Rosehips
Rosa canina
The fruit of wild roses such as the dog rose, rich in vitamin C. Rosehip seed oil and powder have been studied for scars and wrinkles in small trials.
Safety at a glance
- PregnancyNothing recorded
- BreastfeedingNothing recorded
- MedicinesNothing recorded
- Who should avoid itNothing recorded
- AllergiesNothing recorded
- ToxicityNothing recorded
Tap a box to read the safety notes below. “Nothing recorded” means our sources don't cover it, not that it's safe.
What is Rosehips?
- Plant family
- Rosaceae, the rose family
- Parts used
- The fruit (hips) and the oil pressed from the seeds
- Genus
- Rosa
- Species
- canina
Also called
Rosehip, Rose Hip, Dog Rose, Rosehip Seed Oil
Traditionally used for
- Scars
- Wrinkles
- Skin care
- Vitamin C
Traditionally described as
- Antioxidant
Health topics
Where Rosehips appears in symptom search, and why. Being listed doesn't mean it's a proven treatment.
- Acne
In lab tests, rosehip extracts slowed the growth of bacteria linked to acne. Not tested for acne in people.
- Eczema
In animals, a related rose species eased signs of eczema. Not tested in people.
- Joint Discomfort
A review of 3 maker-supported trials found rosehip powder eased osteoarthritis pain.
- Scars, Wrinkles and Skin Aging
Small trials found rosehip seed oil improved surgical scars and rosehip powder reduced crow's feet wrinkles.
How it's prepared
Common ways Rosehips is prepared or sold. This isn't advice on how to take it; see Safety below.
- Decoction
A rosehip decoction can be used on sensitive skin as an astringent moisturizer.[1]Study
- Extract
In one trial, a rosehip extract was taken as a 100 mg tablet once a day.[2]Review or trial
What does the research say?
Traditional use
These are traditional uses, not proven treatments.
Rosehips, the fruit of wild roses, have traditionally been used as herbal remedies for many disorders. They contain vitamins A, B, C and E, and are especially rich in vitamin C. The dog rose (Rosa canina) is the most studied species.[1]Study
Rose hips are rich in vitamin C and flavonoids. Herbalists use them for colds, fever and flu, and to help stop diarrhea. These uses come from herbal practice and haven't been tested in clinical trials.[3]General reference
Laboratory & animal research
Lab and animal results show what might be worth studying in people. They don't show that the herb has these effects in humans.
In lab and animal studies, rosehip extracts showed antioxidant activity and slowed the growth of bacteria linked to acne and skin infections. In animals, a related rose species eased signs of eczema (atopic dermatitis).[1]Study
Research in people
In an 8-week trial, 34 adults aged 35 to 65 took 45 g of rosehip powder a day or a comparison. Crow's feet wrinkles were significantly reduced, and skin moisture and elasticity improved.[1]Study
Technical detail: randomized, double-blind; Hyben Vital rose hip powder (Phetcharat et al. 2015).
In a study of 108 people with scars after surgery, rosehip seed oil applied twice a day for 12 weeks improved scar color, discoloration and sunken (atrophic) scars.[1]Study
Technical detail: comparative, single-center, prospective, double-blind; Repavar rosehip seed oil (Valerón-Almazán et al. 2015); assessed at 6 and 12 weeks.
A 2008 review of 3 trials with 287 people with osteoarthritis found rosehip powder reduced pain more than a dummy pill: people taking it were about twice as likely to improve, or 1 extra person helped for every 6 treated. All three trials were supported by the product's maker, and the authors called the data sparse.[4]Review or trial
Technical detail: effect size 0.37 (95% CI 0.13 to 0.60); odds ratio 2.19.
A 2023 review of trials of daily rosehip extract found mixed effects on cholesterol and blood sugar, with some studies showing benefits. More research is needed on the best dose and length of use.[2]Review or trial
In short
Research on skin use is limited to small studies.
Sources
- [1] Unveiling the mechanisms for the development of rosehip-based dermatological products: an updated review — Frontiers in Pharmacology · DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1390419Peer-reviewed study
- [2] Effects of Daily Intake of Rosehip Extract on Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Blood Glucose Levels: A Systematic Review · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.51225Review or clinical trial
- [3] A Love Letter to Rose — Chestnut School of Herbal MedicineGeneral reference
- [4] Does the hip powder of Rosa canina (rosehip) reduce pain in osteoarthritis patients? - a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials · DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2008.03.001Review or clinical trial
This information is educational and traditional in nature, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Unfamiliar word? See what these words mean.