Is Rosehip Oil as good as Retinol? The short answer to this question is NO. But it isn't that cut and dry. To break it down, experts agree that the amount of Vitamin A found in most rosehip oils won't be enough to have the same effect on your skin as retinol.
Rosehip Oil is a natural retinol because it contains natural retinoic acid. The kind of vitamin A found in rosehip oil is more beneficial than retinol on its own. This is because your skin will recognize it straight away, so it won't need the time to convert.
And they can aggravate skin: “While retinol is the gold standard anti-aging ingredient, it unfortunately can cause irritation in many people,” notes Dr. Zeichner. “Rosehip oil, while not as potent, may offer similar benefits, and also won't cause as much, if any, skin irritation,” he adds.
Pure rosehip oil contains about 0.357 mg of tretinoin PER liter of oil, which translates to 0.00003923% tretinoin. Keep in mind its potency also depends if the oil is refined or cold-pressed.
Rich in Vitamin A, which is known to help fight against age spots and wrinkles, rosehip oil is great for anti-aging. It's also packed with molecules that are small enough to penetrate deep layers of the skin, improving moisture and collagen levels, while reducing wrinkles and fine lines.
Side effects and other drawbacks
Most research reports that rosehip oil is safe and that the risk of side effects is low. However, as with any other natural or artificial product, rosehip oil can cause an allergic reaction. Allergic reactions can range from a mild rash or irritation up to life threatening anaphylaxis.
While rosehip oil has a number of proven skincare benefits, some people may experience negative side-effects. 'Possible side-effects of rosehip oil can include rash, allergy and worsening of acne and pores,' warns Dr Lapa. 'If the extract is taken orally, side-effects can include nausea, stomach cramps and diarrhoea. '
As an oil that is easily absorbed by the skin, but which leaves no feeling of greasiness after it's been applied, rosehip oil is a very common ingredient in popular facial moisturisers, and is generally accepted to be perfectly safe for use on the skin under and around the eyes.
Where can you find natural retinol? As well as carrot seed and rosehips oils, broccoli seed, apricot kernel, peach kernel, avocado and baobab oils are NEOM's favourite sources of natural retinol.
Face moisturiser – Rosehip Oil has high levels of essential fatty acids and can be used instead of a moisturiser.
Retinaldehyde. Retinaldehyde, also known as “retinal” — not to be confused with retinol — is the strongest of the over-the-counter retinoids.
Cacay oil contains 3 times more vitamin A than rosehip oil. The type of vitamin A found in rosehip oil can get to work immediately on the skin, whilst the vitamin A found in cacay oil works more gently since it needs to be converted into ATRA first.
The secret to using rosehip seed oil is a little goes a long way. If you're left with an oily residue on your skin after applying, you're likely using too much. 2-3 drops are generally enough.
Rambutan. Packed with vitamin C, rambutan extract comes from a bright red fruit and it's a top substitute for retinol with its powerful cellular turnover and collagen-boosting benefits. This makes it a great tool for brightening complexions, treating hyperpigmentation, and evening skin tones.
With retinol being a vitamin A derivative, rosehip oil is another great alternative since it contains trans-retinoic acid, a naturally occurring form of vitamin A.
Frankincense, revered in ancient times in places like Egypt and India, is the natural replacement for retinol. Frankincense rapidly increases cellular turnover, which means it quickly causes the skin to produce healthier cells to replace aging cells. This effect speedily minimizes the signs of wrinkles and scars.
Luckily, there are many skin-friendly retinol alternatives to consider, like epidermal growth factor (EGF), vitamin A-rich oils (such as rosehip and bakuchiol), and AHAs and BHAs, which are just as effective.
Rosehip oil may help your skin regain elasticity if you've noticed some sagging lately. Add a few drops to your face in the morning and again just before bed to help with fresh, younger-looking skin.
Rose hip oil stimulates collagen production and neutralizes free radicals that can damage the skin, says Shah. "It also stimulates elastin production, which helps the skin seem firmer and replenishes its tightness."
Rosehip oil can be applied morning or night.
This oil may help unclog pores and prevent acne. Rosehip oil may stimulate collagen production, reduce scars and stretch marks, and lighten skin tone. Overuse of rosehip oil may increase heart attacks and kidney stones.
Rose hip contains vitamin C. Vitamin C can increase how much estrogen the body absorbs. Taking rose hip along with estrogen can increase the effects and side effects of estrogens. Taking rose hip might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium.
Rosehip oil can be used up to twice a day, morning and evening. The most popular way to use this oil is by applying it directly to the skin or adding it to your favorite moisturizer. "Rosehip oil can be found in all types of skincare products, lotions to serums," says Plescia.