Does Rosehip Oil Help With Stretch Marks?

Yes, rosehip oil can help fade the appearance of stretch marks and ease the redness of new ones, but it cannot erase them completely. Stretch marks are scars in the deeper layers of skin, so no oil or cream can fully remove them. What makes rosehip oil stand out is that it is one of the few natural oils with some study support, thanks to its mix of skin-nourishing fatty acids and vitamins A, C, and E. It works best on newer marks and only with consistent use over several months. Used well, it softens marks, evens tone, and keeps skin healthy.

Key Takeaways

• Rosehip oil fades the look of stretch marks but does not erase them.

• It is one of the more evidence-backed natural oils for stretch marks.

• Its fatty acids and vitamins A, C, and E support hydration and skin repair.

• New, red marks respond far better than old, white ones.

• Results take consistent use over about 4 to 6 months.

What Is Rosehip Oil?

Rosehip oil is a natural oil pressed from the seeds and fruit of the wild rose plant. It is rich in fatty acids like linoleic, oleic, and palmitic acid, which hydrate the skin and strengthen its barrier. It also contains vitamins A, C, and vitamin E, along with a natural form of vitamin A known as trans-retinoic acid. Together these support collagen, skin repair, and cell renewal. Despite being an oil, rosehip is lightweight, absorbs quickly, and does not feel greasy, which makes it suitable for most skin types. These qualities are why it is widely used for scars, uneven tone, ageing skin, and stretch marks.

Does Rosehip Oil Help With Stretch Marks?

Yes, rosehip oil helps reduce the appearance of stretch marks, and there is some scientific support for this. A well-known 2013 study found that a moisturiser containing rosehip oil helped reduce the severity and appearance of stretch marks in pregnant women, and was significantly more effective than a placebo. Other research on rosehip oil has shown it can improve the look of scars, reducing redness and discolouration with twice-daily use over several weeks. It is important to be honest about what this means: rosehip oil fades and softens marks so they blend in better, but it does not remove them. Stretch marks are permanent scars, so the realistic goal is to make them far less noticeable, not to erase them.

How Does Rosehip Oil Work on Stretch Marks?

Rosehip oil works on stretch marks in three main ways: it hydrates deeply, supports collagen, and encourages skin renewal. These come from its natural mix of fatty acids and vitamins.

Hydration From Fatty Acids

Rosehip oil is rich in fatty acids like linoleic and oleic acid, which lock in moisture and strengthen the skin barrier. Well-hydrated skin is more flexible and elastic, so it copes better with stretching and looks smoother. This hydration also helps ease the tightness and itching that come with stretched skin.

Collagen Support From Vitamins A and C

The vitamins A and C in rosehip oil act as antioxidants, and vitamin C in particular supports the skin's production of collagen, the protein that keeps skin firm and elastic. Since stretch marks form when collagen is damaged, supporting it helps the skin repair itself. Stronger, healthier skin makes marks appear less obvious over time.

Skin Renewal From Trans-Retinoic Acid

Rosehip oil naturally contains trans-retinoic acid, a gentle form of vitamin A that encourages the skin to shed old cells and make new ones. This faster cell turnover helps improve skin texture and fade discolouration. It offers some of the benefits of retinoids, but in a milder, more natural form.

Rosehip Oil for New vs Old Stretch Marks

Rosehip oil works far better on new stretch marks than on old ones, because fresh marks are still healing. New marks are red, pink, or purple and are in an active, inflammatory stage where the skin responds well to care. Old marks are white or silver, meaning they have settled into mature scars with little blood flow, so they change very little with any oil. The table below sums up what to expect with rosehip oil for red and white stretch marks - 

This is why experts recommend starting rosehip oil as early as possible, while marks are still fresh and responsive.

Does Rosehip Oil Prevent Stretch Marks?

Rosehip oil may help reduce how severe stretch marks become, but no oil can reliably prevent them. Whether you get stretch marks depends largely on factors beyond any product, such as genetics, hormones, and how quickly your skin stretches. What rosehip oil can do is keep skin well hydrated and supple during pregnancy or weight change, which may reduce dryness, ease itching, and make any marks that form less pronounced. Starting early and using it consistently gives the best chance of comfortable, healthy skin, but it should be seen as support rather than a guaranteed way to prevent marks.

Other Benefits of Rosehip Oil for Skin

Beyond stretch marks, rosehip oil offers several benefits that make it a versatile skincare oil. Because it nourishes and renews the skin, its effects reach further than marks alone.

• Fades scars and pigmentation. Its fatty acids and vitamin A help reduce the look of scars and dark spots over time.

• Evens skin tone. Regular use helps brighten dull skin and smooth out uneven patches.

• Soothes redness and inflammation. Its antioxidants calm irritated, reactive skin.

• Hydrates without greasiness. It moisturises deeply while absorbing quickly and lightly.

• Supports anti-ageing. Vitamins A and C help soften the look of fine lines and keep skin firm.

How to Use Rosehip Oil for Stretch Marks

For best results, apply rosehip oil twice a day to clean, slightly damp skin and massage it in gently. Consistency is what makes the difference, as improvements build gradually over months. Follow these simple steps:

• Exfoliate first. Gently exfoliate the area once or twice a week to clear dead cells, so the oil absorbs better.

• Apply to damp skin. Put a few drops on the marks after a shower, while skin is still slightly wet, to lock in moisture.

• Massage in circular motions. This boosts circulation, aids absorption, and keeps you consistent.

• Use twice daily. Apply morning and night, every day, for the best chance of visible improvement.

• Consider a blended formula. Rosehip oil works well within a complete product, so a stretch mark cream that combines rosehip oil with hyaluronic acid, mulethi, and shea butter gives skin more support than oil alone, especially on newer marks.

• Be patient. Expect gradual fading over about 4 to 6 months, particularly on fresh marks.

Store rosehip oil away from direct light and heat, as it can oxidise and lose potency over time.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Rosehip oil is generally very safe and well tolerated, even on sensitive skin. Still, a few simple precautions help:

• Patch test first. Apply a small amount to your inner forearm and wait 24 hours, as allergic reactions are rare but possible.

• Introduce slowly if sensitive. The natural retinoic acid is gentle, but very sensitive skin should start with less frequent use.

• Watch for oxidation. Old or poorly stored oil can smell off and irritate skin, so buy fresh and store it in a cool, dark place.

• Keep it to the body for stretch marks. It suits most skin, but if you use it on your face, watch how acne-prone skin responds.

When to See a Dermatologist

You should see a dermatologist if your stretch marks bother you and do not improve with consistent home care, or if you want faster, deeper results. Because rosehip oil and other topicals only improve appearance, old white marks in particular respond very little to them. For real structural change, dermatologists offer treatments like microneedling and laser therapy that work deeper in the skin to rebuild collagen. A dermatologist can assess your marks and recommend the most suitable option for your skin and the age of your marks.

The Bottom Line

Rosehip oil is one of the more evidence-backed natural options for stretch marks. It fades and softens their appearance, eases the redness of new marks, and supports overall skin health, thanks to its fatty acids and vitamins A, C, and E. What it cannot do is erase stretch marks, since they are permanent scars. For the best results, use it early while marks are still fresh, apply it consistently for several months, and ideally choose a formula that pairs it with skin-supporting ingredients like shea butter and centella. For stubborn old marks, a dermatologist can offer treatments that go deeper than any oil.