Rosehip seed oil and grapeseed oil are two natural oils that are popular due to the claims of their capacity to treat skin conditions like acne. Using natural oils on your face is a great way to nourish the skin due to their emollient properties, however, certain oils have unique properties that make them stand out. In this article, we compare rosehip seed oil vs grapeseed oil to let you know which is better for your skin type.
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Differences between rosehip and grapeseed oil
What is rosehip oil?
Rosehip oil is obtained from the cold press of rose hips of the dog rose plant. It is a lightweight reddish-orange oil and has an earthy scent.
What is grapeseed oil?
Grapeseed oil is obtained from the cold press of the seeds of grape fruits, usually expelled during the winemaking process. It is a lightweight yellow oil that has a nutty aroma with a hint of sweetness.
The main difference between both oils comes from their chemical compositions and how both function on the skin. While grapeseed oil is known for its high antioxidant activity due to its high content in polyphenols, rosehip oil on the other hand is more known for its skin brightening and anti-acne properties due to its high concentration of vitamin A. Below is a breakdown of the differences between both oils.
Fatty acid profile
All natural oils have individual fatty acid profiles that give them unique properties and benefits for the skin. Rosehip oil is made up mainly of up to 58% linoleic acid, up to 26% of alpha-linolenic acid and up to 22% of oleic acid. Grapeseed oil, on the other hand, is mainly made up of 75% of linoleic acid, and 14 % oleic acid.
Antioxidants
Both oils contain tocopherols, phenolic and polyphenolic compounds that give them antioxidant properties. However, grapeseed oil has a higher concentration of tocopherol (vitamin E) as opposed to rosehip oil. The main phenolic compounds of grapeseed oil include; flavonoids, carotenoids, phenolic acids, tannins, and stilbenes. It equally has a large number of polyphenols in the forms of catechins, epicatechins, trans-resveratrol, and procyanidin B1.
Rosehip oil, on the other hand, has a higher concentration of carotenoids in the forms of beta-carotene and lycopene, followed by beta-cryptoxanthin, rubixanthin, zeaxanthin and lutein. It also has phenolic compounds such as flavonoids and proanthocyanidins.
Rosehip oil vs grapeseed oil for face
These two oils have great benefits for the skin and can be applied to the face. However, the choice of which to use will depend on what your goals are.
Benefits of rosehip oil for the face
Balances sebum production
Because of its high concentration in linoleic acid, rosehip oil is the best choice for oily and acne-prone skin. Oily skin naturally suffers from a lack of linoleic acid which has the ability to balance sebum production, reinforce the skin’s barrier and soothe skin. By applying rosehip oil on your face you, therefore, help replenish your skin’s linoleic acid levels.
Helps prevent acne
Vitamin A present in rosehip oil contributes to the skin renewal process and has exfoliating properties that helps prevent the appearance of acne while keeping the skin’s complexion bright.
Treats hyperpigmentation
Rosehip oil contains vitamin A and a small amount of vitamin C which are two compounds recommended in the treatment of hyperpigmentation and acne scars. Rosehip oil also contains proanthocyanidins, a molecule known to reduce hyperpigmentation by inhibiting the production of melanin in the skin.
Moisturizes the skin
Rosehip oil is a lightweight and non-comedogenic oil that has great moisturizing properties thanks to its balanced fatty acid profile made up of oleic acid and linoleic acid. Both acids help retain moisture and linoleic also acts as a ceramide booster to strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier.
Anti-inflammatory
Rosehip oil is rich in vitamin E which not only has antioxidant properties but equally has anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe irritations on the skin. This is ideal for people dealing with inflammatory forms of acne like papular, pustular and cystic acne.
Anti-aging properties
Rosehip oil contains a lot of antioxidants that help reduce daily oxidative stress on the skin. Free radicals cause damage to skin cells that quickly accelerates the skin’s ageing process. As such, applying rosehip oil to your face can contribute to slowing down the premature ageing of the skin.
Benefits of grapeseed oil for the face
Promotes healthy skin
Grapeseed oil contains a lot of antioxidants, beta-carotene, vitamin E and linoleic acid which are all compounds that work to maintain and strengthen the overall health of the skin. These chemicals help protect and regenerate damaged or ageing skin cells through an antiproliferative action.
Helps fight acne
Grapeseed oil contains lots of antioxidants such as gallic acid which is known to have an antibacterial effect against acne-causing bacteria. It is most recommended to use on inflammatory acne. It reduces inflammation and signs of redness on the skin as well as lessens hyperpigmentation and acne scars.
Anti-aging
Due to its high concentration of antioxidants, grapeseed oil is one of the most effective natural oils to protect the skin from premature and photoaging caused by UV rays and other free radicals. These antioxidants help strengthen the collagen and elastin in our skin, thus reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. This oil also helps to regulate melatonin production in the skin for an even skin tone which helps reduce the appearance of age spots.
Strengthens the skin’s barrier
Grapeseed oil is made up mostly of linoleic acid, an essential lipid needed in repairing and strengthening the skin’s barrier. This is the reason why this oil is recommended for people who have dry or dehydrated skin, characterized by an impaired skin barrier. In general, this oil is great for all skin types.
Grapeseed oil vs rosehip oil for oily skin: Which is better?
If you have oily skin, you can use either of these oils on your skin. However, rosehip oil does a better job at controlling sebum production, as it contains both linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids. It also has exfoliating properties that can help with unclogging pores in oily skin. On the other hand, grapeseed oil is best for dry skin but can be used by all skin types.
Grapeseed oil vs rosehip oil for acne: Which is better?
Although both oils have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin healing properties, rosehip oil is the best option for treating acne. This is because of its high concentration of vitamin A. Vitamin A is one of the most used ingredients for treating acne as it not only treats but equally prevents breakouts. Added to this, rosehip oil is effective against acne scars, textured skin, and hyperpigmentation.
Can you mix grapeseed oil with rosehip oil?
Unless in case of an allergic reaction, combining both oils is totally safe to use on your face or the rest of your body. This could be a great facial oil combination in your night routine.
Conclusion: Which is better rosehip oil or grapeseed oil?
Grapeseed and rosehip oil are very moisturizing and nourishing oils with amazing benefits. For those with oily and acne-prone skin, rosehip oil is the best option to cater to your skin type while grapeseed oil works best for dry and acne-prone or eczema-prone skin. However, both oils can be used together especially to target acne and hyperpigmentation.
