The secret to beautiful glowing skin is using skincare ingredients that work their magic while addressing specific skin concerns—and of course consistency.
Two of the many great products to look out for are rosehip oil and retinol.
Both retinol and rosehip oil contain antioxidants, and fight free radical damage and premature aging (fine lines and wrinkles). They also address hyperpigmentation, improve skin tone and texture, and are rich in Vitamin A. No wonder they are often a mandatory part of the skincare routines of beauty enthusiasts worldwide!
Now, if you are thinking: “Can you use rosehip oil with retinol?”, I have done all the research for you!
To put it simply, yes, you can use rosehip oil and retinol.
However, with every new skincare ingredient you incorporate into your skincare routine, you need to start slowly. Scroll down to learn all the tips and tricks you need to know about using retinol and rosehip oil together.
PRO TIP: If you want to incorporate retinol into your beauty routine, it’s important for you to know all the rules how to mix it with other ingredients and products to avoid skin irritation. I recommend you to read my article about pairing retinol with hyaluronic acid. I have also explained how to use retinol together with niacinamide in this post.
Can I Use Retinol And Rosehip Oil Together?
Yes, you can use retinol and rosehip oil together.
Rosehip oil, also known as rosehip seed oil, is a natural oil used widely in skincare and beauty products. Enriched with fatty acids, lycopene, beta-carotene, and vitamins A, C, D, and E, rosehip oil helps to nourish, soothe and hydrate the skin.
Did you know that rosehip oil also contains tretinoin (to be precise, all-trans-retinoic acid)? It improves skin tone, smooths overall texture, soothes inflammation, and brightens the skin from within1.
On the other hand, retinol increases cell turnover and boosts collagen production. It improves skin texture and fights signs of aging such as hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, sagging skin, and sun damage. It is also used to treat acne.
However, retinol (a member of the retinoids family) is a potent skincare active, so it can cause potential irritation. Since rosehip oil contains vitamin A as well, you need to use a low concentration of retinol to avoid irritation and any adverse reactions.
For starters, you can use rosehip oil in the morning routine and retinol in the night. Or, you could use both in the evening routine, once your skin has adjusted to them.
If you are looking for ways to use rosehip oil and retinol together, I have a few suggestions just for you.
How To Use Rosehip Oil And Retinol Together?
Retinol and rosehip oil can transform your skin if used correctly.
If you are new to both ingredients, I’d recommend performing a patch test on alternate days to rule out any allergic reaction to either of the two.
Also, remember to use a gentle cleanser when using active skincare ingredients.
Here are some ways you can use rosehip oil along with retinol for maximum effectiveness without being harmful to your skin:
1. Using Rosehip Oil And Retinol In Separate Routines
If you are just starting out, this is the best way to incorporate the two into your skincare routine. Applying rosehip oil and a retinoid product in separate routines helps you identify the culprit in case of any skin irritation.
You can apply rosehip oil in the morning routine.
- Cleanse and tone your face, then moisturize skin with your go-to moisturizer.
- Once done, use rosehip oil (2-3 drops) to rejuvenate and nourish your skin.
- Follow with an SPF and you’re good to go.
- Some individuals love mixing rosehip oil with their moisturizer.
In the evening, you can apply retinol treatment.
- Start with cleansing and toning your face.
- Once you put a pea-sized amount of retinol on your dry skin, let it absorb well for 10-15 minutes.
- After that, follow with a soothing moisturizer to prevent dryness or any potential irritation that comes with using retinoids.
2. Using Rosehip Oil And Retinol In The Same Routine
Another great way to reap the benefits of rosehip seed oil and retinol is to use them in the same routine. There are many popular skincare products such as The Ordinary retinol which pairs well with rosehip oil and gives desirable results without irritating your skin.
However, you must incorporate them slowly and use the retinoid product sparingly until your skin adjusts. If you have dry or sensitive skin, it is better to use them in alternate routines to prevent any skin irritation.
Dermatologists recommend using retinoids in the evening to avoid any irritation, due to increased skin sensitivity because of the increased cell turnover.
- Start your evening routine by cleansing your face with a gentle cleanser.
- Use a calming toner.
- Apply a pea-sized quantity of retinol all over your face.
- Once it is dry (around 10-15 minutes later), apply your moisturizer.
- Then use the rosehip oil to soothe and hydrate the skin. This helps reduce the irritation that may occur with retinol usage.
3. Alternate Days
Next, you can use the two ingredients on alternate days. This way, you get to keep using your favorite rosehip oil everyday, without any chance of skin irritation or side effects.
Use 2-3 drops of rosehip oil mixed with your moisturizer after cleansing and toning your face, to boost your skin health and complexion.
On alternate nights, you can skip rosehip oil and apply retinol on cleansed and toned skin to shed dead skin cells, reduce signs of premature aging and photoaging (sun-induced damage), and boost collagen production while combating acne.
4. In One Product
Some brands have curated products that include both rosehip oil as well as retinol in the same preparation. Though it might not be for people with reactive, sensitive, or irritated skin, it might help individuals with mature and acne-prone skin types2.
After cleansing and toning your face in the evening, apply 1-2 drops of your skincare product (containing both rosehip seed oil and retinol) on dry skin and let it soak well. Top off with a moisturizer once your skin is dry.
Should I Use Rosehip Oil Before Or After Retinol?
You should always layer rosehip oil after retinol. This is the perfect way to reap the benefits while minimizing potential irritation from retinol.
Besides, layering oil before retinol will reduce the absorption of retinol and may limit its benefits.
The order of layering them should be as such: Retinol > Moisturizer > Rosehip oil
How Long To Wait Between Retinol And Rosehip Oil?
The waiting time between retinol and rosehip seed oil is around 15-20 minutes. Letting the retinol treatment absorb completely for a good 15-20 minutes before applying the rosehip oil gives the best results.
This also prevents the pilling of both products3.
Benefits Of Pairing Rosehip Oil With Retinol
Some of the awesome reasons why you should pair rosehip oil with retinol are as follows:
- Anti-acne duo
Since both retinol and rosehip seed oil have anti-inflammatory properties, using them together helps treat acne, reduce future breakouts, and heal acne scars. This is why it is a great option for individuals with acne-prone skin type.
- Anti-aging
Combining retinol with rosehip oil fights signs of aging and works to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, age spots, and sun damage.
- Improves uneven skin tone
Since retinoids and rosehip oil exfoliate dead skin cells, boost collagen production, and increase skin cell turnover, they improve the overall appearance of the skin, evening out any rough or dull patches.
- Smooth and soft skin
As the duo helps new skin cells resurface and remove dull skin, they improve the skin texture while giving it a soft and healthy look.
- Antioxidant powerhouse
Both rosehip seed oil and retinol contain vitamin A, which is an antioxidant. It helps protect the skin from free radical damage and boost the skin’s health.
- No clogged pores
Retinol plays a significant role in clearing up comedonal acne, which is most commonly caused by clogged pores.
On the plus side, rosehip oil does not clog pores, so this combo is perfect for people with oily skin for unclogging pores and regulating sebum production.
- Address hyperpigmentation
Applying retinol with rosehip oil consistently reduces the appearance of dark spots, melasma, and other pigmentation.
- The perfect balance
Using rosehip oil after retinol helps minimize any side effects related to retinol (drying, flakiness, peeling, redness, and irritation).
Precautions
Here are some precautions to keep in mind when using rosehip oil with retinol:
- Mixing with other ingredients
Since retinol (and any member of the retinoids for that matter) is a potent active, do not use other actives such as benzoyl peroxide. Be careful when applying retinol and AHA/BHA to avoid drying out the skin and causing irritation.
- Side effects
The common side effects of retinol may include dryness, purging, flakiness, peeling, and redness.
Like with every new product, always remember to perform an elbow patch test to rule out any allergic reactions.
- Layering
Always let retinol absorb well (around 15-20 minutes) before applying moisturizer and rosehip oil.
Since both retinol and rosehip oil contain vitamin A, use retinol sparingly when you initially incorporate it into your skincare routine.
It may be even better to alternate them instead of using them daily, so your skin can catch a break.
Some dermatologists recommend using a moisturizer before and after retinol treatment to reduce dryness and skin irritation, especially if you have sensitive or reactive skin. You can alternate retinol and rosehip oil at different times, and also, try mixing a few drops of rosehip oil into your moisturizers.
- Sun sensitivity
As retinol can break down in UV light, it is recommended to use it in the evening routine, 2-3 times a week.
Always use a good sunscreen regularly to protect your skin from the sun.
Final Verdict: Is It Safe To Pair Rosehip Oil With Retinol In Your Skincare Routine?
Yes, it is safe to pair rosehip oil with retinol in your skincare routine.
Using them together reduces acne breakouts, fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and melasma while boosting collagen production, improving skin texture and tone and the overall appearance of skin.
This combination is best suited to people with acne-prone, mature, dull, sun-damaged, and oily skin types. If you have very sensitive skin type or certain skin conditions like rosacea, rash, psoriasis, etc, you should avoid using this combination altogether.
Everything You Need To Know About Rosehip Oil
Rosehip oil is a natural skincare ingredient obtained from rosehip fruit seeds. Among the different types of rosehip oils, cold-pressed ones are used widely in the beauty industry.
It is chock-full of nourishing, moisturizing, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory characteristics, making it a goldmine for beauty enthusiasts.
It has a blend of multivitamins (vitamins A, C, D, and E) and essential fatty acids (linoleic acid, linolenic acid, etc). The omegas 3, 6, and 9 in organic rosehip oil help promote wound healing and support the skin barrier function.
Does Rosehip Oil Have Retinol Or Tretinoin?
Rosehip oil has trace amounts of tretinoin (all-trans-retinoic acid) in it.
Is Rosehip Oil Stronger Than Retinol?
No. The concentration of Vitamin A is quite low in rosehip oil, so it is not nearly as strong as retinol.
Is Rosehip Oil A Retinol Alternative?
No, rosehip oil is not a retinol alternative.
It contains trace amounts of tretinoin (all-trans-retinoic acid), but it is not potent enough to compare with retinol (a synthetic form of Vitamin A)4.
Benefits Of Rosehip Oil
- Anti-aging
Studies show5 that using rosehip oil everyday helps reduce signs of aging (fine lines, wrinkles, crow’s feet, age spots, and pigmentation).
- Antioxidant protection
It offers antioxidant coverage against free radicals and protects the skin.
- Heals wounds
Rosehip oil promotes wound healing and soothes the skin cells, due to the anti-inflammatory properties imparted by linoleic acid and other fatty acids. It is great for soothing skin in certain inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and irritated skin.
- Hydration booster
It helps increase hydration and skin elasticity while plumping up skin cells6.
- Sun protection
Rosehip oil helps to reduce skin damage from the sun (UV rays).
- Improves uneven skin tone
It boosts collagen production and skin health, improving the tone and texture of the skin.
- Great for acne
It prevents acne breakouts and heals acne scars.
Who Should Use Rosehip Oil?
Rosehip is great for people with mature, dull, rough, damaged skin and those who suffer from acne.
Does Rosehip Oil Have Any Side Effects?
Though rare, it may trigger an allergic response, hence it is recommended to perform a patch test to rule out any hypersensitivity.
Everything You Need To Know About Retinol
Retinol belongs to vitamin A derivatives known as retinoids7.
It is available in over-the-counter products, unlike tretinoin which is a prescription medication and contains high concentration.
Retinol, as well as prescription retinoids, are widely used as anti-aging and anti-acne treatments.
It increases cell turnover and promotes collagen production. This helps to improve the skin texture and tone, which in turn boosts skin health and reduces signs of aging (wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots).
It also fights acne and improves acne scars. The increased turnover helps to unclog pores and exfoliate dead cells8.
Benefits Of Retinol
- Anti-aging
Retinol reduces wrinkles and fine lines, making the skin smoother with a more youthful complexion.
- Improved skin texture and tone
Regular use of retinol is effective in reducing rough skin, due to increased collagen synthesis.
- Minimized hyperpigmentation
Retinol fades dark spots, sun spots, and uneven skin tone.
- Acne treatment
Retinol helps unclog pores, prevent the formation of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), and reduce acne breakouts.
- No more large pores
Retinol minimizes the appearance of enlarged pores.
- Youthful skin
With its ability to boost collagen production, retinol can help firm the skin.
- Protection against environmental damage
Being an antioxidant, it protects the skin from damage caused by free radicals.
Who Should Use Retinol
People with mature skin and acne should use retinol.
Side Effects Of Retinol
- Skin irritation (redness, burning, and itching)
- Rashes
- Dry skin
- Flakiness
- Peeling
- Purging
- Worsening of eczema or sensitive skin
- Sun sensitivity
- Not safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding
Using Rosehip Oil And Retinol – FAQ
Now that you know all about rosehip oil & retinol, here are some commonly asked questions that I get from my followers.
Can I Use Rosehip Oil With Tretinoin?
If your skin tolerates it well, yes you can use rosehip oil with tretinoin, especially if you want faster results.
Just remember to use a good moisturizer when using rosehip oil and tretinoin to avoid dry skin and any irritation.
Can You Put Oil On Top Of Retinol?
Yes. It is recommended to layer oil on top of retinol (once it has absorbed well).
Don’t apply oil before retinol, because the later one will not be absorbed well by your skin.
What Oils Are Safe To Use With Retinol?
These oils are safe to use with retinol:
- Rosehip Oil
- Jojoba Oil
- Squalene Oil
- Argan Oil
- Grapeseed
What Should You Not Mix Rosehip Oil With?
You should avoid mixing rosehip oil with benzoyl peroxide.
Be extra careful when using retinol with AHA (glycolic acid) and BHA (salicylic acid) to avoid over-exfoliation and irritation of the skin. Use them in separate skincare routines or even on alternate evenings.
The purpose of this article is informative and entertaining. It’s not a substitute for medical consultation or medical care. The author of this article does not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here. Safety should be your priority.
All pictures in this article with YouAreBeautie logo belong to YouAreBeautie.com and were taken by the owner of this website. All these images are copyright-protected.
Picture of Swederm Green Retinol Serum belongs to Swederm Brand. Source of other pictures: Unsplash.
Resources:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
- https://link.springer.com/
- https://theblushingbliss.com/
- https://www.emedihealth.com/
- https://mybeautyclan.com/
- https://drdavinlim.com/
