I make no secret that I love facial oils.
You see, my skin has a knack for drying up like a prune, even more so when winter rolls around. It’s less of a luxury and more of an absolute, apply-this-or-else necessity.
Since stepping into the role of Beauty Editor at Adore, I’ve had the pleasure of dabbling in quite a few of these gloriously hydrating elixirs.
Yet, here's the plot twist: somehow, for some reason, The Ordinary's cult-favourite Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Oil managed to evade me.
So when it landed on my desk, my mind went into a tailspin.
How could I have unknowingly left such a beloved product out of my routine? And by *the* brand that first introduced me to the wonderful world of cosmeceuticals, no less!?
To add salt to the wound, The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil has nearly 600 reviews on Adore Beauty.
Yep, six-hun-dred people singing its praises. Anybody else feeling like they just missed a memo?
Unless you’re one of the 600, in which case I’d imagine you’re feeling pretty chuffed with yourself, huh?
And if you’re scratching your head wondering what’s so great about this rosehip oil, keep reading, because I’m about to spill the tea.
Rosehip Oil 101: What Is It & What Are the Benefits?
Picture a tiny but mighty treasure extracted from the seeds of wild rose bushes–that’s rosehip oil.
Bursting with essential fatty acids, notably omega-3 (linolenic acid) and omega-6 (linoleic acid), alongside a powerhouse of antioxidants and vitamins A and C, rosehip oil isn't a fleeting trend; it's a timeless tradition cherished since ancient times for its healing properties.
Such as:
Hydrates and softens the skin.
Nourishes dehydrated and dry skin.
Improves acne and reduces breakouts.
Increases collagen production and skin elasticity.
Fights free radicals to improve fine lines and wrinkles.
Reduces inflammation, regenerates skin and heals scars.
While not non-comedogenic, rosehip seed oil has a very low comedogenic rating, making it a versatile contender for all skin types.
However, a word of advice for our oily-skinned friends: The Ordinary's rendition tends to lean slightly heavier, so possibly not your ideal match.
My The Ordinary Rose Hip Seed Oil review.
First impressions matter, and The Ordinary Rose Hip Seed Oil opens with a clean slate - no overwhelming fragrance, just a subtle herbaceous scent.
Warming a few drops between my palms, the texture was thinner than I’d anticipated. It’s more of a dry oil that feels light and not greasy.
Pressing it into my face and neck following my moisturiser as directed, I noticed a slight tackiness, but the key here I discovered was to wait for it to completely dry down to avoid pilling.
True to its promise, the oil delivered a surge of hydration that left my skin supple and soft.
Yet, the best part was the radiant glow it cast over my complexion.
The age-old saying "less is more" stays true with this oil. A few drops are all you need, a testament to its potency that makes its already accessible price point even more lucrative for the long haul.
While I used it both morning and night (using a lighter hand for the former), my favourite way to incorporate the oil into my routine is with a gua sha for a luxurious lymphatic massage.
Here's a tutorial I prepared earlier...
