Rosehip Oil vs. Extract
Rosehips will form on all rose species if left to develop. However, most gardeners prune their roses in order to promote more flowers.
The rosehip oil and extract that is used in the skin care industry is extracted via a cold pressed process from the seeds of Rosa canina (aka wild rose or dog rose).
Contrary to what you read on the internet and in advertising campaigns promoting the benefits of rosehip oil - the oil does not contain Vitamin C - but the extract does. (read about the extract below)
Note: Placing rosehip pods into a jar of oil does NOT produce rosehip oil. The amount of fat soluble nutrients that filter into the oil is negligible. Furthermore vitamin C does not transfer into the oil. The skin-soothing, moisturizing, and mild antioxidant benefits are largely influenced by the quality of the carrier oil that you have chosen for the submersion.
Sure it's fun to participate in DIY projects, but with all honesty you should just rely on purchasing true rosehip oil that has been commercially produced, because it is the rosehip SEEDs within the pod that are nutrient loaded.
The oil from the seeds needs to be extracted through a mechanical process; either cold pressed or via supercritical extraction. Self preparation of seeds from within the meat of the rosehip is risky business as the tiny hairs that surround the seeds cause SEVERE skin irritation.
Rosehip seed oil contains high levels of ‘Essential Fatty Acids’ namely:
1. Linoleic acid also known as omega 6 at levels between 40-50%.
2. Alpha-linolenic acid also known omega 3 at levels between 28-38%.
From a topical skin perspective each of these substances help to suppress inflammation benefitting the skin from a healing perspective. Omega 3 and 6 are also crucial nutrients that help to prevent the breakdown of the skin’s collagen matrix thereby helping to slow down the thinning of the skin during the aging process. Omega 3 & 6 when absorbed by the skin into the lower layers also show promising results related to protecting the skin from UV damage. However, this does not mean that it contains reliable sun screen properties.
Rosehip Extract
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The Extract is produced by a freeze-dried process of the fruit pulp. The Extract is high in Vitamin C, beta carotene and bioflavonoids. Vitamin C is a very unstable nutrient and so to preserve its effectiveness, it is best to create small batches of skin care products and consider keeping your product in the refrigerator.
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And by the way there is very little research to support whether or not Vitamin C can be utilized by the skin topically, rather it nourishes from a systemic perspective so be sure to eat your fruits too. 🍎🍊🍇
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