The Ordinary’s Rosehip Seed Oil Has Earned Its Best-Seller Badge, Here’s Why (2024)

I make no secret that I love facial oils.

You see, my skin has a knack for drying up like a prune, even more so when winter rolls around. It’s less of a luxury and more of an absolute, apply-this-or-else necessity.

Since stepping into the role of Beauty Editor at Adore, I’ve had the pleasure of dabbling in quite a few of these gloriously hydrating elixirs.

Yet, here's the plot twist: somehow, for some reason, The Ordinary's cult-favourite Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Oil managed to evade me.

So when it landed on my desk, my mind went into a tailspin.

How could I have unknowingly left such a beloved product out of my routine? And by *the* brand that first introduced me to the wonderful world of cosmeceuticals, no less!?

To add salt to the wound, The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil has nearly 600 reviews on Adore Beauty.

Yep, six-hun-dred people singing its praises. Anybody else feeling like they just missed a memo?

Unless you’re one of the 600, in which case I’d imagine you’re feeling pretty chuffed with yourself, huh?

And if you’re scratching your head wondering what’s so great about this rosehip oil, keep reading, because I’m about to spill the tea.

Rosehip Oil 101: What Is It & What Are the Benefits?

Picture a tiny but mighty treasure extracted from the seeds of wild rose bushes–that’s rosehip oil.

Bursting with essential fatty acids, notably omega-3 (linolenic acid) and omega-6 (linoleic acid), alongside a powerhouse of antioxidants and vitamins A and C, rosehip oil isn't a fleeting trend; it's a timeless tradition cherished since ancient times for its healing properties.

Such as:

• Hydrates and softens the skin.

• Nourishes dehydrated and dry skin.

• Improves acne and reduces breakouts.

• Increases collagen production and skin elasticity.

• Fights free radicals to improve fine lines and wrinkles.

• Reduces inflammation, regenerates skin and heals scars.

While not non-comedogenic, rosehip seed oil has a very low comedogenic rating, making it a versatile contender for all skin types.

However, a word of advice for our oily-skinned friends: The Ordinary's rendition tends to lean slightly heavier, so possibly not your ideal match.

My The Ordinary Rose Hip Seed Oil review.

First impressions matter, and The Ordinary Rose Hip Seed Oil opens with a clean slate - no overwhelming fragrance, just a subtle herbaceous scent.

Warming a few drops between my palms, the texture was thinner than I’d anticipated. It’s more of a dry oil that feels light and not greasy.

Pressing it into my face and neck following my moisturiser as directed, I noticed a slight tackiness, but the key here I discovered was to wait for it to completely dry down to avoid pilling.

True to its promise, the oil delivered a surge of hydration that left my skin supple and soft.

Yet, the best part was the radiant glow it cast over my complexion.

The age-old saying "less is more" stays true with this oil. A few drops are all you need, a testament to its potency that makes its already accessible price point even more lucrative for the long haul.

While I used it both morning and night (using a lighter hand for the former), my favourite way to incorporate the oil into my routine is with a gua sha for a luxurious lymphatic massage.

Here's a tutorial I prepared earlier...

And the benefits extend beyond the face – a helping hand to scaly legs and soothing touch to stubborn scars.

In essence, The Ordinary's Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Oil marries simplicity with efficacy. It's not about flashy promises, but about delivering results that your skin will thank you for.

To round out my dry skin routine I’ve included my go-to cleanser and moisturiser by The Ordinary with mini reviews below.

The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser.

What: The Ordinary Supersize Squalane Cleanser 150ml

Fast facts:

• Gentle, soap-free cleanser.

• Softens and hydrates the skin.

• Removes makeup and stubborn build-up.

• Leaves the skin feeling comfortable, never tight.

• Formulated with squalane, known for hydration and anti-inflammatory properties.

My mini The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser review:

Fun fact: This was my first “proper” cleanser (aka, of the non-supermarket variety).

Its gentle, simple formulation delivers well beyond its humble price point; melting off makeup and SPF while still giving the skin a good clean and maintaining hydration.

All skin types will benefit from its inclusion of plant-based squalene and skin-similar esters that leave the face feeling soft and smooth (especially dry), making it a worthy contender for anyone looking for a more affordable cleanser.

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides.

What: The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides - 100ml

Fast facts:

• Rich, creamy texture.

• Delivers instant and long-term hydration.

• Helps repair and strengthen the skin barrier.

• Works to supplement deficiencies in dry and dehydrated skin.

• Phytoceramides help improve skin quality for a clearer, fresher appearance.

• Formulated with hyaluronic acid, glycerin and skin-identical lipids like free fatty acids, phospholipids and triglycerides.

• Contains four times more moisturising emollients and two times more humectants than The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA.

• Delivers skin-identical ingredients and plant-based ceramides and skin lipids to mimic the function of the natural moisturising factors (NMF) naturally produced by the skin

My mini The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + PhytoCeramides review:

Much like the Squalane Cleanser, The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors proves that quality doesn't always demand a high price tag.

Staying true to The Ordinary's philosophy, this moisturiser prides itself on simplicity rather than mystique, hydrating and softening the skin as promised.

Its lavish, creamy texture envelops the skin like a warm embrace, transitioning from a luxurious night cream to a denser daily moisturiser, providing respite from the persistent clutches of dryness.

But hold on, there's more.

The lineup doesn't stop here – catering to the unique needs of different skin types, The Ordinary offers two more editions:

• The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA 100ml for normal-to-dry skin, and

• The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + Beta Glucan - 100ml for our oilier friends.

Final Verdict...

So does The Ordinary Rosehip Oil live up to the hype? If you ask me (and my dry skin), the answer is a resounding yes.

In a world increasingly saturated with skincare choices, this rosehip seed oil emerges as a deserving best-seller, delivering radiance while embodying simplicity and affordability.

For more skincare reviews and product recommendations, check out these BIQ articles:

• 4 of the Best Hydrating Cleansing Oils I’ve Ever Tried for Melting off Makeup and SPF

• My ‘Everything Shower’ Skincare Routine to Pamper My Body From Top-To-Toe

• Five Ways to Even Out Your Skin Tone According to a Dermal Therapist