The best rosehip oil for face is one that suits your skin and is packaged well. Cleveland Clinic says rosehip oil may moisturize, calm inflammation and improve the look of fine lines. It advises a dark bottle, a cold-pressed oil and a test on a small patch of skin. It names no winning product.
Last updated 3 October 2026. This article draws on guidance published by Cleveland Clinic and on a 2024 research review. It is a summary, not a stand-in for your own doctor’s advice. We do not recommend or rank brands.
What is rosehip oil?
Rose hips, Cleveland Clinic explains, are the fruit of the rose plant and sit beneath the petals. The oil comes from pressing the seeds of wild roses and dog roses (Rosa canina), and it is a vivid orange.
Its contents include vitamins A, C and E and essential fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6. Cleveland Clinic also mentions anthocyanin, a pigment linked with anti-inflammatory effects.
What can rosehip oil do for your face?
Cleveland Clinic describes several possible uses:
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Fine lines. Because it is rich in vitamin A, it can help stimulate collagen and improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles, it says.
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Inflammation. Vitamin E and anthocyanin may calm inflammation.
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Hydration. The fatty acids can help skin stay hydrated, and the oil is fairly lightweight.
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Acne and scars. Cleveland Clinic’s dermatologist says it can help improve inflammatory acne and the look of acne scars, but the page cites no trial.
A 2024 review in Frontiers in Pharmacology lists only a few human studies. One followed 108 patients using rosehip seed oil on post-surgical scars for 6 to 12 weeks, and another gave 34 adults oral rosehip powder for 8 weeks. The review says future research is needed to confirm the effects. Neither study looked at facial acne scars, and most of what the review reports on how rosehip works comes from laboratory and animal work. Our face oil for dry skin guide shows how oils fit a routine.
How do you choose the best rosehip oil for face use?
Cleveland Clinic’s tips are about the package, not the brand:
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Look for a dark, amber bottle. This protects the oil from UV light, which can make it less effective.
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Pick cold-pressed and organic where you can. Cleveland Clinic says this suits those who want less staining than an unrefined oil.
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Check for noncomedogenic labels. Cleveland Clinic says noncomedogenic rosehip oil formulas exist and should not clog pores.
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Avoid strong fragrance. Its face oil page warns against strongly fragranced oils on the face.
We do not name products here. The sources we use rank none, so we cannot point to a single best rosehip oil for face use.
Who should skip rosehip oil on the face?
Cleveland Clinic says people with oily skin might pass, because the oil’s vitamin C can promote excess hydration. It adds that people with fine hair may want to skip it on their hair, since it can weigh the strands down.
Its page on face oils adds that people with acne-prone skin, seborrheic dermatitis or rosacea should be careful with any facial oil. Compare with jojoba oil and acne if breakouts are your worry.
How do you use rosehip oil on the face?
Cleveland Clinic says the oil can go on directly or serve as a carrier oil, once or twice daily. Before covering the whole face, put a little on a spot like the forearm to see how skin responds.
Cleveland Clinic notes allergic reactions are possible. If you plan to mix it with essential oils, read our guide to essential oils for skin care recipes first, since essential oils need dilution.
When to see a doctor
Cleveland Clinic advises talking to a dermatologist before adding anything new if you have any skin issues. See a doctor if you get hives, burning, swelling or a rash after using the oil, or if acne is not improving. Stop using the oil if you react.
Frequently asked questions
Does rosehip oil help acne scars?
It may, but the evidence is thin. Cleveland Clinic’s dermatologist says rosehip oil can help improve inflammatory acne and the look of acne scars, but the page cites no trial, so results may vary. A 2024 review found only a few small human studies, none on facial acne scars, and says more research is needed. A dermatologist can advise on scars.
Can rosehip oil go on oily skin?
It may not suit it. Cleveland Clinic says people with oily skin might want to skip rosehip oil. If you try it anyway, test a small area, use very little and watch for new breakouts. The AAD suggests products marked non-comedogenic, meaning they should not clog pores.
Is rosehip oil safe for sensitive skin?
Not necessarily. Cleveland Clinic says allergic reactions are possible and recommends trying it on the forearm first. It does not say rosehip oil is safe for everyone. If you have eczema, rosacea or another skin condition, ask a doctor before adding it.
How should I store rosehip oil?
Cleveland Clinic recommends a dark, amber bottle, which shields the oil from UV light that can make it less effective. The page does not give a shelf life, so follow the storage directions on the label of the bottle you have, and check with the maker if the label is unclear.
Sources (all checked 3 October 2026)
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Cleveland Clinic, Rose Hip Oil: Uses and Benefits, published 11 March 2022.
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Cleveland Clinic, Are Face Oils Good for Your Skin?, 25 August 2022.
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Frontiers in Pharmacology review, Unveiling the mechanisms for the development of rosehip-based dermatological products, 11 April 2024.
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American Academy of Dermatology, 10 skin care habits that can worsen acne, page date not shown when fetched.
Written by the Dry Skin Tips editorial team. We do not claim medical review of this article. If you have a skin concern, see a qualified health professional.