Rosehip Seed Oil
Rosa rubiginosa
Rosehip Seed Oil is a cold-pressed cosmetic lipid oil obtained from the seeds of Rosa rubiginosa, wild-foraged in the highland regions of Lesotho.
Characterised by its high polyunsaturated fatty acid content, light texture and distinctive natural colour, Rosehip Seed Oil is particularly suited to premium skincare and cosmetic formulations requiring a linoleic- and alpha-linolenic-rich lipid profile.
Rosa rubiginosa has historically also been referred to as Rosa eglanteria in botanical and commercial literature. Afrika Botanicals uses Rosa rubiginosa as the botanical name throughout our current documentation.
Origin & Sourcing
- Botanical: Rosa rubiginosa
- Raw material: Rosehip seed
- Origin: Lesotho
- Harvesting: Wild-foraged
- Extraction: Mechanical cold pressing
- Refining: Unrefined
- Additives: None
Afrika Botanicals sources Rosehip Seed Oil from the highlands of Lesotho, where the plant has become established in the cool, high-altitude environment.
Although Rosehip is not indigenous to Africa, it is well adapted to the Lesotho highlands and provides a valuable wild-foraged resource.
The fruit is collected seasonally through established local harvesting networks and the seeds are then processed and cold-pressed to produce oil for cosmetic applications.
Performance Profile
Rosehip Seed Oil is distinguished by its high proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids.
This composition gives Rosehip its characteristic light sensory profile and makes it a useful component of premium facial and treatment formulations.
Key formulation characteristics include:
- High linoleic acid content (Omega-6) – provides a significant polyunsaturated lipid component
- Alpha-linolenic acid content (Omega-3) – further distinguishes its fatty acid profile from predominantly oleic cosmetic oils
- Lightweight texture – particularly suited to facial oils, serums and lighter emulsions
- Good spreadability – facilitates even distribution within leave-on formulations
- Distinctive natural colour – contributes to the characteristic appearance of unrefined Rosehip Seed Oil
- Polyunsaturated character – appropriate oxidation management should be considered during formulation and storage
Technical Information
- INCI: Rosa Rubiginosa Seed Oil
- CAS: 84603-93-0
- Extraction: Cold-pressed
- Refining: Unrefined
- Appearance: Orange to reddish-orange liquid oil
- Odour: Mild, characteristic
- Typical shelf life: 24 months under recommended storage conditions
Natural variation in colour, odour and analytical values can occur between harvests and production batches.
Batch-specific analytical values are provided on the applicable Certificate of Analysis.
Applications
Rosehip Seed Oil is particularly suited to cosmetic formulations including:
- Facial oils and serums
- Premium creams and emulsions
- Eye-area formulations
- Treatment oils
- Body-care formulations
- Lightweight hair-conditioning products
- Lipid blends
- Specialist skincare formulations
It is particularly useful where light texture, spreadability and a linoleic- and alpha-linolenic-rich fatty acid profile are required.
Organic & Conventional Supply
Afrika Botanicals supplies certified organic Rosehip Seed Oil from Lesotho.
Conventional material can also be supplied for specific commercial requirements, subject to availability.
Organic certification depends on the supply chain and batch. We can provide current certification documentation with quotations and commercial orders when certified organic material is required.
Quality & Documentation
Rosehip Seed Oil is supplied with appropriate technical documentation, including:
- Certificate of Analysis (COA)
- Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
- Organic certification where applicable
- Origin and traceability information
Representative documentation is available during product evaluation, with batch-specific documentation supplied where applicable to commercial orders.
Packaging & Commercial Supply
Available formats depend on specification and volume and can include:
- 1 litre
- 5 litre
- Approximately 25 kg bulk containers
- Approximately 200 kg drums
We can plan larger commercial requirements with our production partner based on harvest, availability and required specification.
Samples
Samples are available for formulation and commercial evaluation.
When requesting a sample or quotation, please provide your anticipated order quantity, annual volume, destination and whether certified organic material is required.
Or buy a sample now
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does your Rosehip Seed Oil come from?
Our primary Rosehip Seed Oil supply comes from the highlands of Lesotho, where the fruit is seasonally wild-foraged and processed for its seed.
Is Rosehip indigenous to Africa?
No. It is not indigenous to Africa but has become well established and adapted to the high-altitude environment of Lesotho.
Is your Rosehip Seed Oil refined?
Our standard Rosehip Seed Oil is cold-pressed and unrefined.
Is certified organic Rosehip available?
Yes. Certified organic Rosehip Seed Oil from Lesotho is part of our standard portfolio.
What distinguishes Rosehip Seed Oil from more oleic-rich cosmetic oils?
Rosehip contains substantial proportions of both linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids, giving it a highly polyunsaturated fatty acid profile and characteristically light texture.
Why does the colour vary?
As an unrefined natural oil, colour can vary between harvests and batches. Rosehip Seed Oil typically ranges from orange to reddish-orange.
What is the shelf life?
Typically 24 months when stored correctly in unopened packaging. Refer to the applicable product documentation for the supplied material.
Can you supply technical documentation?
Yes. COA, TDS and SDS documentation is available, together with organic certification where applicable.
Can you supply commercial volumes?
Yes. Please provide your required quantity and anticipated annual volume so that we can confirm availability, specification and production planning..