Rosa Rubiginosa Fruit Extract: What Is It, Cosmetic Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining exactly what it is and why it's used within cosmetic formulations.
Updated on: June 30, 2025
Share:
Inside this article:

We verify all information on this page using publicly available nomenclature standards from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), the European Commission's CosIng database and documentation provided directly by ingredient manufacturers. Our analysis is based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Rosa Rubiginosa Fruit Extract?

Rosa Rubiginosa Fruit Extract comes from the bright red hips of the sweet briar rose, a shrub native to South America that now grows in many temperate regions. The small fruits are packed with essential fatty acids like linoleic and linolenic acids, as well as vitamins A, C and E, all of which make the extract a popular skin care helper. For centuries people in Chile and Argentina used rose hips to soothe and soften skin; modern cosmetic labs picked up on this folk use in the late 20th century and refined it for creams and serums.

To create the extract, ripe rose hips are cleaned, dried and then either cold pressed or gently macerated in a plant-based solvent. The resulting liquid is filtered to remove solids, leaving a rich golden fluid that blends easily into water- or oil-based formulas.

You will often spot Rosa Rubiginosa Fruit Extract in face oils, anti-aging serums, hydrating masks, daily moisturizers, body lotions, after-sun gels and lip balms, where it lends a silky feel and a boost of nutrients.

Rosa Rubiginosa Fruit Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This ingredient works mainly as a skin softener and conditioner, helping products feel more nurturing on the skin.

  • Skin Conditioning: Helps improve the overall look and feel of skin by delivering vitamins and fatty acids that support a smoother, more supple surface.
  • Emollient: Forms a lightweight barrier that locks in moisture, reduces dryness and leaves skin feeling soft without a greasy residue.

Who Can Use Rosa Rubiginosa Fruit Extract

Thanks to its light texture and balanced mix of fatty acids most skin types can enjoy Rosa Rubiginosa Fruit Extract. Dry, normal and sensitive skin often benefit the most because the ingredient helps replenish lost moisture without feeling heavy. Combination and mildly oily skin can also use it since the extract absorbs quickly and rarely leaves a greasy film. Very oily or highly acne-prone complexions might prefer using it in lower concentrations or in formulas blended with lighter oils, as heavy layers of any emollient can sometimes feel occlusive.

The extract is entirely plant based so it suits both vegans and vegetarians. No animal-derived solvents or carriers are typically involved in its production.

Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals generally tolerate Rosa Rubiginosa Fruit Extract well, however this is not medical advice. Anyone expecting or nursing should ask a qualified healthcare professional before adding new skincare products just to be safe.

The ingredient does not increase photosensitivity and can be used morning or night without making skin more prone to sunburn. As with any botanical extract, check the full formula for other components that might react with your personal sensitivities.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Responses to topical Rosa Rubiginosa Fruit Extract differ from person to person. The following points describe potential side effects that could occur, but most users will not experience them when the ingredient is properly formulated and applied.

  • Skin irritation – temporary redness or stinging, especially on very sensitive or broken skin
  • Allergic contact dermatitis – rash, itching or swelling in those allergic to rose family plants
  • Comedogenic flare-ups – clogged pores or small bumps in individuals prone to acne when the extract is used in high amounts or layered under heavy creams
  • Interaction with active treatments – mild dryness if combined with strong exfoliating acids or retinoids without adequate moisturization

If any discomfort, rash or unusual reaction occurs stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 1 / 5

Rosa Rubiginosa Fruit Extract is light in texture, rich in linoleic acid and absorbs quickly, qualities that generally keep it from blocking pores. While heavier rosehip oils might edge higher on the scale, the refined fruit extract used in cosmetics is less likely to sit on the surface long enough to trap debris or sebum. Because the rating is only a 1 most acne-prone users can tolerate it, though extremely oily or congestion-prone skin may still prefer formulas where the extract appears lower on the ingredient list.

Keep in mind that a finished product’s overall comedogenicity depends on the full formula, so pairing this extract with very heavy butters or waxes could raise the risk of clogged pores.

Summary

Rosa Rubiginosa Fruit Extract conditions and softens skin by delivering vitamins A, C, E and essential fatty acids that reinforce the moisture barrier and smooth texture. Its emollient nature leaves a silky feel while reducing dryness without a greasy after-touch.

The ingredient has gained steady popularity in face oils and hydrating serums thanks to its balanced fatty acid profile, though it is still less common than big names like jojoba or argan. Many niche and eco-minded brands feature it as a hero component.

Overall safety is high with low irritation and comedogenic risks for most users. As with any new skincare addition a small patch test is wise before full-face use.

Was this article helpful?
More from Glooshi:
ADVERTISEMENT
Get all our top headlines in beauty.
Delivered right to your inbox each week. Zero spam, all goodness, opt-out at anytime.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Get the latest beauty news, top product recommendations & brand-exclusive discount codes direct to your inbox.
Send good feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Send bad feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Search