What Is The Difference Between Rosehip & Rosemary Oil? A Clear Answer

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

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

Let’s get straight into 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 the volatile compounds found in the rosemary plant. On the other hand, rosehip oil contains the fatty acids – and fat-soluble nutrients – that are found in the rosehip fruit.

In addition, rosemary oil is steam distilled from the rosemary plant while rosehip oil is usually extracted from the entire rosehip fruit (or from the seed only).

Lastly, since rosemary oil is an essential oil, it must be diluted before topical use to avoid burns and irritation. On the flip side, rosehip oil can be applied directly onto the skin – or hair – without the need for dilution.

BENEFITS OF ROSEHIP OIL

1. Rich in provitamin A

Rosehips are one of the best sources of beta-carotene which the body converts to vitamin A.

Not only does vitamin A support skin renewal, but it may also help to stimulate collagen production (source).

2. Anti-inflammatory

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

In particular, 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 may help if you struggle with pimples.

3. Supports healthy skin barrier

Linoleic acid and linolenic acid – the most abundant fatty acids in rosehip oil – are seen by some experts as the most important for skin care.

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

4. May improve hyperpigmentation

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

This isn’t very surprising given that it’s a natural source of provitamin A, which supports skin renewal.

5. Carrier oil for hair and scalp

Due to its lightweight and fast-absorbing properties, rosehip oil is an excellent option for any DIY hair oil recipe.

In addition, since rosehip oil is known for having anti-inflammatory properties, it may prove to be beneficial for scalp irritation.

BENEFITS OF ROSEMARY OIL

1. May boost hair growth

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

While there aren’t a lot of studies to support this, one study did show rosemary oil to be 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 itching as frequently as minoxidil.

In addition, rosemary oil has cooling properties that may help with scalp inflammation and dandruff (both of which can affect hair health if 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 skin and hair care remedy

Aside from the benefits listed above, a paper published in the Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine journal states that rosemary oil may also be beneficial for:

Acne and balancing sebum.
Cellulite.
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 layered with other products in your routine.

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

As for rosemary oil, you can either:

Add it to your skin care routine by diluting it with a carrier oil (such as rosehip oil!). This article on how to dilute essential oils for skin walks you through everything you need for this.
Make a hair growth oil at home using rosemary and other essential oils for hair growth. Use this guide to learn how to mix and dilute essential oils for your hair.

FAQs ABOUT ROSEHIP OIL VS ROSEMARY OIL

Can I mix rosemary oil with rosehip oil?

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

1 teaspoon rosehip oil.
5 teaspoons 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 and rosemary oil are very different types of oils, they are complementary. For example, if you have acne, then a face oil made with rosehip oil and a few drops of rosemary oil can be a soothing addition to your skin care routine.

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

I hope that this guide has given you clarity about how these oils can enhance your beauty routine!