Moisturize Like an Egyptian: What I Love About Organic Rosehip Seed Oil

Roses are red, violets are blue...
Rosehip Seed Oil is just right for you!

Okay, okay, I’m no poet, but I know one thing: rosehip seed oil (RSO) may be the beauty product of your dreams.

What is this stuff?

Unlike many commonly used oils like coconut, shea butter, and jojoba, RSO is much lighter--think of it as a “dry” oil because it absorbs easily and seeps into the deep layers of your skin. RSO has a low comedogenic rating, meaning it’s not likely to clog your pores causing breakouts. In fact, skin experts use RSO to help reduce scarring and dark sun spots. RSO also helps reduce fine lines as well as soothe dry, itchy skin, so no matter your skin type, RSO is a great addition to your beauty routine. And, hey, if Cleopatra loved it, it can’t be all bad.

Chock full of antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids, RSO is extracted from the fruit seeds of several rose varieties (imagine grape tomatoes growing on a rose stem--who knew roses had fruit?). The seeds are then cold-pressed or slow-cooked separating the oil from the seeds and fruit itself. To benefit from the most RSO nutrients, choose cold-pressed oil, even if it’s a little more expensive.

What’s in it?

RSO is an excellent source of antioxidants, which counteract free radicals that cause sun damage. These antioxidants, like vitamin E, beta-carotene, and vitamin C, create a barrier on the skin’s surface to protect against environmental stressors. Antioxidants can also help restore elasticity in the skin by stimulating collagen production. This isn’t a replacement for sunscreen though, so be sure to snag a mineral foundation with a high SPF for a layer protection (we love Sheer Miracle SPF 30 Minimalist Mineral Foundation).

The Vitamin A in RSO is responsible for helping keep your skin hydrated while reducing the signs of aging, including wrinkles and dark pigmentation. The tiny molecules of Vitamin A allow the oil to sink deep into the skin for long lasting moisture.

Combined with omega-6 and omega-3, Vitamin A helps keep the skin flexible, permeable, and toned. These nutrients are also responsible for evening out skin color and reducing dark spots caused by sun damage. Essential fatty acids can also promote skin regeneration and help reduce scarring. They’re also great for reducing redness caused by dermatitis, rosacea, and eczema, but don’t apply RSO to active acne.

What do I do with it?

RSO is gentle enough to be applied directly to the face twice a day. Just be sure to store it in a dark, cool location as it can go rancid if it gets too much light or heat.

What do you love about RSO?

About the Author: Gia Mora

Smart, sexy, sassy GIA MORA is an accomplished actor, a vocal dynamo with a four-octave range, and a writer with an astute sense of humor. She brings her unique blend of brains and beauty to her work on screen and stage, and now as the newest artist signed to Modern Songbook Records.