Rosa Canina Seed Oil

Rosa canina seed oil is derived from the seeds of the dog rose shrub.

All roses produce fruits called rosehips – which are comprised of red fleshy pulp and small hard seeds. Rose hips (whole or just the pulp) are used as additives in teas and wines, or even as a remedy for viral infections. In fact, dog rose fruits are packed with wholesome compounds contained not only in the pulp but also in the seeds.

After extracting the pulp for use in teas, jams, and preserves, the seeds are often discarded as a byproduct, or crushed and fed to the cattle. Recently, however, there has been a push to utilize these byproducts; in this case, rosehip seeds can be used as a source of valuable cosmetic oil, which is usually extracted by cold-pressing. That is the most gentle way of oil extraction, without any heat which may destroy beneficial heat-sensitive compounds.

An occlusive moisturizer and emollient, high in beneficial compounds, rosehip seed oil feels light and dry on the skin and provides a soft glow on its own. It can be used by itself or in creams and lotions.

It contains mainly linoleic and linolenic acid (and other polyunsaturated fatty acids), as well as a very high amount of carotenoids (provitamin A), which gives the oil its characteristic light orange color. It is very suitable for dry, eczematous, and acne-prone skin, as well as for various other skin conditions such as scars.

It does not leave an oily feeling on the skin due to its content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, and, because of its content of carotenoids (which act as antioxidants), is very stable and makes a wonderful ingredient to add to skincare products.