Skim through

What it does: emollient 

Also called: dog-rose seed oil, rosehip seed oil, rosa canina seed oil

The science

Originating from the seeds of Chilean Rosa canina bush - a wild rose species native to Europe, Northwest Africa and Western Asia - rose hip oil is an extract made from pressed seeds and fruit. Rose hip oil is different from rose oil extracts, which are made from rose flower petals. 

Rose hip oil's key contents include: 

• vitamins, including vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E
• fatty acids, such as linoleic and oleic acids
• antioxidants, such as lycopene 
• anti-inflammatories, such as polyphenols 

Benefits for your hair

Promotes scalp health

A study on rose hip powder suggests that it has moisturizing properties, which means it may be able to counter a dry scalp. Another study found that rose hip powder can soothe inflammation, which means that rose hip oil may be able to improve inflammatory skin conditions, like dermatitis and psoriasis. 

Encourages hair growth

Hair growth results from healthy roots. Rose hip oil has properties that help strengthen the hair and promote hair growth. 

Softens hair and reduces frizz

Rose has emollient properties so it softens the hair and reduces frizz.

Side effects

It is important to know the difference between rose hip essential oil and traditional oils made from extracts. Rose hip oil, which is extracted from the seeds of Rosa canina, is not an essential oil, and so rose hip extract doesn’t need to be diluted with a carrier oil. In fact, rose hip oil extract is often used as as a carrier oil for other essential oils. To be on the safe side, however, it's a good idea to patch test a small amount of rose hip oil on a small area of the skin before applying to the scalp.

TLDR

Rose hip oil has many vitamins, fatty acids and antioxidants. It promotes healthy hair and scalp, reduces frizz and softens curls.