At Caraline Skincare, we believe every ingredient in your skincare routine should serve a purpose—especially when it comes to supporting the health of aging or dry skin. That’s why we include Rosa rubiginosa rosehip seed oil in our Daily Nourish Face Oil. This cold-pressed oil, sourced sustainably from Chile, is one of the most researched and revered natural oils for skin health—and for good reason.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the benefits of rosehip seed oil for skin, how it works, and why it deserves a starring role in your daily routine.
What Is Rosa Rubiginosa Rosehip Seed Oil?
Rosa rubiginosa, also known as sweet briar or wild rose, is a rose species native to Europe and western Asia. In South America, where it's commonly grown and harvested, it’s often referred to as Rosa mosqueta. The oil is extracted from the seeds left behind after the rose petals fall and the fruit (rosehip) forms.
While rosehip oil can be made from several species, Rosa rubiginosa stands out due to its unique composition of essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins that nourish and support skin health.
At Caraline, we use cold-pressed, unrefined Rosa rubiginosa oil in the Daily Nourish Face Oil because it preserves the full spectrum of skin-supportive nutrients. It’s fast-absorbing, non-comedogenic, and rich in bioactive compounds that help the skin look and feel its best—especially when it’s dry, mature, or affected by environmental stress.
1. Deep Nourishment from Essential Fatty Acids
One of the primary benefits of rosehip seed oil for skin is its high content of essential fatty acids, especially:
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Linoleic acid (omega-6)
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Alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3)
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Oleic acid (omega-9)
These fatty acids support the structure and function of the skin in several key ways:
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Support the skin’s moisture barrier
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Help reduce water loss (known as transepidermal water loss, or TEWL)
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Soothe dry, reactive, or weather-worn skin
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Improve the appearance of rough or uneven skin texture
Linoleic acid, in particular, plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity of the skin’s outermost layer, helping to keep skin hydrated, soft, and protected.
2. Natural Source of Retinoic Acid (Vitamin A)
Rosehip seed oil naturally contains trans-retinoic acid (tRA), a vitamin A derivative that helps support:
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Collagen production
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Skin renewal and cellular turnover
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Even tone and smoother texture
Unlike synthetic retinol, which can be irritating for many skin types, the naturally occurring tRA in rosehip seed oil is far gentler. It’s well-suited for mature or sensitive skin and offers many of the same benefits—without the side effects of dryness or flaking.
This makes rosehip seed oil an ideal option for those looking to support a smoother, firmer-looking complexion over time.
3. Powerful Antioxidant Protection
Rosehip oil is loaded with antioxidants that help protect the skin from oxidative stress caused by:
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UV exposure
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Pollution
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Environmental toxins
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General inflammation
Key antioxidants found in Rosa rubiginosa rosehip seed oil include:
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Tocopherols (Vitamin E)
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Carotenoids (like beta-carotene and lycopene)
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Polyphenols and flavonoids
These compounds help neutralize free radicals, reduce visible signs of stress, and defend against the premature breakdown of collagen and elastin.
A 2015 study by Smith et al. showed that rosehip seed oil exhibited strong antioxidant activity, helping to scavenge free radicals and reduce inflammation—two key contributors to skin aging.
4. Helps Improve the Look of Scars and Dark Spots
Rosehip seed oil has long been used to improve the appearance of:
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Hyperpigmentation and sun damage
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Scars and post-acne marks
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Uneven skin tone
Its unique blend of vitamin A (tRA), antioxidants, and essential fatty acids helps regulate melanin production and encourages healthy cell turnover—both important factors in fading dark spots and evening skin tone.
This makes it an excellent natural option for those looking to support a brighter, more uniform complexion without harsh ingredients or chemical exfoliants.
5. Supports Skin Barrier and Moisture Retention
Your skin’s outer layer (often referred to as the barrier) is essential for keeping moisture in and irritants out. When this barrier is compromised—by harsh weather, over-exfoliation, or age—your skin can feel dry, tight, or inflamed.
Rosehip seed oil helps reinforce this natural barrier by:
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Sealing in moisture
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Soothing inflammation
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Restoring essential lipids
Because of its balanced ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, rosehip oil is especially effective at helping skin hold onto hydration and remain resilient.
This is particularly beneficial in dry climates or high altitudes—like here in Colorado—where skin is often more prone to dryness and dehydration.
6. Calms Sensitive or Inflamed Skin
Thanks to its blend of anti-inflammatory compounds, rosehip seed oil helps calm skin that’s:
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Red
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Irritated
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Sensitive to environmental stressors
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Experiencing flare-ups like eczema or rosacea
Tocopherols (vitamin E) and carotenoids such as beta-carotene help reduce inflammatory responses and improve the skin’s tolerance to daily stress. These bioactives work synergistically to reduce visible redness while reinforcing the skin’s ability to stay calm and supported.
For skin that often feels reactive or sensitive, this makes rosehip oil a gentle, effective go-to.
7. Lightweight Moisture with Day-to-Night Benefits
One of the standout qualities of Rosa rubiginosa rosehip seed oil is its ability to absorb smoothly while delivering lasting nourishment. In Daily Nourish Face Oil, this makes it especially versatile—effective both in the morning and evening without leaving behind any residue or interfering with other products.
In the morning, it helps the skin retain moisture and supports its defenses against environmental stressors like wind, dry air, and sun exposure. In the evening, it works in sync with the skin’s natural repair cycle to soften texture, reinforce barrier function, and help reduce overnight moisture loss.
Its composition—rich in essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and trans-retinoic acid—makes it well-suited for ongoing care. Used consistently, it supports healthy skin function, comfort, and resilience at any time of day.
Why We Use Rosa Rubiginosa in Caraline Daily Nourish Face Oil
Every ingredient in our Daily Nourish Face Oil is chosen with purpose. Rosa rubiginosa rosehip seed oil plays a central role because it:
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Helps maintain moisture and soften rough areas
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Supports the skin’s natural recovery and renewal
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Offers antioxidant defense and barrier support
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Gently supports collagen production and skin tone
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Absorbs quickly and nourishes without a heavy feel
In short, it’s a multitasking botanical that works quietly behind the scenes to help your skin stay smooth, supported, and calm—day after day.
How to Use Rosehip Seed Oil in Your Routine
For best results, apply rosehip seed oil to slightly damp skin—ideally after misting with a hydrating face mist like our Daily Hydrate Face Mist. This locks in moisture and allows the oil to seal in hydration more effectively.
A few drops massaged into the face and neck morning or night is all you need.
Because our formula blends rosehip with other antioxidant-rich plant oils like chia seed, pomegranate, and sea buckthorn, you get even more skin-supporting benefits in one simple step.
The Bottom Line: Rosehip Seed Oil Is a Skincare Staple
When it comes to choosing ingredients that truly support the skin, few oils check as many boxes as Rosa rubiginosa rosehip seed oil. Backed by research and trusted in traditional skincare for generations, it offers a gentle, effective way to help skin feel stronger, smoother, and better supported—without irritation or excess.
We’re proud to feature this powerhouse oil in our Daily Nourish Face Oil, where it works synergistically with other botanical ingredients to deliver visible, skin-loving results.
