What is the difference between rosehip oil and rosemary oil? A clear answer – Zona Vive Bien

Rosehip oil and rosemary oil are quite popular in the world of natural skin care. But what is special about them? Is one better than the other? And how can you use them for maximum benefits?

This quick guide will cover all of that so you understand exactly what the difference is between rosehip oil and rosemary oil.

Let’s go straight to it!

ARE ROSEMARY OIL AND ROSEHIP OIL THE SAME?

Rosemary oil is an essential oil while rosehip oil is a carrier oil. As an essential oil, rosemary oil is a concentrated source of volatile compounds found in the rosemary plant. On the other hand, rosehip oil contains the fatty acids and fat-soluble nutrients found in the rosehip fruit.

Also, rosemary oil is steam distilled from the rosemary plant, while rosehip oil is usually extracted from the whole rosehip fruit (or just the seed).

Lastly, since rosemary oil is an essential oil, it must be diluted prior to topical use to avoid burning and irritation. On the other hand, rosehip oil can be applied directly to the skin or hair without the need to dilute it.

BENEFITS OF ROSEHIP OIL

1. Rich in provitamin A

Rosehip is one of the best sources of beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A.

Vitamin A not only supports skin renewal, but it can also help stimulate collagen production (source).

2. Anti-inflammatory

Like all carrier oils, rosehip oil is naturally rich in fatty acids that help reduce inflammation.

Specifically, rosehip oil contains 54.05% linoleic acid and 19.37% linolenic acid (source).

Some research suggests that acne-prone skin tends to produce sebum that is low in linoleic acid.

Therefore, using an oil like rosehip oil can help if you are having problems with pimples.

3. Supports a healthy skin barrier

Linoleic acid and linolenic acid, the most abundant fatty acids in rosehip oil, are considered by some experts to be the most important for skin care.

This is because both fatty acids get incorporated into our cell membranes and subsequently help rebuild a damaged skin barrier (source).

4. It can improve hyperpigmentation

Rosehip oil is often used as a natural remedy for hyperpigmentation.

This is not very surprising given that it is a natural source of provitamin A, which promotes skin renewal.

5. Carrier oil for hair and scalp

Due to its lightweight and fast-absorbing properties, rosehip oil is a great choice for any homemade hair oil recipe.

Also, since rosehip oil is known to have anti-inflammatory properties, it may prove beneficial for irritated scalp.

BENEFITS OF ROSEMARY OIL

1. It can stimulate hair growth

In the beauty industry, rosemary’s main claim to fame is that it supports hair growth.

While there aren’t many studies to back this up, one study showed rosemary oil to be just as effective as minoxidil when it comes to stimulating hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia (source).

And as a bonus, the same study showed that rosemary oil didn’t cause itchiness as often as minoxidil.

Additionally, rosemary oil has cooling properties that can help with scalp inflammation and dandruff (which can affect hair health if left untreated).

2. Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial

Rosemary contains multiple compounds that have been studied for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity.

These include (1, 2):

P-cymene.
1,8-cineole.
Camphor.
Linalool.

3. General remedy for skin and hair care

In addition to the benefits listed above, an article published in the Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine magazine states that rosemary oil may also be beneficial for:

Acne and sebum balancing.
cellulitis
Dermatitis.
Dry scalp.
Eczema.
Rosacea.

HOW TO USE ROSEHIP OIL AND ROSEMARY OIL

For skin care, rosehip oil can be added to face masks, mixed into moisturizer, or combined with other products in your routine.

To get started, use this guide on how to add rosehip oil to your skincare routine.

As for rosemary oil, you can:

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ROSEHIP OIL VS ROSEMARY OIL

Can I mix rosemary oil with rosehip oil?

To make a facial oil, you can mix 9 drops of rosemary oil with one ounce of rosehip oil (this makes a 1% dilution). For a soothing scalp treatment, diluted 3%, combine:

1 teaspoon of rosehip oil.
5 teaspoons of jojoba oil.
7 drops each of rosemary.
6 drops of tea tree oil.

Does rosehip oil increase facial hair?

There is no research indicating that rosehip oil promotes hair growth on the face.

CONCLUSION

While rosehip oil and rosemary oil are very different types of oil, they are complementary. For example, if you have acne, a face oil made with rosehip oil and a few drops of rosemary oil can be a calming addition to your skincare routine.

Or if you have an inflamed scalp, then a hair oil blend with rosehip, jojoba, rosemary, and tea tree oil could do the trick.

I hope this guide has made it clear to you how these oils can enhance your beauty routine!