid | Seed oil Described as a high-linolenic oil in one paper; 47 to 49% in two of seven commercial samples in another | Makes the oil prone to oxidation. 11 16 9 | Laboratory |
| Oleic acid PubChem 445639 | monounsaturated fatty acid | Seed oil 7.3 to 19.1% in two ω-3-dominant samples | Not discussed in the abstract. 16 | Laboratory |
| Tocopherols, phytosterols, carotenoids | oil-soluble micronutrients | Seed oil Up to 1124.7, 6485.4 and 107.7 mg/kg in two cold-pressed oils | Antioxidant capacity in the lab. 11 | Laboratory |
Mechanisms, receptors and pathways
| Target or pathway | Gene or receptor | What was found | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Macrophage switch from inflammatory to repair type | CD68, CCR7, CD163, TGF-beta1, alpha-SMA (markers) | Authors suggest rosehip oil speeds this switch and slows a scar-forming process in animal wounds. 13 | Animal research |
| Growth factors and antioxidant capacity in wounds | VEGF, TGF-beta | Highest VEGF and TGF-beta and most antioxidant capacity in rat wounds treated with rosehip seed oil. 2 | Animal research |
| Collagen and inflammatory cells in mouth ulcers | n/a | Fewer inflammatory cells and more collagen in rat ulcers; more gum fibroblast growth in a dish. 8 | Animal research |
| Hair follicle growth phase | Beta-catenin, Sonic hedgehog, cyclin D1, IGF-1 (reported higher) | Mouse skin showed earlier entry of follicles into the growth phase. 25 | Animal research |
Absorption, metabolism and elimination
- Absorption
- Not described in the sources read.
- Distribution
- Not described.
- Metabolism
- Not described.
- Elimination
- Not described.
- Bioavailability
- Not described.
Isolated compounds versus whole extracts
Which part of the oil does what is not known. The osteoarthritis research is on whole hip powder, which is a different material from the seed oil.
Nutritional composition
Not discussed here. This page is about oil used on skin; the sources read did not cover rosehip oil as food.
2 low certainty3 very low certainty4 not enough evidence
What was looked at
The 9 benefits and uses checked for Rosehip Seed Oil, each with how strong the evidence is. Tap one to open it.
- Scars after surgeryNot enough evidence
- Stretch marks in pregnancy (cream that contains the oil)Very low certainty
- Leg ulcers and surgical wounds (a small old study)Not enough evidence
- Wound healing in animals and cellsVery low certainty
- Skin reactions from radiotherapyNot enough evidence
- Finger-prick skin damage in children with diabetesLow certainty
- Skin ageing, acne and pigment claimsNot enough evidence
- Hair regrowth (mice only)Very low certainty
- Osteoarthritis pain (rosehip powder taken by mouth, a different product)Low certainty
Lab markers tracked in the studies
Scar size and rednessStretch mark severity and new marksWound healing rate in ratsRadiation skin reaction gradeSkin lesion score on the handsHair follicle density (mice)Osteoarthritis pain score
What is Rosehip Seed Oil good for?
What the research shows for each use, and how strong it is. Most of it is small, old or from animals and dishes. Read the Safety tab too.
Benefits, one by one
Each card is a research question, not a promise. Tap a goal to filter. Open a card to see the studies, doses and limits.
Scars after surgery
Not enough evidenceA 2024 review says two human trials suggest rosehip oil may reduce the size and redness of scars after surgery, but it calls the evidence insufficient to recommend the oil.
2 studiesOil or oil extract on the skin; amounts not given here.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
Two human trials are mentioned by the review. We read only the review abstract, not the trials, so their size, design and funding are not known to us.
Results
The review found few high-quality studies. It says topical products with rosehip oil extract may reduce the size and redness of postsurgical scars.
Effect sizes as reported
No numbers in the abstract.
Why this rating
The reviewers themselves say there is insufficient evidence to recommend the oil for wounds, and we could not check the two trials.
Form and dose studied
Oil or oil extract on the skin; amounts not given here.
Who was studied
People with scars after surgery (details not read)
Limits
We did not read the two trials. A scar can look better over time with or without treatment.
Why researchers looked
People use rosehip oil on scars, so a reviewer looked for trials.
Traditional use
Rose hip (mosqueta rose) oil has been used on skin in Chile and Spain and other places, according to papers from those countries, and old papers from Russia and Brazil. Long use is not proof it works.
Proposed mechanism Pharmacological theory
Not established. Animal work suggests the oil shifts immune cells from an inflammatory to a repair type and slows a scar-forming process.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Allergic contact dermatitis to rosa mosqueta oil has been reported. Test a small patch first and stop if a rash appears. Do not use oil in place of care for wounds, burns, ulcers or radiotherapy skin.
Stretch marks in pregnancy (cream that contains the oil)
Very low certaintyIn one trial of pregnant women, a cream with four active ingredients, including rosehip oil, did not change the overall rate of stretch marks. In women who had none at the start, fewer got new marks. The oil cannot be separated from the other ingredients.
1 studiesA cream with hydroxyprolisilane C, rosehip oil, Centella triterpenes …
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
One randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of a four-ingredient cream.
Results
Overall stretch mark rate: 33.3% in controls and 37.6% in the treated group (not significant). In women with none at the start: 5.6% treated and 35% controls (P = 0.031).
Effect sizes as reported
Odds ratio 9.2 (95% CI 1.0 to 83.3) in the no-earlier-marks subgroup; the interval is very wide.
Why this rating
A single trial of a combination product, with the headline result null and the benefit in a subgroup.
Form and dose studied
A cream with hydroxyprolisilane C, rosehip oil, Centella triterpenes and vitamin E; amounts not given here.
Who was studied
Pregnant women
Limits
Four ingredients together, so we cannot say the oil did anything. Number of women and funding were not in the abstract.
Why researchers looked
Stretch marks are common in pregnancy and creams with rosehip oil are marketed for them.
Traditional use
Marketed for stretch marks; no traditional source was read for this use.
Proposed mechanism Pharmacological theory
Not established.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Ask your midwife or doctor before using any new product in pregnancy.
Leg ulcers and surgical wounds (a small old study)
Not enough evidenceA 1990 Spanish study of 10 patients reports better healing with a concentrated mosqueta rose oil. It is too small and old to rely on.
2 studies26% concentrated oil; the rest not stated.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
A small controlled study of 10 patients.
Results
The authors report very notable improvement compared with the control group and no side effects. No numbers are in the abstract.
Effect sizes as reported
No numbers.
Why this rating
Tiny, old, and the abstract gives no design details or results data.
Form and dose studied
26% concentrated oil; the rest not stated.
Who was studied
10 adults with leg ulcers and postsurgical wounds
Limits
Abstract only. Ulcers need medical care.
Why researchers looked
Mosqueta rose oil has been tried on difficult wounds since the 1980s.
Traditional use
Rose hip (mosqueta rose) oil has been used on skin in Chile and Spain and other places, according to papers from those countries, and old papers from Russia and Brazil. Long use is not proof it works.
Proposed mechanism Pharmacological theory
Not established. The paper says the oil is high in linoleic and linolenic acids and suggests they help healing.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
See a doctor for ulcers, burns and wounds that are not healing.
Wound healing in animals and cells
Very low certaintyRosehip seed oil helped wounds close faster in rats and in a skin-cell dish test. These results do not show the same in people.
3 studiesOil or oil emulsion in the lab; amounts not given here.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
No new human trial in this group; see the scar and ulcer rows.
Results
Scratch closure rose from 85.22% (control) to 96.49% with 0.1% rosehip seed oil. In rat wounds, healing was 69.13% with the oil, 57.13% with olive oil and 52.97% untreated. A 2025 rat study of a mouth-ulcer emulsion found fewer inflammatory cells and more collagen.
Effect sizes as reported
No human effect sizes.
Why this rating
Only dish and animal work; small groups; no human result.
Form and dose studied
Oil or oil emulsion in the lab; amounts not given here.
Who was studied
Cells, rats, other animals
Limits
Animal results often fail to carry over to people. One animal paper does not name the species.
Why researchers looked
Researchers tested the oil's reputation for healing in animals and cells.
Traditional use
Rose hip (mosqueta rose) oil has been used on skin in Chile and Spain and other places, according to papers from those countries, and old papers from Russia and Brazil. Long use is not proof it works.
Proposed mechanism Laboratory or animal
Authors suggest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action, more blood-vessel and growth-factor signals (VEGF, TGF-beta) and a switch of macrophages to a repair type.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Allergic contact dermatitis to rosa mosqueta oil has been reported. Test a small patch first and stop if a rash appears. Do not use oil in place of care for wounds, burns, ulcers or radiotherapy skin.
Skin reactions from radiotherapy
Not enough evidenceA small, open study of 28 head and neck cancer patients found fewer severe skin reactions than a group of earlier patients. The comparison was not randomised, so it proves little.
1 studiesA branded rosehip oil extract twice daily; the rest not given here.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
One exploratory open study with an earlier group as the comparison.
Results
Fewer treatments and fewer grade III-IV skin reactions in the oil group. The authors say the small sample may have affected the statistics.
Effect sizes as reported
No numbers in the abstract.
Why this rating
Small, not randomised, historical comparison group.
Form and dose studied
A branded rosehip oil extract twice daily; the rest not given here.
Who was studied
28 patients with head and neck cancer, 34 earlier patients as controls
Limits
Not randomised. The authors say a randomised study is needed.
Why researchers looked
Radiotherapy can burn the skin, so a branded rosehip oil extract was tried.
Traditional use
No traditional source read for this use.
Proposed mechanism Pharmacological theory
Not established.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Ask your radiotherapy team before putting anything on skin in the treated area.
Finger-prick skin damage in children with diabetes
Low certaintyIn a trial of 68 children, rosehip seed oil on the hands did not improve skin lesions from finger pricks. Controls did slightly better.
1 studiesRosehip seed oil extract on the hands; amounts not given here.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
One randomised, open-label trial, rater-blinded.
Results
Median final score 0.10 with oil and 0.06 in controls. The control group improved significantly (P = 0.049). No other differences. No adverse effects.
Effect sizes as reported
No benefit shown.
Why this rating
A reasonable-size trial but open label, short (12 days) and with mostly mild lesions at the start.
Form and dose studied
Rosehip seed oil extract on the hands; amounts not given here.
Who was studied
68 children and teenagers (136 hands) with type 1 diabetes
Limits
Open label. Only 12 days.
Why researchers looked
Children with type 1 diabetes prick their fingers many times a day.
Proposed mechanism Not applicable
Not applicable.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
No adverse effects were recorded in this trial.
Skin ageing, acne and pigment claims
Not enough evidenceMarketing says rosehip oil helps wrinkles, acne marks and dark spots. A 2024 review calls rosehip products promising but says how they work needs study first. We found no human trial of the seed oil alone for these.
1 studiesOils and extracts; amounts not given here.
Studies, doses and limits
Results
The review says most work is lab or animal and calls for thorough investigation before safe use in skincare.
Why this rating
No human trial of the oil for these uses in the sources read.
Form and dose studied
Oils and extracts; amounts not given here.
Who was studied
Lab and animal work
Limits
The abstract does not list which studies were in people.
Why researchers looked
Rosehip oil is sold for skin ageing and acne marks.
Traditional use
Rose hip (mosqueta rose) oil has been used on skin in Chile and Spain and other places, according to papers from those countries, and old papers from Russia and Brazil. Long use is not proof it works.
Proposed mechanism Pharmacological theory
Reviewers point to antioxidants and vitamin C in rosehip extracts, but vitamin C is in the fruit, not the seed oil.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Patch test first. We read nothing on whether the oil clogs pores, so we make no claim either way.
Hair regrowth (mice only)
Very low certaintyIn mice with shaved backs, rosehip seed oil on the skin brought more hair regrowth. No human hair trial was found.
1 studiesSeed oil on the skin of mice; amounts not given here.
Studies, doses and limits
Results
More follicles, larger hair bulbs and thicker skin after 21 days of oil in mice.
Effect sizes as reported
No numbers in the abstract.
Why this rating
One mouse study.
Form and dose studied
Seed oil on the skin of mice; amounts not given here.
Who was studied
Mice
Limits
Mice are not people.
Why researchers looked
Researchers tested the seed oil, a by-product of rosehip processing, for hair.
Proposed mechanism Laboratory or animal
Authors report moves of follicles into the growth phase and higher activity of hair-growth genes.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Not tested for safety in this study.
Osteoarthritis pain (rosehip powder taken by mouth, a different product)
Low certaintyRosehip hip powder taken by mouth lowered osteoarthritis pain a little in three trials. All were paid for by the maker. This is not the oil.
2 studiesRosehip hip powder by mouth; not rosehip seed oil.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
Three randomised trials of rosehip powder, 287 people.
Results
Pain was lower than placebo: effect size 0.37; responders were about twice as likely; about six people treated for one extra responder.
Effect sizes as reported
Effect size 0.37 (95% CI 0.13 to 0.60); odds ratio 2.19; number needed to treat 6 (95% CI 4 to 13).
Why this rating
Sparse data, manufacturer-supported, no independent replication in the abstract.
Form and dose studied
Rosehip hip powder by mouth; not rosehip seed oil.
Who was studied
People with osteoarthritis
Limits
Not evidence about the oil. All three trials were supported by the manufacturer.
Why researchers looked
Rosehip hip powder is a food supplement studied for joint pain.
Traditional use
Rose hip is a traditional herbal remedy for many conditions, according to a 2024 review.
Proposed mechanism Pharmacological theory
Authors of a review mention anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in lab work.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before taking any rosehip supplement; it is a separate topic from skin oil.
Connections to the rest of health
How Rosehip Seed Oil connects to the rest of our health knowledge graph. Every link says what kind of connection it is. A safety link (for example to the liver) is a warning, not a benefit. A study that merely mentions a topic never creates a benefit link.
Explore every connection: goals, body systems, organs, symptoms, genes
A. Wellness goals
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Healthy Skin | Not enough evidence | Scars after surgery: A 2024 review says two human trials suggest rosehip oil may reduce the size and redness of scars after surgery, but it calls the evidence insufficient to recommend the oil. Leg ulcers and surgical wounds (a small old study): A 1990 Spanish study of 10 patients reports better healing with a concentrated mosqueta rose oil. It is too small and old to rely on. | 3 13 15 14 17 | |
| Healthy Skin | Very low certainty | Stretch marks in pregnancy (cream that contains the oil): In one trial of pregnant women, a cream with four active ingredients, including rosehip oil, did not change the overall rate of stretch marks. In women who had none at the start, fewer got new marks. The oil cannot be separated from the other ingredients. | 10 | |
| Womens Wellness | Very low certainty | Stretch marks in pregnancy (cream that contains the oil): In one trial of pregnant women, a cream with four active ingredients, including rosehip oil, did not change the overall rate of stretch marks. In women who had none at the start, fewer got new marks. The oil cannot be separated from the other ingredients. | 10 | |
| Healthy Skin | Very low certainty | Wound healing in animals and cells: Rosehip seed oil helped wounds close faster in rats and in a skin-cell dish test. These results do not show the same in people. Hair regrowth (mice only): In mice with shaved backs, rosehip seed oil on the skin brought more hair regrowth. No human hair trial was found. | 2 13 8 25 | |
| Healthy Skin | Not enough evidence | Skin reactions from radiotherapy: A small, open study of 28 head and neck cancer patients found fewer severe skin reactions than a group of earlier patients. The comparison was not randomised, so it proves little. | 4 | |
| Healthy Skin | Low certainty | Finger-prick skin damage in children with diabetes: In a trial of 68 children, rosehip seed oil on the hands did not improve skin lesions from finger pricks. Controls did slightly better. | 1 | |
| Joint Support | Low certainty | Osteoarthritis pain (rosehip powder taken by mouth, a different product): Rosehip hip powder taken by mouth lowered osteoarthritis pain a little in three trials. All were paid for by the maker. This is not the oil. | 6 7 | |
| Pain Relief | Low certainty | Osteoarthritis pain (rosehip powder taken by mouth, a different product): Rosehip hip powder taken by mouth lowered osteoarthritis pain a little in three trials. All were paid for by the maker. This is not the oil. | 6 7 |
B. Body systems
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Hair Beauty | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Studied for: Scars after surgery Studied for: Stretch marks in pregnancy (cream that contains the oil) | 3 13 10 15 14 2 8 4 1 17 25 |
| Reproductive Health | Biological association | Very low certainty | Studied for: Stretch marks in pregnancy (cream that contains the oil) | 10 |
| Bones Joints Muscles | Biological association | Low certainty | Studied for: Osteoarthritis pain (rosehip powder taken by mouth, a different product) | 6 7 |
C. Body parts and organs
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skin | Adverse effect or risk | Not enough evidence | One case report of allergic contact dermatitis (title only). One allergy case report (title only). Preparation or compound: Rosa mosqueta oil on skin |
18 |
| Skin | Biological association | Very low certainty | Wound healing in animals and cells; human scar trials not read. Preparation or compound: Rosehip seed oil on skin |
3 2 |
E. Health conditions
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Adverse effect or risk | Not enough evidence | Case report, title only. Preparation or compound: Rosa mosqueta oil |
18 |
| Radiation skin reaction | Not enough evidence | Small open study with a historical control. Small open study with earlier patients as controls. Preparation or compound: Branded rosehip oil extract |
4 | |
| Stretch marks in pregnancy | Very low certainty | One trial of a four-ingredient cream; overall rate unchanged. One four-ingredient cream trial; overall rate unchanged. Preparation or compound: Cream containing rosehip oil |
10 | |
| Osteoarthritis (rosehip powder, not the oil) | Low certainty | Manufacturer-supported trials; not the oil. Preparation or compound: Rosehip hip powder by mouth |
6 |
I. Biomarkers
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scar size and redness | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Measured in trials: improved. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 3 |
| Stretch mark severity and new marks | Biological association | Very low certainty | Measured in trials: mixed. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 10 |
| Wound healing rate in rats | Biological association | Very low certainty | Measured in trials: improved. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 2 |
| Radiation skin reaction grade | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Measured in trials: improved. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 4 |
| Skin lesion score on the hands | Biological association | Low certainty | Measured in trials: no-change. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 1 |
| Hair follicle density (mice) | Biological association | Very low certainty | Measured in trials: increased. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 25 |
| Osteoarthritis pain score | Biological association | Low certainty | Measured in trials: reduced. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 6 |
J. Genes, receptors and enzymes
L. Active compounds
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Linoleic acid | Biological association | Laboratory | Authors link fatty-acid make-up to oxidation and to skin effects; not shown in people. Preparation or compound: Seed oil |
2 15 |
| Alpha-linolenic acid (linolenic acid) | Biological association | Laboratory | Makes the oil prone to oxidation. Preparation or compound: Seed oil |
11 16 9 |
| Oleic acid | Biological association | Laboratory | Not discussed in the abstract. Preparation or compound: Seed oil |
16 |
| Tocopherols, phytosterols, carotenoids | Biological association | Laboratory | Antioxidant capacity in the lab. Preparation or compound: Seed oil |
11 |
Each connection is stored with the ingredient, the connected record, the kind of connection, the evidence status, the supporting studies, the preparation or compound involved, and a review date (last reviewed October 25, 2026).
Evidence at a glance: what changed in 2 lab markers
Tap a number to show only those markers. Counts are markers, not people.
The evidence
The research centre for Rosehip Seed Oil. Every record here was checked against PubMed or the publisher's page; we never list a study we have not verified.
Evidence by outcome
Bars show how many studies we found for each outcome, not how well it works. People are added up across trials only (reviews are not added, to avoid double counting).
How we rate evidence
High certainty
Several well-run trials or reviews agree; further research is unlikely to change the picture much.
Moderate certainty
Good trials point the same way, but some doubt remains.
Low certainty
Small, short or inconsistent trials. The finding could change with better research.
Very low certainty
Very little or very weak human data. Treat as a possibility only.
Mixed findings
Trials or reviews disagree with each other.
Not enough evidence
Not enough human research to say either way.
Evidence against
Good research found no benefit, or found harm.
We take the reviewers' own risk-of-bias and GRADE statements where they exist, and otherwise judge from study size, design, consistency, directness and whether a product matches what is sold. Many publications do not make evidence high. Method note: We read PubMed abstracts of about 18 papers, saw only the titles of three (a 2018 allergy case report, a 1967 paper and a 1988 letter), checked the plant names in GBIF and NCBI Taxonomy and three fatty acids in PubChem. Certainty ratings are the compiler's own reading. Rosehip powder research is kept separate. No study is cited that we could not verify.
Study library: every study we checked 25
| Study | Design | People | Product, dose, length | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aguirre-Romero 2020 Efficacy and safety of a rosehip seed oil extract in the prevention and treatment of skin lesions in the hands of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus caused by finger prick blood glucose monitoring; a randomized, open-label, controlled clinical trial. Endocrinol Diabetes Nutr · PMID 31235400 |
Controlled trial |
68 68 children and teenagers aged 6 to 17 with type 1 diabetes (136 hands) |
Rosehip seed oil extract on the hands seed oil extract Not given here 12 days · vs 56 hands with no oil (controls) |
Median final global score was 0.10 with the oil and 0.06 in controls. A significant improvement was found in the control group (P = 0.049). No significant differences in the other measures. No adverse effects were recorded. The authors conclude the oil was safe and not effective for improving the lesions. No benefit; controls did slightly better Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Redness, skin thickening, loss of skin integrity (scale 0 to 3) Limitations: Open label with rater blinding; 12 days; mostly mild lesions at the start. Funding not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Aydin Acar 2025 Phytotherapeutic evaluation of rosehip seed and olive oils on wound healing: evidence from L929 cell culture and in vivo VEGF/TGF-β analysis. 3 Biotech · PMID 40900812 |
Laboratory research cells and rat |
Mouse fibroblast cells (L929) and rats with skin wounds | Rosehip seed oil (linoleic acid 45.46% on analysis), olive oil, and a mix seed oil Not given here Rats: 10 days of skin treatment; cells: scratch test · vs Untreated control, olive oil, mix |
Scratch closure rose from 85.22% in control to 96.49% with 0.1% rosehip seed oil (92.67% with 0.01% olive oil). In rats, wound healing was 69.13% with rosehip seed oil, 57.13% with olive oil, 60.43% with the mix and 52.97% in untreated controls. Rosehip oil gave the highest VEGF and TGF-β levels and the most antioxidant capacity. Faster healing in cells and rats Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Scratch closure in cells; wound healing rate in rats; VEGF and TGF-β levels Limitations: Cells and rats only. Funding not stated in the abstract. The authors call for clinical confirmation. Read: abstract |
| Belkhelladi 2024 Rosehip extract and wound healing: A review. J Cosmet Dermatol · PMID 37605366 |
Narrative review human trials (reviewed) and lab work |
Published studies of rosehip oil (Rosa canina L.) on postsurgical scars; the review says two human clinical trials used the oil | Rosehip oil (pressed from the rosehip, Rosa canina L.) fruit oil Not given here |
The review found a scarcity of high-quality studies. From the two human clinical trials, it says there is some evidence of potential in topical wound formulations. Topical treatments containing rosehip oil extract may reduce the size and redness of postsurgical scars. It concludes there is insufficient evidence to recommend rosehip oil for wounds. Some suggestion of benefit; evidence called insufficient Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Scar size and redness; evidence quality Limitations: Only the abstract was read, so the two trials, their size and their results are not known to us. Funding not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Borda Rodríguez 2016 [Evaluation of the effectiveness of an oil extract of rosehip in the prevention of epithelitis due to radiotherapy in patients with head and neck cancer]. Rev Enferm · PMID 26996043 |
Controlled clinical trial |
62 28 patients with head and neck cancer having radiotherapy (IMRT) compared with 34 earlier patients |
A branded rosehip oil extract applied to the skin oil extract Not given here Twice daily from the start of radiotherapy · vs 34 earlier consecutive patients who used other skin products (historical control) |
The study group needed fewer treatments, and fewer patients had grade III-IV radiation skin reactions. The authors say the small sample may have affected the statistics. They conclude it was at least as effective as other common skin treatments and that a randomised study is needed. Fewer severe reactions in the study group (numbers not in the abstract) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Skin reaction (epithelitis) grade and treatments needed Limitations: Open, not randomised, exploratory, small, and the comparison group was earlier patients. Funding not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Castellano 2025 Improvement of the Oxidative Stability of Rosehip, Hemp, and Passion Fruit Oils by the Addition of Monocyclic Phenols as Antioxidants. Antioxidants (Basel) · PMID 40227335 |
Lab analysis n/a (lab) |
Rosehip, hemp and passion fruit oils in the lab | Oils with added phenolic acids (caffeic, syringic, protocatechuic) oil · vs Oils without additives |
In most cases adding the phenolic acids improved the oxidative stability of the oils, which depended on fatty acid make-up of the oil. Added antioxidants helped in the lab Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Oxidative stability Limitations: Lab method paper. Read: abstract |
| Christensen 2008 Does the hip powder of Rosa canina (rosehip) reduce pain in osteoarthritis patients?--a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Osteoarthritis Cartilage · PMID 18407528 |
Meta-analysis |
287 287 people with osteoarthritis (3 trials, median duration 3 months) |
Rosehip hip powder of Rosa canina taken by mouth (a different product from the oil) hip powder Not given here Median 3 months · vs Placebo |
Pain was lower with rosehip powder than placebo: effect size 0.37 (95% CI 0.13 to 0.60). Responders were about twice as likely (OR 2.19); the number needed to treat was six (95% CI 4 to 13). Small pain reduction, from a powder taken by mouth (effect size 0.37, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.60) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Pain (standardised mean difference), responders Limitations: All three trials were supported by the manufacturer. Based on sparse data; the authors ask for independent replication. This is not evidence about the oil. Funding and conflicts: Manufacturer-supported trials (Hyben-Vital International), as the abstract states Read: abstract |
| Chrubasik 2008 A systematic review on the Rosa canina effect and efficacy profiles. Phytother Res · PMID 18384191 |
Systematic review mixed |
Review of rose hip, and rose hip with seed, preparations | Rosa canina rose hip, and rose hip and seed, preparations (mostly powders) hip, hip and seed |
The authors say the German Commission E gave rose hip, rose hip and seed, and rose hip seed negative monographs because of insufficient evidence. The review found antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in lab work and exploratory studies of one rose hip and seed powder in arthritis and back pain. It says further research is needed to characterise the best rose hip seed oil preparation for topical use in skin diseases. Exploratory evidence for a powder; none established for the oil Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Pharmacological and clinical effects Limitations: Only the abstract was read. The Commission E monograph itself was not opened. Read: abstract |
| Dewedar 2025 The Efficacy of Rosehip Oil Emulsion as a Pro-Healing Herbal Medicine for the Treatment of Induced Mucosal Ulcer (Cell Culture and Experimental Study). Oral Health Prev Dent · PMID 40762679 |
Animal research rat and human cells |
66 66 male rats with chemically induced mouth ulcers; human gum cells in a dish |
Rosehip oil emulsion, 20 mg/mL oil emulsion 20 mg/mL 3 times a day for 10 days (rats) · vs Untreated rats |
The emulsion boosted gum fibroblast growth at 24, 48 and 72 hours. In rats it lowered inflammatory cells and promoted collagen formation at days 3 and 7. Better healing signs in rats and cells Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Cell growth; ulcer healing under the microscope Limitations: Rats and cells only; mouth lining, not skin. Funding not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Fagoaga 2026 Oxidative Stability and Kinetics of Oxidation of Rosehip, Sunflower, Olive and Jojoba Oils. Antioxidants (Basel) · PMID 42193267 |
Lab analysis n/a (lab) |
Four oils tested in the lab | Rosehip, sunflower, olive and jojoba oils oil Heated tests at several temperatures · vs Other oils |
At 373 K, jojoba oil had the longest induction period, then olive, sunflower and rosehip. Rosehip oil also had the lowest total antioxidant capacity at 373 K. Results tracked the amount of polyunsaturated fat. Rosehip oil was the least stable of the four in a heat test Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Oxidation resistance (Rancimat induction period) Limitations: Heated lab test. It does not say how long a bottle keeps at room temperature. Read: abstract |
| García Hernández JÁ 2013 Use of a specific anti-stretch mark cream for preventing or reducing the severity of striae gravidarum. Randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. Int J Cosmet Sci · PMID 23237514 |
Controlled trial |
Pregnant women (number not given in the abstract) | Cream with hydroxyprolisilane C, rosehip oil, Centella asiatica triterpenes and vitamin E (four ingredients together) cream Not given here During pregnancy (trial ran Nov 2009 to Apr 2011) · vs Matching cream without the active ingredients |
Overall incidence of stretch marks was 33.3% in the control group and 37.6% in the treated group (not significant). Severity of earlier stretch marks rose 17.8% in controls (P = 0.001) and 6.3% in the treated group (not significant). In women who got new marks, the rise in severity was 0.47 in controls and 0.14 in the treated group (P = 0.031). In women with no stretch marks at the start, new marks appeared in 5.6% of the treated group and 35% of controls (P = 0.031; odds ratio 9.2). No difference in overall rate; less severity and fewer new marks in the women without earlier marks (a subgroup) (odds ratio 9.2, 95% CI 1.0 to 83.3 (women without earlier stretch marks)) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: New stretch marks and their severity Limitations: Four ingredients in one cream, so the oil cannot be separated out. The overall rate did not differ; the benefit is from subgroups. Group sizes were not in the abstract. Funding not stated in the abstract. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract (labelled as non-US-government research support in the record; manufacturer link not checked) Read: abstract |
| Grajzer 2015 Characteristics of rose hip (Rosa canina L.) cold-pressed oil and its oxidative stability studied by the differential scanning calorimetry method. Food Chem · PMID 26041218 |
Lab analysis n/a (lab) |
2 Two commercial cold-pressed oils from rose hip seeds |
Cold-pressed Rosa canina seed oils seed oil |
The oils are high in linolenic acid. Phytosterols, tocopherols and carotenoids were up to 6485.4, 1124.7 and 107.7 mg/kg. Acid, peroxide and p-anisidine values and iron and copper levels indicated good quality of these two oils. Their relatively high protection against oxidation was linked to high antioxidant capacity and degree of unsaturation. Two oils were good quality when tested Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Composition, quality values, oxidative stability Limitations: Only two oils; non-US-government research support is listed in the record. Other brands may differ. Read: abstract |
| Johnson 2022 Safety Assessment of Rosa canina-derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics. Int J Toxicol · PMID 35531605 |
Expert panel review n/a |
Cosmetic Ingredient Review expert panel assessment of 12 Rosa canina-derived ingredients | 12 Rosa canina-derived cosmetic ingredients various |
The panel concluded these ingredients are safe in the present practices of use and concentration described, when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing. It advises formulators to avoid cumulative levels of constituents of concern across several botanicals. Safe as used, if formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Safety in cosmetics Limitations: The abstract does not say which of the 12 ingredients is rosehip seed oil, or what the tests found for it. Non-US-government research support is listed in the record. Read: abstract |
| Lei 2019 Rosehip Oil Promotes Excisional Wound Healing by Accelerating the Phenotypic Transition of Macrophages. Planta Med · PMID 30199901 |
Animal research animal (species not stated) |
Animals with skin wounds and a paw swelling test (species not stated in the abstract) | Rosehip oil oil Not given here |
Rosehip oil significantly promoted wound healing and improved scars in the animal model. The authors suggest it speeds the switch of immune cells (macrophages) from an inflammatory to a repair type and slows a scar-forming process. Faster wound healing and better scars in animals Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Wound healing, scars, inflammation markers Limitations: Animal study only; the abstract gives no numbers, species or funding. Read: abstract |
| Marchini 1988 [Effect of Rosa rubiginosa oil on the healing of open wounds]. Rev Paul Med · PMID 3269011 |
Other not stated |
Not available (title only; a letter) | Rosa rubiginosa oil oil |
Only the title was read. It shows Rosa rubiginosa oil was studied for open wounds in Brazil by 1988. Historical use only Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Healing of open wounds Limitations: Title only; a letter. Read: title-only |
| Moreno Gimenez 1990 [Treatment of skin ulcer using oil of mosqueta rose]. Med Cutan Ibero Lat Am · PMID 2214931 |
Other |
10 10 patients with leg ulcers and postsurgical wounds |
Mosqueta rose oil (Rosa aff. rubiginosa L.) oil 26% concentrated oil · vs A control group (details not in the abstract) |
The authors report very notable improvement in healing compared with the control group and no side effects. The oil was described as about 41% linoleic and 39% linolenic acid. Authors report better healing (no numbers in the abstract) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Wound healing Limitations: Very small, old study. The abstract gives no numbers, randomisation, blinding or funding. Read: abstract |
| Nikolova 2025 Characterization of Bulgarian Rosehip Oil by GC-MS, UV-VIS Spectroscopy, Colorimetry, FTIR Spectroscopy, and 3D Excitation-Emission Fluorescence Spectra. Molecules · PMID 41097383 |
Lab analysis n/a (lab) |
7 Seven commercial rosehip oils (Rosa canina L.) |
Seven commercial rosehip oils oil |
GC-MS found two groups of oils with different make-up. In one sample, polyunsaturated fat was about 75%. The authors suggest routine screening and periodic lab checks to trace oxidation and counterfeiting. Brands differed in make-up Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Fatty acid profile and quality markers Limitations: Seven oils only. The abstract mixes up two fat names in one line, so we quote only the 75% figure. Read: abstract |
| Oargă Porumb 2024 Unveiling the mechanisms for the development of rosehip-based dermatological products: an updated review. Front Pharmacol · PMID 38666029 |
Narrative review mixed |
Review of rosehip extracts and oils for skin | Rosehip extracts and oils (mostly Rosa canina) fruit, extracts and oils |
The review calls rosehip extracts and oils promising agents for several skin problems but says they need a thorough investigation of how they work before safe use in skincare. Vitamin C content is the focus of much of the review (that is in the fruit, not necessarily the seed oil). Promising per authors; mostly lab and animal Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Skin uses: scarring, ageing, pigment, wrinkles, melasma, atopic dermatitis, acne Limitations: The abstract does not say which studies were human. We found no human trial of the seed oil for ageing, acne or pigment in the sources read. Read: abstract |
| Ochando-Ibernón 2018 Allergic contact dermatitis caused by "Rosa mosqueta" oil. Contact Dermatitis · PMID 30022513 |
Case report |
Not available (the PubMed record has no abstract) | "Rosa mosqueta" oil on the skin oil Not given here Not available |
Only the title was read. The title reports allergic contact dermatitis caused by "Rosa mosqueta" oil. Rosa mosqueta is a name used for Rosa rubiginosa oil in other papers we read. Reported Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Allergic contact dermatitis Limitations: Title only; number of people, patch-test results and severity were not read. Read: title-only |
| Public database 2026 GBIF Backbone Taxonomy: Rosa canina L. GBIF API · Source |
Database n/a |
n/a | n/a |
Exact match: Rosa canina L., status ACCEPTED, key 3002461, family Rosaceae (checked 2026-10-25). Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Accepted name / identifiers Limitations: Taxonomy and identifiers only. Read: api |
| Public database 2026 GBIF Backbone Taxonomy: Rosa rubiginosa L. GBIF API · Source |
Database n/a |
n/a | n/a |
Exact match: Rosa rubiginosa L., status ACCEPTED, key 8174785, family Rosaceae (checked 2026-10-25). Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Accepted name / identifiers Limitations: Taxonomy and identifiers only. Read: api |
| Public database 2026 GBIF Backbone Taxonomy: Rosa moschata Herrm. GBIF API · Source |
Database n/a |
n/a | n/a |
Exact match: Rosa moschata Herrm., status ACCEPTED, key 3005529, family Rosaceae (checked 2026-10-25). Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Accepted name / identifiers Limitations: Taxonomy and identifiers only. Read: api |
| Saini 2024 New horizon of rosehip seed oil: Extraction, characterization for its potential applications as a functional ingredient. Food Chem · PMID 37918157 |
Narrative review n/a |
Review of rosehip seed oil | Rosehip seed oil seed oil |
The abstract says rosehip seeds, usually discarded as waste, contain oil with high bioactive potential, and reviews extraction, composition, biological activity and food, pharma and cosmetic uses. Descriptive Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Extraction, composition, uses Limitations: Only the abstract was read; no clinical findings are given in it. Read: abstract |
| Santana 2016 Non-destructive fraud detection in rosehip oil by MIR spectroscopy and chemometrics. Food Chem · PMID 27173556 |
Lab analysis n/a (lab) |
Rosehip oil (named Rosa eglanteria L. in the paper) and mixes with soybean, corn and sunflower oils | Authentic and adulterated rosehip oil oil |
The authors say rosehip oil is liable to adulteration with cheaper oils because of its high value. A mid-infrared method classified authentic and adulterated samples correctly in their tests. Adulteration is a recognised risk; a lab test can detect it Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Detecting adulteration Limitations: Lab method paper. It does not say how common adulteration is on shelves. Read: abstract |
| Shabykin 1967 [A polyvitamin preparation of fat-soluble vitamins (carotolin) and rose hip oil in the treatment of certain dermatoses]. Vestn Dermatol Venerol · PMID 5629352 |
Other |
Not available (title only) | Rose hip oil with a vitamin preparation oil |
Only the title was read. It shows rose hip oil was combined with a vitamin preparation for some skin diseases in Russia in 1967. Historical use only Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Skin conditions Limitations: Title only. Read: title-only |
| Truong 2023 Hair Growth-Promoting Effects of Rosehip (Rosa canina L.) Seed Oil in C57BL/6 Mice. Prev Nutr Food Sci · PMID 38188083 |
Animal research mouse |
C57BL/6 mice with shaved back skin | Rosehip (Rosa canina L.) seed oil on the skin seed oil Not given here 21 days |
The oil stimulated hair growth by moving follicles into the growth phase, with more follicles, larger hair bulbs and thicker skin, and higher activity of hair-growth genes. More hair regrowth in mice Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Hair regrowth and follicle measures Limitations: Mouse study only. No numbers or funding in the abstract. Read: abstract |
What we do not know yet
- What the evidence supports: insufficient for scars, ulcers, radiotherapy skin and ageing, very low for stretch marks and animal wound work, low for no benefit on finger-prick damage.
- No randomised trial of rosehip seed oil alone for scars or stretch marks was found, and the two scar trials in the 2024 review were not read.
- No data on pregnancy, breastfeeding, babies, pets or swallowing for the oil; no source read on pore-blocking.
- Allergy case-report details were not read. Regulators other than one cosmetic panel were not searched.
How new research is added
New studies are found by a saved PubMed search and are placed in a review queue. A person reads each one before it changes any evidence rating or safety wording. New publications never change ratings automatically.
Lab markers
What changed in blood or saliva tests during trials. A changed number is not the same as feeling or being healthier, and we give no "normal ranges".
Other 7
Scar size and redness
Improved in trials
How big and how red a scar looks.
Not enough evidenceResults and what it means
Why it was measured
The usual way to judge a scar.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Reviewers call evidence insufficient.
Safety implication
Allergy is possible.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | The review says topical products with the oil may reduce size and redness. No numbers in the abstract. | People with postsurgical scars (reviewed trials) | Rosehip oil extract |
Stretch mark severity and new marks
Mixed results in trials
How many new stretch marks appear and how severe they get.
Very low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
The usual outcomes in stretch mark trials.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Subgroup result; combination product.
Safety implication
Not reported in the abstract.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | New marks in women with none at the start: 5.6% treated vs 35% control. Overall rate no different (37.6% vs 33.3%). | Pregnant women | Four-ingredient cream with rosehip oil |
Wound healing rate in rats
Improved in trials
The share of an animal wound that has healed after 10 days.
Very low certaintyResults and what it means
Radiation skin reaction grade
Improved in trials
How severe the skin reaction to radiotherapy is (grades I to IV).
Not enough evidenceResults and what it means
Why it was measured
The standard nursing score during radiotherapy.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Not randomised.
Safety implication
Use only under the care team.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Fewer patients with grade III-IV reactions in the oil group. No numbers in the abstract. | 28 patients vs 34 earlier patients | Rosehip oil extract twice daily |
Skin lesion score on the hands
No clear change in trials
A 0 to 3 score for redness, thickening and broken skin.
Low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
Measures finger-prick damage.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
No benefit.
Safety implication
No adverse effects recorded.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Median final score 0.10 with oil, 0.06 in controls; controls improved more (P = 0.049). | 68 children, 136 hands | Rosehip seed oil extract for 12 days |
Hair follicle density (mice)
Increased in trials
How many hair follicles are seen under the microscope.
Very low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
A standard mouse hair test.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Mouse result only.
Safety implication
Not applicable.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | Higher follicle density, larger bulbs and thicker skin in oil-treated mice; no numbers in the abstract. | C57BL/6 mice | Rosehip seed oil on skin for 21 days |
Osteoarthritis pain score
Reduced in trials
A patient-rated pain score.
Low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
The usual main outcome in osteoarthritis trials.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Small effect; manufacturer-supported.
Safety implication
Safety needs evaluation, per the authors.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | Effect size 0.37 (95% CI 0.13 to 0.60) vs placebo across 3 trials. | 287 people with osteoarthritis | Rosehip hip powder by mouth (not the oil) |
Safety
What studies and official sources say about side effects, medicines and who should check first. Each point shows what kind of evidence it comes from.
Main points to know 6
- Skin allergy has been reported. A 2018 case report describes allergic contact dermatitis (an itchy red rash from an allergy) caused by "Rosa mosqueta" oil. We read only the title; the PubMed record has no abstract, so how many people, how severe, and which part of the oil caused it are not known. How common it is, is not known. Case report 18
- Rosehip oil goes off more easily than many oils. The oil is high in polyunsaturated fat (about 75% in one tested sample). In a heated test of four oils, rosehip oil resisted oxidation least, after jojoba, olive and sunflower oil. Oxidised (rancid) oil is a quality problem. We found no source on what rancid rosehip oil does to skin, so we cannot say. Smell and colour changes are the usual signs; throw away oil that smells off. Laboratory 9 16 11
- It is not a treatment for wounds, ulcers, burns or radiotherapy skin. The human studies are small or old. A 2024 review says there is insufficient evidence to recommend the oil for wounds. See a doctor for wounds that do not heal, ulcers, burns and infected skin. If you are having radiotherapy, ask your care team before putting anything on the treated skin. Systematic review 3 15 4
- Products differ, and some may be mixed with cheaper oils. Seven commercial oils fell into two groups with different make-up. A paper on fraud says rosehip oil is open to adulteration with cheaper oils such as soybean, corn and sunflower oil. Also, "rosehip" can mean Rosa canina or Rosa rubiginosa (mosqueta rose); the two species are not interchangeable in the studies. Product analysis 16 23
- Cosmetic safety is conditional on how the product is made. An expert panel (2022) judged 12 Rosa canina cosmetic ingredients safe as used when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing. The abstract does not say which of the 12 is the seed oil, so we cannot read that as a statement about every rosehip seed oil on sale. Authoritative guidance 12
- This page is about oil on skin, not swallowing. The sources we read are about skin use. We found none that covers swallowing rosehip seed oil, and we give no advice to swallow it. Rosehip powder or fruit taken by mouth is a separate product with separate research. Insufficient 6
Side effects 3
| Effect | How often | Severity and recovery | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allergic contact dermatitis (itchy red rash from a skin allergy) Only the title was available. | Not known; one case report found by title only | Not stated Not stated | Case report 18 |
| Side effects in trials Short, small trials do not rule out rare reactions. | None recorded in the finger-prick trial (80 hands, 12 days) or reported in the 1990 ulcer study; the stretch-mark trial abstract does not report side effects | n/a n/a | Controlled trial 1 15 10 |
| Rancid oil on skin Oxidation is measured in the lab. Effects on skin were not found in the sources read. | No source read | Not known Not known | Insufficient 9 |
Liver
Not searched. This page is about oil on the skin, and LiverTox was not checked. No liver problem was described in the sources read.
How often. Not known.
This is a safety connection. It is not evidence that Rosehip Seed Oil supports liver health.
Medicines and supplements 4
| With | Why it matters | Importance | Evidence | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prescription and over-the-counter skin medicines prescription | No interaction was described in the sources read. | None documented. | Insufficient Not enough evidence | Tell your pharmacist or doctor what you put on your skin, especially steroid creams and other medicated products. |
| Radiotherapy skin care other | One small open study used a branded rosehip oil extract under nursing care. No safety advice for other oils was read. | Skin in a radiotherapy field is delicate. | Human trial Not enough evidence 4 | Ask your radiotherapy team before using any oil in the treated area. |
| Sunscreen other | Not studied. Rosehip oil is not a sunscreen, and no source read claims it is. | Using oil instead of sunscreen would leave skin less protected. | Insufficient Not enough evidence | Keep using a tested sunscreen. |
| Blood thinners and other tablets prescription | None documented for the oil. | Insufficient Not enough evidence | If you take rosehip capsules or powder, ask your pharmacist. |
Who should check first 7
| Situation | Advice | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Earlier allergic reaction to rosehip, rose or plant oils | Avoid it, and ask an allergist. A rash after use means stop and rinse. | Case report 18 |
| Open wounds, ulcers, burns or infected skin | See a doctor. The oil has not been shown to treat these in people. | Systematic review 3 15 |
| Skin in a radiotherapy field | Ask the radiotherapy team first. | Human trial 4 |
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding | Not covered by the sources read, apart from a trial of a four-ingredient cream whose abstract does not report side effects. Ask a midwife, doctor or pharmacist. | Insufficient 10 |
| Babies and children | One 12-day trial in children aged 6 to 17 recorded no adverse effects on the hands. Nothing was read for babies. Ask a paediatrician. | Controlled trial 1 |
| Eczema, acne-prone or very reactive skin | Patch test first. We read no source on pore-blocking (comedogenic) effects, so we make no claim. | Insufficient |
| Pets | Not described in the sources read. Ask a vet. | Insufficient |
Overdose, product quality and regulators
Summary. No poisoning or toxic dose is described in the sources read. They cover skin use.
Animal. Rat and animal studies in the benefits files used the oil on skin or mouth lining; no toxic effect is reported in the abstracts we read.
Human doses studied. Amounts were not given in the abstracts, so none are listed here.
High dose or long term signals. Not found in the sources read.
Overdose response. Not described. If someone swallows a large amount of any oil and seems unwell, call a poison centre or local emergency number.
Genotoxicity. Not read.
Toxic or hazardous parts. Not checked.
Quality varies by brand and species.
Make-up varies. Seven commercial rosehip oils fell into two groups with different fat make-up, and the authors suggest routine checks for oxidation and counterfeiting. 16
Adulteration. A fraud-detection paper says rosehip oil is liable to adulteration with cheaper oils (soybean, corn, sunflower). 23
Oxidation. Rosehip oil resisted oxidation less than jojoba, olive and sunflower oil in a heated test. Added antioxidants helped in lab tests. 9 5
Good quality in two tested oils. Two cold-pressed oils had good quality values (acid, peroxide, anisidine, iron and copper). 11
Pesticides, heavy metals. Not covered by the sources read.
| Body | Action | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel (United States (industry-funded expert panel)) | Concluded 12 Rosa canina-derived cosmetic ingredients are safe as used when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing (2022). source | 2022 |
When to get medical help
- Swelling of the lips, tongue or face, wheezing or trouble breathing after using the oil: call emergency services now.
- A spreading red, hot, painful or oozing area, or fever, in a wound where oil was used: see a doctor the same day.
- A blistering or very itchy rash after using the oil: stop using it, rinse the skin and ask a doctor or pharmacist.
- A large amount swallowed by a child or pet, or anyone unwell after swallowing it: call a poison centre or emergency number.
Stop using the product and contact a clinician or emergency service. In the US, Poison Control is 1-800-222-1222.
General information only, not medical advice. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before use, especially with medicines, in pregnancy or with a health condition. See the Natural Remedy Safety guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is rosehip seed oil?
Does rosehip oil fade scars?
Not proven. A 2024 review says two human trials suggest it may reduce scar size and redness, but the evidence is insufficient to recommend it. We did not read those trials.
Does rosehip oil prevent stretch marks?
One trial of a cream with four active ingredients, including rosehip oil, found no change in the overall rate of stretch marks in pregnancy. Women with none at the start got fewer new marks, but the oil cannot be separated out.
Does it heal wounds, ulcers or burns?
Can it cause an allergic reaction?
Yes, it is possible. A 2018 case report describes allergic contact dermatitis from rosa mosqueta oil. We read only the title. Patch test first and stop if a rash appears.
Does rosehip oil go rancid?
Does it help wrinkles, acne marks or dark spots?
The evidence is insufficient. A 2024 review calls rosehip products promising but mostly cites lab and animal work. We found no human trial of the seed oil alone.
Does it block pores?
We read no source on that, so we make no claim. Patch test first if your skin is acne-prone.
Is it the same as rosehip powder or tea?
Is it safe in pregnancy, for babies or for pets?
Should I use it during radiotherapy?
Ask your radiotherapy team first. A small open study used a branded rosehip oil extract, but it was not randomised and compared with earlier patients.
Explore by health goal
Editorial transparency
- Written by
- AlternativeMed editorial team. Research compiled with AI assistance, then checked against PubMed records.
- Medical review
- None. This page has not been reviewed by a physician or pharmacist.
- First published
- 2026-10-25
- Last substantive update
- 2026-10-25
- How we research
- We read PubMed abstracts of about 18 papers, saw only the titles of three (a 2018 allergy case report, a 1967 paper and a 1988 letter), checked the plant names in GBIF and NCBI Taxonomy and three fatty acids in PubChem. Certainty ratings are the compiler's own reading. Rosehip powder research is kept separate. No study is cited that we could not verify.
- How we rate evidence
- See "How we rate evidence" in the Evidence tab.
- Independence
- No product is promoted on this page. No affiliate links are shown.
Sources 25
Each source was opened and checked. Where we read only the abstract, it says so. The small numbers in the text point here.
- Aguirre-Romero AB, Galeano-Valle F, Conde-Montero E et al. Efficacy and safety of a rosehip seed oil extract in the prevention and treatment of skin lesions in the hands of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus caused by finger prick blood glucose monitoring; a randomized, open-label, controlled clinical trial.. Endocrinol Diabetes Nutr. 2020. PMID 31235400. (abstract)
- Aydin Acar C, Kiyak FG, Pehlivanoglu S et al. Phytotherapeutic evaluation of rosehip seed and olive oils on wound healing: evidence from L929 cell culture and in vivo VEGF/TGF-β analysis.. 3 Biotech. 2025. PMID 40900812. (abstract)
- Belkhelladi M, Bougrine A. Rosehip extract and wound healing: A review.. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2024. PMID 37605366. (abstract)
- Borda Rodríguez M, Andueza Iriarte M. [Evaluation of the effectiveness of an oil extract of rosehip in the prevention of epithelitis due to radiotherapy in patients with head and neck cancer].. Rev Enferm. 2016. PMID 26996043. (abstract)
- Castellano G, Sarrión I, Fagoaga C et al. Improvement of the Oxidative Stability of Rosehip, Hemp, and Passion Fruit Oils by the Addition of Monocyclic Phenols as Antioxidants.. Antioxidants (Basel). 2025. PMID 40227335. (abstract)
- Christensen R, Bartels EM, Altman RD et al. Does the hip powder of Rosa canina (rosehip) reduce pain in osteoarthritis patients?--a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2008. PMID 18407528. (abstract)
- Chrubasik C, Roufogalis BD, Müller-Ladner U et al. A systematic review on the Rosa canina effect and efficacy profiles.. Phytother Res. 2008. PMID 18384191. (abstract)
- Dewedar OAM, Habba DA, Zaki HA et al. The Efficacy of Rosehip Oil Emulsion as a Pro-Healing Herbal Medicine for the Treatment of Induced Mucosal Ulcer (Cell Culture and Experimental Study).. Oral Health Prev Dent. 2025. PMID 40762679. (abstract)
- Fagoaga C, Moreno A, Fernández-Julián N et al. Oxidative Stability and Kinetics of Oxidation of Rosehip, Sunflower, Olive and Jojoba Oils.. Antioxidants (Basel). 2026. PMID 42193267. (abstract)
- García Hernández JÁ, Madera González D, Padilla Castillo M et al. Use of a specific anti-stretch mark cream for preventing or reducing the severity of striae gravidarum. Randomized, double-blind, controlled trial.. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2013. PMID 23237514. (abstract)
- Grajzer M, Prescha A, Korzonek K et al. Characteristics of rose hip (Rosa canina L.) cold-pressed oil and its oxidative stability studied by the differential scanning calorimetry method.. Food Chem. 2015. PMID 26041218. (abstract)
- Johnson W, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV et al. Safety Assessment of Rosa canina-derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics.. Int J Toxicol. 2022. PMID 35531605. (abstract)
- Lei Z, Cao Z, Yang Z et al. Rosehip Oil Promotes Excisional Wound Healing by Accelerating the Phenotypic Transition of Macrophages.. Planta Med. 2019. PMID 30199901. (abstract)
- Marchini FB, Martins DM, de Teves DC. [Effect of Rosa rubiginosa oil on the healing of open wounds].. Rev Paul Med. 1988. PMID 3269011. (title-only)
- Moreno Gimenez JC, Bueno J, Navas J et al. [Treatment of skin ulcer using oil of mosqueta rose].. Med Cutan Ibero Lat Am. 1990. PMID 2214931. (abstract)
- Nikolova K, Eftimov T, Panova N et al. Characterization of Bulgarian Rosehip Oil by GC-MS, UV-VIS Spectroscopy, Colorimetry, FTIR Spectroscopy, and 3D Excitation-Emission Fluorescence Spectra.. Molecules. 2025. PMID 41097383. (abstract)
- Oargă Porumb DP, Cornea-Cipcigan M, Cordea MI et al. Unveiling the mechanisms for the development of rosehip-based dermatological products: an updated review.. Front Pharmacol. 2024. PMID 38666029. (abstract)
- Ochando-Ibernón G, Schneller-Pavelescu L, Silvestre-Salvador JF. Allergic contact dermatitis caused by "Rosa mosqueta" oil.. Contact Dermatitis. 2018. PMID 30022513. (title-only)
- Public database. GBIF Backbone Taxonomy: Rosa canina L.. GBIF API. 2026. (api)
- Public database. GBIF Backbone Taxonomy: Rosa rubiginosa L.. GBIF API. 2026. (api)
- Public database. GBIF Backbone Taxonomy: Rosa moschata Herrm.. GBIF API. 2026. (api)
- Saini A, Kaur R, Kumar S et al. New horizon of rosehip seed oil: Extraction, characterization for its potential applications as a functional ingredient.. Food Chem. 2024. PMID 37918157. (abstract)
- Santana FB, Gontijo LC, Mitsutake H et al. Non-destructive fraud detection in rosehip oil by MIR spectroscopy and chemometrics.. Food Chem. 2016. PMID 27173556. (abstract)
- Shabykin GP, Godorazhi AI. [A polyvitamin preparation of fat-soluble vitamins (carotolin) and rose hip oil in the treatment of certain dermatoses].. Vestn Dermatol Venerol. 1967. PMID 5629352. (title-only)
- Truong VL, Jeong WS. Hair Growth-Promoting Effects of Rosehip (Rosa canina L.) Seed Oil in C57BL/6 Mice.. Prev Nutr Food Sci. 2023. PMID 38188083. (abstract)
Where to buy
Check the label first. Whatever you buy, look for these:
- The botanical (Latin) name on the label and 100% pure oil
- A dark glass bottle and a batch number
- Essential oils are strong: dilute for skin, and do not swallow unless a qualified professional directs it
- Keep away from children and pets
Talk to a pharmacist or doctor before you start any supplement, especially if you take medicines. See the Safety tab for interactions.
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