Today we are going to talk about Rose Hip Seed Oil.
This oil is obtained through mechanical cold-pressing processes and may or may not have organic certification. It is mainly used in cosmetic applications such as facial serums, anti-aging creams, masks, etc. Thanks to its multiple benefits, this oil helps in the healing process of the skin and is a powerful cell regenerator. It also deeply nourishes and stimulates blood circulation.
It is extracted from the seeds of the wild rose (Rosa moschata or Rosa rubiginosa) in the southern Andes. It can also be extracted from the Rosa canina, which grows in many regions of the world, including South Africa and Europe. This plant contains a fruit known as rose hip, which has been used in medicine for many years; due to its prophylactic actions against colds, infectious diseases, urinary tract diseases, inflammatory diseases and gastrointestinal disorders.
But what are the differences between the different types of rosehip oil?
As mentioned above, Rosehip oil can be obtained from three different plants: rosa canina, rosa rubiginosa and rosa moschata.
- Rosa canina:
It is a type of wild rose found in Africa, Europe, Northern Chile, and Central Asia. The Rosa Canina is a shrub that can be found growing freely almost everywhere in Spain and has no predilection for any particular place. This type of plant can be found in wild rose bushes by the roadside, in forests, in mountains, even near the sea. Its flower has five pink petals, they are unscented and can grow up to 2 meters high, in good conditions.
- Rosa rubiginosa:
It is native to Europe and is also found in Chile and Argentina. Its flower, like the dog rose, also has five petals but is deep pink and white in the center. It is also known as rosa mosqueta or rosa eglanteria.
- Rosa moschata:
Its origins are uncertain and it is known as “Musk-Rose” or musk-rose because the petals give off a musky scent. Its flower also has 5 petals and, unlike the dog rose and the rubiginous rose, it is white in color.
Of the roses known as rose hips, the dog rose and the rubiginous rose are the most commonly used to make oil, supplements and to make jams from rose hips.
Although these two species belong to the same family and have very similar properties, there are differences between them.
If we acquire Rosa rubiginosa, it will have a higher content of omega 6, oleic acid and vitamin C. On the other hand, if we prefer Rosa canina, it contains higher levels of Omega 6 and 9 than Rosa Rubiginosa, but in general its content in essential fatty acids is lower and it is normally used for cosmetics. As we can see, they are not the same plant, although the generic name of both in Spanish is Rosa mosqueta. As they contain a large amount of essential fatty acids, they provide moisturizing, firming and repairing properties, as well as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Therefore, Rosehip is a source of micronutrients including vitamin C and lycopene, providing a good nutritional contribution. That is why it should be considered as a fundamental food and its oil contains multiple benefits for our health.
Did you know all these things about rosehip oil? Leave us in the comments some curiosities about this beneficial plant.
