Rosehip Extract

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 extract and 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.

1. General Description and Role

Verification: Supported, with caveats. Reviews document rosehip’s composition and antioxidant activity. Most evidence for skin comes from lab studies and an oral trial.

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 and uses.
  • 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.

2. Composition and Production

Verification: Supported. Rosehip chemistry is well documented.

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: Describes rosehip compounds.

3. Skin Type Suitability

Verification: Supported. The CIR Expert Panel concluded that Rosa canina ingredients are safe in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing. We found no cosmetic clinical studies by skin type.

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 conclusion.

4. Hair and Scalp Suitability

Verification: Limited evidence. We found no clinical studies of rosehip on hair or scalp. ORY^® haircare products are not intended to treat scalp conditions or to grow hair.

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.

5. Benefits

Verification: Supported, with caveats. A randomized trial found that rosehip powder taken by mouth for 8 weeks improved the look of wrinkles, moisture, and elasticity. That was an oral study, not a topical one. A small study of rosehip seed oil on surgical scars is a medical use; ORY^® does not make scar claims.

Citations:

• • Phetcharat, L., Wongsuphasawat, K., & Winther, K. (2015). The effectiveness of a standardized rose hip powder, containing seeds and shells of Rosa canina, on cell longevity, skin wrinkles, moisture, and elasticity. Clinical Interventions in Aging, 10, 1849–1856. https://doi.org/10.2147/CIA.S90092
    • What it shows: Oral (not topical) randomized trial.
  • 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 seed oil on post-surgical scars.
  • 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: Antioxidant evidence.

6. Use Across ORY^® Product Lines

Verification: Supported. CIR noted that workers exposed to rosehip powder dust have developed breathing allergies, so ORY^® handles powders with dust control. Rosehip is added for skin benefits, not for color; it is not an FDA-approved color additive for cosmetics.

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 data, including occupational dust exposure.
  • 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.

7. Pros

Verification: Supported, with caveats. Topical clinical evidence is limited.

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.
  • 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.

8. Cons

Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:

• • Oxidation. Seed oil turns rancid with heat, light, and air.
  • Instability. Vitamin C in the extract breaks down over time.
  • Limited topical evidence. The main clinical trial was oral.
  • Powder texture. Powder can feel scratchy on sensitive skin.

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: Composition and stability.
  • Phetcharat, L., Wongsuphasawat, K., & Winther, K. (2015). The effectiveness of a standardized rose hip powder, containing seeds and shells of Rosa canina, on cell longevity, skin wrinkles, moisture, and elasticity. Clinical Interventions in Aging, 10, 1849–1856. https://doi.org/10.2147/CIA.S90092
    • What it shows: Oral trial.

9. Safety Notes

Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:

• • Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use.
  • Store oils away from heat and light, and discard them if they smell rancid.
  • Stop use if redness, burning, itching, or rash occurs, and talk to a healthcare provider.
  • For external use only. Avoid the eyes. Do not use on broken or seriously damaged skin.
  • 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.

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
  • 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
  • Phetcharat, L., Wongsuphasawat, K., & Winther, K. (2015). The effectiveness of a standardized rose hip powder, containing seeds and shells of Rosa canina, on cell longevity, skin wrinkles, moisture, and elasticity. Clinical Interventions in Aging, 10, 1849–1856. https://doi.org/10.2147/CIA.S90092
  • 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