Rosehip organic refined COS

Production

Harvest

Rosa canina, commonly known as the dog rose, is a species of wild climbing rose native to Europe, Northwest Africa, and Western Asia. This shrub, part of the Rosaceae family, grows between 1 and 5 meters tall. It is characterized by its flexible, arching stems covered in small hooked thorns, and its deciduous, pinnate, finely serrated leaves. Its five-petaled pale pink flowers, which bloom once a year, release a light musky fragrance. The fruit, known as a rosehip, is ovoid, red to orange in color, and topped with persistent spiny sepals.

The dog rose is cultivated particularly in the United Kingdom for its flowers but also grows wild in the foothills of the Andes, in Chile, Argentina, and the Mendoza region. Rosehip seed oil is extracted from the seeds found inside the fruit.

Rosa canina is also well known for its high vitamin C content. During times of scarcity or war, its fruits were traditionally used to make syrups, herbal teas, and jams as a natural source of this vitamin.

Rosehip vegetable oil stands out for its nutritional composition and naturally corrective properties. Today, it is widely used internationally in skincare, especially for its role in dermocosmetic formulations.

Manufacturing

The lipid fraction of rosehip seeds is particularly rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, which account for more than 60% of its composition. It notably contains linoleic acid (omega-6), linolenic acid (omega-3), and oleic acid (omega-9).

Main fatty acids present:

• Oleic acid (C18:1): 10 to 30%

• Linoleic acid (C18:2): 35 to 65%

• Linolenic acid (C18:3): 20 to 40%

Other active compounds
The fruits of Rosa canina contain a wide variety of bioactive compounds: phenolic acids, proanthocyanidins, tannins, flavonoids, fatty acids, pectins, carotenoids, and organic acids (including ascorbic, malic, and citric acids).

Among the flavonoids, (+)-catechin is the most abundant, with a concentration of 3.59 mg per 100 g of fruit. A high content of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is also observed, reaching 880 mg per 100 ml of fruit.

Application

Rich in essential fatty acids—omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid), omega-6 (linoleic acid), and omega-9 (oleic acid)—rosehip vegetable oil is a valuable cosmetic ingredient used to nourish, soften, and revitalize the skin. These lipids play a key role in restoring the skin barrier, preventing moisture loss, and maintaining good skin elasticity.

Particularly well suited for dry, damaged, or mature skin, it helps improve hydration, enhance skin suppleness, and support natural regeneration. Rosehip oil is also appreciated for its ability to reduce the appearance of scars, dark spots, and stretch marks, thanks to its high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids.

In cosmetic formulation, it is widely used in:

• restorative care for dehydrated, sensitized, or photo-aged skin,

• targeted products to reduce skin marks (post-acne, scars, stretch marks),

• anti-aging creams, serums, and facial oils,

• hair care to coat and soften dry or weakened hair,

• massage oils, where it provides glide, comfort, and nourishing properties.

Its fluid texture and quick absorption make it an ideal base for sensorial and effective treatments, perfectly suited to the demands of natural cosmetics and sensitive skin.

Technical and regulatory

Usage tips

Manual:

Ingredient for cosmetic preparation, do not ingest.

Consult our guides: storage and preservation methods and precautions for use