February 24, 2025

Rosehip Oil for Scars, Wrinkles, and Spots: Does It Really Work?

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Rosehip oil is one of the most studied vegetable oils in the dermocosmetic field. Used to improve elasticity, brightness, and skin quality, it is often associated with anti-aging and regenerating treatments.

But does rosehip oil for the face really work? Is it useful on scars and spots? Is it suitable for oily skin? Let's look at it clearly, with a scientific but understandable approach.

What is rosehip oil

The oil is obtained from the seeds of Rosa rubiginosa, a plant native to the Andean regions of Chile. It is not an essential oil, but a vegetable oil rich in biologically active lipids.

The quality depends on the extraction method:

Cold pressing
Supercritical CO₂
Solvent extraction

A good oil has an amber color and a slightly herbaceous scent.

Composition: why it is interesting for the skin

Essential fatty acids

Rosehip oil is particularly rich in:

Linoleic acid (Omega-6)
Alpha-linolenic acid (Omega-3)
Oleic acid (Omega-9)

These lipids are essential to maintain the integrity of the skin barrier and reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL).

A study published in International Journal of Molecular Sciences highlighted the role of polyunsaturated fatty acids in supporting barrier function and skin repair processes (Lin et al., 2018).

Natural derivatives of Vitamin A

The oil contains traces of natural retinoids that promote superficial cell turnover and help improve skin uniformity.

Rosehip oil for wrinkles

The anti-aging action is attributable to the combination of lipid support and stimulation of epidermal renewal.

A clinical study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology observed an improvement in skin elasticity and a reduction of fine wrinkles after regular use for 8–12 weeks (Campos et al., 2015).

It is important to clarify: it does not have the potency of a pharmaceutical retinoid, but it can offer a progressive and well-tolerated effect.

Rosehip oil scars

Rosehip oil is often used to improve the appearance of post-acne and post-surgical scars.

A clinical evaluation conducted at the Universidad de Chile showed improvements in the coloration and quality of scars after consistent application for 12 weeks (Pérez et al., 2012).

It does not eliminate the scar, but can gradually reduce its appearance over time.

Rosehip oil spots

The effect on spots is related to supporting cell turnover and antioxidant action.

It can help even out skin tone, but does not replace specific high-concentration depigmenting actives.

Is it comedogenic?

The comedogenic index of rosehip oil is low-medium.

The linoleic acid content generally makes it well tolerated, but:

it is not ideal in case of active inflammatory acne
should be used with caution on very oily skin
evening application is preferable

Pure oil or dermocosmetic formula?

From a technical point of view, rosehip oil is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids and therefore easily oxidizable. Exposure to light and oxygen can reduce its stability and effectiveness.

In advanced dermocosmetic formulations, it is stabilized and balanced with other lipids to improve performance and tolerability.

During the night, the skin increases repair processes and transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Lipid support can contribute to barrier restoration.

Within the LeLang line, rosehip oil is present in 5 Complex Night, a night serum that integrates various functional oils to support:

deep nourishment
elasticity
skin comfort
night repair

In this context, the ingredient does not act in isolation, but within a formulated structure designed to improve stability and performance on the skin.

Scientific insight

During the night phase:

cell proliferation increases
repair mechanisms are activated
TEWL increases

Lipid support can help maintain the integrity of the skin barrier (Kelleher et al., Clinical Dermatology, 2015).

How to use rosehip oil for the face

2–3 drops on cleansed skin
preferably in the evening
as the last step before cream
locally on scars or dry areas

The first improvements may be visible after 4–8 weeks of consistent use.

Conclusion

Rosehip oil for the face is an ingredient with interesting scientific foundations. It can help improve elasticity, reduce fine wrinkles, and support the barrier function.

It is not a miracle solution, but when used correctly — either pure or in structured formulas like LeLang’s 5 Complex Night — it can offer progressive and concrete benefits.

Scientific sources

Campos R. et al. (2015). Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.
Pérez R. et al. (2012). Universidad de Chile.
Lin T.K. et al. (2018). International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
Kelleher M. et al. (2015). Clinical Dermatology.

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