Rosehip oil
A dry-feeling oil high in linoleic acid, used where a heavier oil would feel greasy. Oxidises faster than most oils, so freshness matters.
- INCI name
- Rosa Canina Fruit Oil
- Origin
- Botanical
- Role
- Light, linoleic-rich oil for scalp and ends
- Best for
- Fine or low-porosity hair · Scalp that is dry but gets oily quickly
- Watch out
- Short shelf life once opened; store cool and dark.
What it does
Rosehip oil is dominated by linoleic and alpha-linolenic acid, polyunsaturated fatty acids that spread thin and absorb into the surface quickly, which is why it feels "dry" compared with olive or coconut oil. That makes it usable on hair that normally rejects oils.
The same unsaturation means it oxidises faster. Fresh rosehip oil is pale orange and smells faintly nutty; a rancid one smells sharp and should not go on your scalp.
How we use it
In small amounts in scalp serums and light leave-ins for fine and low-porosity profiles, always with an antioxidant (tocopherol) to slow oxidation.
Helps with
Often paired with
- Argan oilEmollient oil for slip and shine
- Shea butterOcclusive butter that seals moisture in
- Aloe veraLightweight humectant and scalp soother
Sources
- Hair cosmetics: an overview (Gavazzoni Dias, 2015) · International Journal of Trichology
Educational only, not medical advice. Persistent scalp irritation, sudden hair loss or unexplained breakage warrant a visit to a dermatologist. Written by Cosmixxology R&D.