Oils

Rosehip Oil: Comedogenic Rating & Safety Profile

Also known as: Rosa Canina · Rosa Mosqueta

A linoleic-acid-rich oil that brightens, evens tone and supports collagen. A natural source of trans-retinoic acid precursors.

Comedogenic

1/5

Low Risk

0 = won't clog pores · 5 = highly pore-clogging

Irritancy

1/5

Low Risk

0 = inert · 5 = often irritating

Function

Oils

Pregnancy

Generally considered safe

Vegan

Typically yes

Also Known As

Rosa Canina, Rosa Mosqueta

Quick verdict

Rosehip Oil is a oil with a low risk comedogenic profile (1/5) and low risk irritancy (1/5). A linoleic-acid-rich oil that brightens, evens tone and supports collagen. A natural source of trans-retinoic acid precursors.

What is Rosehip Oil?

Rosehip oil is cold-pressed from the seeds of the wild rose plant (most commonly Rosa canina or Rosa mosqueta). It is exceptionally rich in linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid and natural trans-retinoic acid precursors. The combination gives it gentle anti-ageing, brightening and barrier-supporting effects without the irritation associated with stronger retinoids. Cold-pressed, refrigerated rosehip retains the most natural retinol content.

Comedogenic Rating: What 1/5 Means for Your Skin

Rosehip oil is rated 1/5 comedogenic. The high linoleic acid content is particularly beneficial for acne-prone skin, and most users tolerate it well even on oily, congested skin.

Benefits for skin

Naturally rich in Vitamin A precursors
Fades pigmentation and scars over time
High linoleic acid suits acne-prone skin
Non-greasy finish

Potential side effects & who should avoid it

Rosehip oil oxidises quickly and can become irritating once rancid. Buy small bottles, store in a dark cool place and discard after 6 months of opening. Pure cold-pressed rosehip should not smell rancid or fishy.

Best for

All skin types
Mature
Pigmented
Acne-prone

Avoid if

No widely reported groups need to avoid this ingredient. Patch-test if you have a history of sensitivities.

How to use Rosehip Oil safely

3–5 drops at night on damp skin. Layer over hydrating serums and seal with moisturiser. Compatible with retinol, acids and vitamin C in moderate routines.

Commonly found in

Rosehip oil is in face oils, anti-ageing serums, scar creams and stretch-mark treatments.

Found Rosehip Oil in your skincare?

Paste the full ingredient list into our INCI Analyser to see how this ingredient interacts with everything else in the formula.

Frequently asked questions

Is rosehip oil comedogenic?

Mildly — 1/5. Most acne-prone users tolerate it well.

Is rosehip oil safe for sensitive or acne-prone skin?

Yes for both, provided the oil is fresh and not rancid.

Can I use rosehip oil every day?

Yes — once daily at night.

Why does my rosehip oil smell strong?

Cold-pressed rosehip has a natural earthy scent. A fishy or sour smell means it has oxidised — discard it.

Other oils to know

Squalane

A stable, saturated oil that mimics the skin's natural sebum. Modern squalane is derived from sugarcane or olives, not sharks.

Coconut Oil

A rich, semi-solid plant oil high in saturated fats. Effective on the body and hair but notorious for clogging facial pores.

Jojoba Oil

Technically a liquid wax ester rather than a true oil. Its molecular structure is almost identical to human sebum.

Argan Oil

A nutrient-dense oil from Moroccan argan trees, rich in oleic acid, linoleic acid and tocopherols.

Want the full picture on pore-clogging ingredients? Read our complete guide to comedogenic ingredients for the dermatology research behind the 0–5 scale and the full list of high-risk ingredients to avoid.

Sources

Written by ScanSkinAI Cosmetic Science Team · Last updated June 2026

This information is for educational purposes only. Always patch-test new products and consult a dermatologist if you have specific skin concerns.