At ORY®, we believe you should know what’s in your products and why. This page lists the published research behind what we say about rosehip seed oil. Each section starts with our claim, then tells you how well the research supports it, then lists the sources so you can read them yourself.
How to read this page Supported — backed by peer-reviewed research or official safety reviews. Supported, with caveats — the research points this way, but mostly from laboratory or animal studies, or at different strengths than ORY® uses. Limited evidence — little or no published research yet. We say so openly. |
1. General Description and Role
Claim: Rosehip seed oil is cold-pressed from the seeds of wild roses, mainly Rosa canina and Rosa rubiginosa. It is light and rich in linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids. In ORY® products, it helps skin feel soft, smooth, and nourished. |
Verification: Supported. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel found Rosa canina-derived ingredients safe in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing.
Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2022). Safety assessment of Rosa canina-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 41(1 Suppl), 44S–60S. https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818221080088
- What it shows: CIR safety assessment of Rosa canina ingredients.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2022). Safety assessment of Rosa canina-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 41(1 Suppl), 44S–60S. https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818221080088
2. Composition and Production
Claim: Rosehip seed oil is about 40–50% linoleic acid and 25–35% alpha-linolenic acid, with carotenoids that give it an amber color and small amounts of vitamin E. |
Verification: Supported. Its composition is well documented. It oxidizes quickly and must be kept cool with antioxidants.
Citations:
- Mármol, I., Sánchez-de-Diego, C., Jiménez-Moreno, N., Ancín-Azpilicueta, C., & Rodríguez-Yoldi, M. J. (2017). Therapeutic applications of rose hips from different Rosa species. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 18(6), 1137. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18061137
- What it shows: Review of rosehip composition.
- Mármol, I., Sánchez-de-Diego, C., Jiménez-Moreno, N., Ancín-Azpilicueta, C., & Rodríguez-Yoldi, M. J. (2017). Therapeutic applications of rose hips from different Rosa species. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 18(6), 1137. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18061137
3. Skin Type Suitability
Claim: Rosehip seed oil suits most skin types, including combination skin. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. We found no clinical studies of rosehip seed oil by skin type.
Citations:
- Lin, T. K., Zhong, L., & Santiago, J. L. (2018). Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 19(1), 70. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19010070
- What it shows: Review of plant oils.
- Lin, T. K., Zhong, L., & Santiago, J. L. (2018). Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 19(1), 70. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19010070
4. Hair and Scalp Suitability
Claim: In haircare, a few drops of rosehip oil add softness and shine. |
Verification: Limited evidence. Oils are commonly used to soften hair and reduce the look of frizz; we found no controlled clinical studies of this oil on hair. ORY® haircare products are not intended to treat dandruff, scalp conditions, or hair loss.
Citations:
- Mármol, I., Sánchez-de-Diego, C., Jiménez-Moreno, N., Ancín-Azpilicueta, C., & Rodríguez-Yoldi, M. J. (2017). Therapeutic applications of rose hips from different Rosa species. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 18(6), 1137. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18061137
- What it shows: General review.
- Mármol, I., Sánchez-de-Diego, C., Jiménez-Moreno, N., Ancín-Azpilicueta, C., & Rodríguez-Yoldi, M. J. (2017). Therapeutic applications of rose hips from different Rosa species. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 18(6), 1137. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18061137
5. Benefits
Claim: Rosehip seed oil helps skin feel soft, smooth, and nourished and helps it look more radiant. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. A small study found rosehip seed oil improved the look of post-surgical scars. Scar treatment is a medical use, and ORY® does not make scar, stretch-mark, or pigmentation-treatment claims.
Citations:
- Valerón-Almazán, P., et al. (2015). Evolution of post-surgical scars treated with pure rosehip seed oil. Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications, 5(2), 161–167. https://doi.org/10.4236/jcdsa.2015.52020
- What it shows: Small study of post-surgical scars (a medical use).
- Mármol, I., Sánchez-de-Diego, C., Jiménez-Moreno, N., Ancín-Azpilicueta, C., & Rodríguez-Yoldi, M. J. (2017). Therapeutic applications of rose hips from different Rosa species. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 18(6), 1137. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18061137
- What it shows: Review.
- Valerón-Almazán, P., et al. (2015). Evolution of post-surgical scars treated with pure rosehip seed oil. Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications, 5(2), 161–167. https://doi.org/10.4236/jcdsa.2015.52020
6. Use Across ORY® Product Lines
Claim: Rosehip Oil is used in all four ORY® product lines. |
Verification: Supported. In soap it is added only as a superfat because it is fragile. Its carotenoids give a warm tint; it is not used as a colorant.
| Product line | Typical level | How ORY® uses it |
| Skincare | 5–100% | Facial oils, night serums, eye-area oils, and creams. |
| Haircare | 2–20% | Hair oils, scalp serums, and ends treatments. |
| Handmade Soap | 2–5% of oils | Superfat at trace only. |
| Cosmetics | 5–20% | Lip oils and foundations. |
Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2022). Safety assessment of Rosa canina-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 41(1 Suppl), 44S–60S. https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818221080088
- What it shows: Reported uses.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Color Additives and Cosmetics: Fact Sheet; 21 CFR 70.3(g) and Part 73, Subpart C (color additives permitted in cosmetics). https://www.fda.gov/industry/color-additives/color-additives-and-cosmetics-fact-sheet
- What it shows: FDA color additive rules.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap
- What it shows: FDA explains how soap is regulated.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2022). Safety assessment of Rosa canina-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 41(1 Suppl), 44S–60S. https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818221080088
7. Pros
Claim: A light, nourishing oil with a CIR safety conclusion. |
Verification: Supported. Well documented composition and long cosmetic use.
Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2022). Safety assessment of Rosa canina-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 41(1 Suppl), 44S–60S. https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818221080088
- What it shows: Safety conclusion.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2022). Safety assessment of Rosa canina-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 41(1 Suppl), 44S–60S. https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818221080088
8. Cons
Claim: Rosehip seed oil goes rancid quickly, can tint light formulas, and its scar evidence is a medical use. |
Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:
- Short shelf life. Refrigerate; about 6 months.
- Tint. Amber color from carotenoids.
- Medical-use evidence. Scar study cannot support cosmetic claims.
- Adulteration. Verify by fatty-acid analysis.
Citations:
- Valerón-Almazán, P., et al. (2015). Evolution of post-surgical scars treated with pure rosehip seed oil. Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications, 5(2), 161–167. https://doi.org/10.4236/jcdsa.2015.52020
- What it shows: Scar study.
- Valerón-Almazán, P., et al. (2015). Evolution of post-surgical scars treated with pure rosehip seed oil. Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications, 5(2), 161–167. https://doi.org/10.4236/jcdsa.2015.52020
9. Safety Notes
Claim: Patch test before use; for external use only. |
Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:
- Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use.
- Store away from heat and light, and discard if it smells rancid.
- Stop use if redness, burning, itching, or rash occurs, and talk to a healthcare provider.
- For external use only. Avoid the eyes.
- If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, ask a healthcare provider before use.
Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2022). Safety assessment of Rosa canina-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 41(1 Suppl), 44S–60S. https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818221080088
- What it shows: Safety assessment.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2022). Safety assessment of Rosa canina-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 41(1 Suppl), 44S–60S. https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818221080088
10. Product-line notes
- ORY® Skincare: For external use only. Not for deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
- ORY® Haircare: Designed for scalp comfort and the look and feel of hair. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss. If you notice sudden shedding or a persistent itchy, flaking scalp, see a dermatologist.
- ORY® Handmade Soap: Handmade soap is naturally alkaline, and each bar may vary slightly in color, scent, and texture. Not intended to treat eczema or any skin condition.
- ORY® Cosmetics: Lip products are not intended to treat or protect chapped or cracked lips. Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.
11. References
Peer-reviewed research
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2022). Safety assessment of Rosa canina-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 41(1 Suppl), 44S–60S. https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818221080088
- Lin, T. K., Zhong, L., & Santiago, J. L. (2018). Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 19(1), 70. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19010070
- Mármol, I., Sánchez-de-Diego, C., Jiménez-Moreno, N., Ancín-Azpilicueta, C., & Rodríguez-Yoldi, M. J. (2017). Therapeutic applications of rose hips from different Rosa species. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 18(6), 1137. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms18061137
- Valerón-Almazán, P., et al. (2015). Evolution of post-surgical scars treated with pure rosehip seed oil. Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications, 5(2), 161–167. https://doi.org/10.4236/jcdsa.2015.52020
Government and regulatory sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Color Additives and Cosmetics: Fact Sheet; 21 CFR 70.3(g) and Part 73, Subpart C (color additives permitted in cosmetics). https://www.fda.gov/industry/color-additives/color-additives-and-cosmetics-fact-sheet
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap