Rosehip oil is light, thin and quick to absorb, with a slightly dry finish. Argan oil is silkier and richer, and leaves a soft, conditioned finish on skin and hair. Rosehip suits a light facial oil; argan suits dry skin, body care and hair ends. Rosehip also spoils faster, so it belongs in the fridge once opened.
Quick Answer: Choose rosehip oil for a light, fast absorbing facial oil (2 to 3 drops). Choose argan oil for a richer feel on dry skin and for smoothing hair ends (2 to 3 drops). Rosehip keeps for about 6 months once opened and is best refrigerated; argan keeps for about a year in a cool, dark cupboard. You can also mix them, 2 parts rosehip to 1 part argan.
Rosehip Oil vs Argan Oil at a Glance
|
|
Rosehip oil |
Argan oil |
|
Made from |
Seeds of wild roses (Rosa canina and related species) |
Kernels of the argan tree (Argania spinosa) |
|
Texture |
Light and thin |
Medium and silky |
|
Absorbs |
Quickly |
More slowly |
|
Finish |
Light, slightly dry |
Soft and conditioned |
|
Color |
Golden to orange red |
Pale gold |
|
Scent |
Faint, earthy |
Light, nutty |
|
Best for |
Facial oil |
Dry skin, body, hair ends |
|
Keeps once opened |
About 6 months; refrigerate |
About 1 year; cool and dark |
Texture, color and scent vary between brands and with how the oil is processed. Shelf life also depends on storage, so follow the date on your bottle.
Why Rosehip Feels Lighter Than Argan
The difference comes down to fatty acids.
• Rosehip oil is mostly polyunsaturated. In one analysis, rosehip seed oil was about 55% linoleic acid (omega 6) and 23% alpha linolenic acid (omega 3) (Turan et al., Grasas y Aceites, 2018). Oils like this feel thin and dry, and absorb quickly.
• Argan oil is mostly oleic acid (omega 9), with a good share of linoleic acid. Oleic acid gives it a richer, silkier feel.
The same chemistry explains storage. Polyunsaturated fats react with air, heat and light more easily, so rosehip goes stale faster than argan.
Texture and Feel
Rosehip Oil
Rosehip oil is thin, and a couple of drops cover the whole face. It sinks in quickly and doesn’t feel greasy, so it layers well under sunscreen or makeup.
Unrefined rosehip oil has an orange tint. It can briefly tint very pale skin and can mark pillowcases, so let it absorb before bed.
Argan Oil
Argan oil is a little thicker and takes longer to settle. It leaves skin feeling soft and hair looking smooth. A few drops go a long way: on hair, think drops, not handfuls.
How to Use Each Oil
Rosehip Oil on the Face
1. Cleanse, then apply any water based serum.
2. Warm 2 to 3 drops of rosehip oil between your fingertips.
3. Press it gently over your face.
4. Morning: follow with sunscreen. Evening: apply your moisturizer first if you use one, then the oil.
Argan Oil on the Face and Body
• Face: press 3 drops onto slightly damp skin, ideally at night or in cold weather.
• Body: smooth a few drops over dry areas such as elbows, knees and shins after a shower, while skin is still damp.
Argan vs Rosehip for Hair
Argan is the better choice for hair. Rub 2 drops between your palms and smooth them over the last few inches of dry or damp hair. Add a drop at a time if your hair is thick or coarse.
Rosehip can work on fine hair ends, but it is light enough that you may not notice much. Keep either oil away from the roots if your hair gets oily quickly.
Which Should You Choose?
|
If you want |
Choose |
|
A light facial oil that sinks in fast |
Rosehip |
|
An oil under sunscreen or makeup |
Rosehip |
|
A richer oil for dry skin or winter |
Argan |
|
Smoother hair ends |
Argan |
|
A body oil |
Argan |
|
An oil that keeps without the fridge |
Argan |
|
Something in between |
A blend of both |
Can You Mix Rosehip Oil and Argan Oil?
Yes. Mixing them gives you a texture between the two.
Simple blend:
• 2 teaspoons (10 mL) rosehip oil
• 1 teaspoon (5 mL) argan oil
Combine them in a small, clean, dark glass dropper bottle and swirl gently. Use more rosehip for a lighter blend, or more argan for a richer one.
A blend keeps only as long as its most delicate oil. Store it in the fridge and use it within about 3 months.
Want to add scent? Keep essential oils to 0.5 to 1% for the face: 1 to 2 drops per 10 mL. See our Safety and Dilution Guide.
How to Store Rosehip and Argan Oil
|
|
Rosehip oil |
Argan oil |
|
Where |
Fridge, once opened |
Cool, dark cupboard |
|
Use within |
About 6 months of opening |
About 1 year of opening |
|
Signs it has gone off |
Sharp, fishy or crayon like smell |
Smell turns sharp or stale |
For both: close the cap tightly, keep the bottle out of sunlight and away from the bathroom heat, and never let water into the bottle. If it smells different from when you opened it, replace it. Gya Labs’ Skin Care with Carrier Oils guide gives about 6 months for rosehip.
If a bottle will take you longer than 6 months to finish, argan is the more practical choice.
Patch Test First
• Apply a few drops to your inner forearm and wait 24 hours. Stop if you notice redness or itching.
• Argan comes from tree kernels. If you have a tree nut allergy, check with your doctor before using it.
• See a dermatologist for any ongoing skin concern. These are cosmetic oils, not treatments.
More Carrier Oil Comparisons
• Choosing between three? Read Rosehip vs Argan vs Jojoba.
• Choosing by skin type? See How to Choose the Right Carrier Oil for Your Skin Type.
• Browse the range: compare textures in the Gya Labs Carrier Oils collection.
Final Thoughts
Rosehip and argan are both easy, useful oils; they just feel different. Rosehip is light and quick to absorb, so it makes a good everyday facial oil, as long as you keep it in the fridge and use it within about 6 months. Argan is richer and keeps longer, so it is the better choice for dry skin, body care and hair ends.
If you can’t decide, mix them: 2 parts rosehip to 1 part argan, kept cold and used within a few months.
