Rosehip Oil

Pressed from the hips (fruit) of the wild dog rose, Rosa canina fruit oil is a lightweight botanical oil naturally rich in essential fatty acids (notably linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids) plus lipid-soluble antioxidants (tocopherols and carotenoids). Typical profiles report linoleic ≈ 36–55%, α-linolenic ≈ 17–27%, and oleic ≈ 15–22%.itjfs.com

1) Barrier support & moisturising comfort

Oils rich in linoleic and α-linolenic acids help soften the stratum corneum and support barrier homeostasis, which in turn can reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL) when used in moisturisers. Rosehip oil’s profile (high LA/ALA) fits this evidence-base for barrier care in plant oils.PMC+1

2) Antioxidant protection from carotenoids & tocopherols

Rosa canina oils contain β-carotene, lutein/zeaxanthin (carotenoids) and γ-tocopherol (vitamin E family), which provide lipid-phase antioxidant activity in the oil. Recent analyses and reviews document these components in rosehip oils and seeds.itjfs.comNature

3) Post-procedure/scar appearance: early, small-scale human data

Small clinical studies of topical rosehip oil (variously species/brands) report improved post-surgical scar appearance vs. no treatment (e.g., less erythema/discoloration over 6–12 weeks). Evidence is preliminary (small samples; some industry-linked) but suggests a supportive role alongside standard wound care once skin is closed.SCIRPDermatology Times

4) “Natural retinoids”? — what the science actually shows

Some rosehip seed oils (often Rosa rubiginosa) contain trace all-trans-retinoic acid (tretinoin) depending on extraction; cold-pressing can increase detectable levels versus solvent extraction. However, concentrations are very low and do not make rosehip oil equivalent to a medical retinoid. Use this as a gentle antioxidant emollient, not a substitute for prescription retinoids.SpringerLink

• Essential fatty acids: linoleic (omega-6) + α-linolenic (omega-3) dominate — a light, fast-absorbing skin feel that supports barrier lipids.itjfs.com
  
• Antioxidants:carotenoids (e.g., β-carotene) and tocopherols (vitamin E family) reside in the oil fraction and help protect lipids from oxidation.itjfs.com
  

Vitamin C myth: Rosehips (the fruit/flesh) are famously high in vitamin C (water-soluble), but the oil primarily carries lipid-soluble antioxidants (carotenoids/tocopherols). In short: rosehip fruit = vitamin C; rosehip oil = carotenoids/tocopherols.MDPIitjfs.com

• Cosmetic safety: The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concludes Rosa canina–derived ingredients (including fruit oil) are safe as used in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating/non-sensitising.PubMed
  
• Phototoxicity: Supplier safety data sheets for Rosa canina oil report non-phototoxic classification. (General care: avoid rancidity; store cool and away from light.)amphora-aromatics.com
  
• Infant use: There’s no specific RCT evidence in newborns for rosehip oil alone; for baby products we lean on overall cosmetic safety and keep formulas simple. As always with infant skin, patch-test a small area and consult a clinician for active eczema.PubMed
  

In Natural Nine, Rosa canina fruit oil adds lightweight slip and antioxidant support, balancing richer emollients (shea) and our breathable barrier (beeswax) to keep moisture in. It plays nicely with zinc oxide for delicate, easily irritated skin — helping maintain a newborn-gentle feel without heaviness.