I like to research all types of essential oils and carrier oils. In my recent internet search of rosehip oil, I found some articles talking about rosehip essential oil. This lead me to question, is there such a thing as rosehip essential oil?
In this post I will share what I found out to clear any confusion about the different type of rose oils.
Carrier Oil vs Essential Oil - What is the Difference?
If you're like most people, you probably think of essential oils as the fragrant liquids used in aromatherapy. But what are carrier oils, and why do you need them? Let's look at the difference between carrier oils and essential oils, and explain why adding a carrier oil to your essential oil regimen is a good idea.
You may already know the difference but in case you don't here is a quick review.
Carrier Oil |
Essential Oil |
| Natural oils made from the fatty portion of a plant, usually from the seeds, nuts, or kernels | Concentrated oils that are extracted from plant leaves, roots, flowers, seeds, bark, wood, resin, and fruit |
| Most common extraction method is cold pressed | Most common extraction methods are steam distillation and cold pressed (usually citrus oils) |
| Fixed oils, they do not evaporate | Volatile oils, they evaporate quickly |
| Use as is (no dilution needed), can be used as a base to dilute essential oils | Too strong to apply to the skin, should be diluted in a carrier oil before applying topically |
| Bland, little to no aroma | Highly aromatic |
All carrier oils can dilute essential oils, making essential oils safer for topical use on skin. Some are better choices than others, you can learn more about carrier oils here.
What is Rosehip Essential Oil?
I have looked high and low on the internet and through my essential oil reference books and have NOT found any such thing as rosehip essential oil. It appears there is some confusion between rose essential oil and rosehip oil, two very different products.
Rosehip Seed Oil
Rosehip oil, also called rosehip seed oil, is cold pressed from the seeds of rose bushes. It is generally extracted from the seeds of one of these wild Roses: Rosa canina, Rosa moschata, and Rosa rubiginosa.
It is actually a carrier oil and NOT an essential oil. If you look at the carrier oil vs essential oil chart above, you will see it fits in the carrier oil side. It is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids that are known to have beneficial effects on the skin.
Rosehip oil is prized for its anti-aging benefits. This oil is non-greasy, absorbs easily, moisturizes, and protects the skin from free radicals. It does not have the scent of roses, actually, it has a slightly nutty aroma if any.
You can apply it directly to the skin as is or add essential oils to it for additional benefits. Read More about Rosehip Oil Uses and Benefits.
Can I use Rosehip Oil on Nails and Cuticles?
Rosehip oil for nails and cuticles is a great natural option to keep them looking healthy and hydrated. The oil is rich in essential fatty acids, vitamin C and antioxidants, which can help to improve overall nail health. To use, simply apply a few drops of rosehip oil to your nails and cuticles and massage in.
What is the Best Rosehip Oil to Buy?
When buying Rosehip Oil, be sure to buy only 100% pure, unrefined rosehip oil that has been cold-pressed. Pure rosehip seed oil has an amber color. The name may imply that it smells like roses but it doesn't (rose water does), rosehip oil has a nutty aroma.
Refined rosehip oil takes out some of the color and odor (which some may prefer), but it also removes some of the natural essential fatty acids in this oil that offer the beneficial properties wanted.
Organic Rosehip Oil is the best. It should come in a dark glass bottle.
Where to Buy Rosehip Oil?
Here are a few brands we like:
Rose Essential Oil and Absolute
Rose essential oil is a favorite aromatherapy oil but one that many oily users may not have in their collection. Why? Because true rose essential oil is very expensive.
Rose can be made into an absolute or an essential oil, depending on how it is extracted.
Why is Rose Essential Oil So Expensive?
It takes almost 2 tons of rose petals to produce a pound of Rose essential oil. Now you can see why it is so expensive. Also, beware that it is an essential oil that is frequently adulterated (tampered with, tainted), so be sure to buy it only from a reputable oil company.
What is Rose Absolute?
An absolute oil is said to be closer to the original plant aroma than from essential oils produced through distillation. Absolutes are obtained through solvent extraction, a solvent (a chemical or alcohol) is combined with plant material. Edens Garden describes it as "The solvent attracts the oil from the plant material, and the solvent and oil are then separated."
What is Rose Essential Oil Good For?
The floral aroma of rose oil can be calming and emotionally balancing. It offers balance and serenity to mind, body, and spirit.
Be sure to look at bottles labels to see what you are getting, is it an absolute, essential oil, is it prediluted? Many sellers will predilute rose oil with a carrier oil which is OK if you are aware that is the case. Doterra offers a rose touch roller and plant therapy offers a diluted rose otto essential oil.
In summary, there is no such thing as rosehip essential oil, it is more than likely a confusion between rose essential oil and rosehip oil.
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