Rose hip oil is so popular now that everyone would have had heard of it. It is popular for a reason. It is a multi-tasker - a rich source of antioxidants, beta-carotene-pro Vitamin A (both having proven anti-aging properties) and fatty acids. Fatty acids are very skin-nourishing and can help repair damaged skin tissue. Talking about fatty acids, the composition is a crucial factor determining whether an oil is suitable for acne-prone skin. Without going into details, the rule of thumb is:
High oleic acid to linoleic acid ratio: may cause congestion
High linoleic acid to oleic acid ratio: suitable for oily and acne-prone skin
Rose hip oil has a rather high ratio of linoleic acid to oleic acid, making it suitable to use for most skin types including oily and acne-prone skin (see a sample fatty acid profile here: https://thenakedchemist.com/rose-hip-seed-oil/). It is also one of the best oils to use if you want to "fight oil with oil".
About Sukin Rose Hip Oil
The Sukin Rose Hip Oil is an oldie but goodie!
Sukin Rose Hip Oil is one of the most affordable rose hip oils in the market. It retails for $19.95 and it often goes on sale. I picked this up from Priceline purely because it was too cheap to pass. Sukin's rose hip oil is certified organic. In fact, as far as I am aware, it is the only certified organic product in the whole Sukin range.
There are two things to note about Sukin's Rose Hip Oil:
Colour
The colour of a rose hip oil is usually indicative of its quality. The more orange the colour, the more nutrient-rich the rose hip oil is (the colour comes mainly from the beta-carotene-pro Vitamin A). Sukin's Rose Hip Oil has a nice golden colour, but it is not as dark as some of the other brands' rose hip oils (e.g. Kosmea and Trilogy).
Extraction method
Sukin's Rose Hip Oil is cold-pressed. However, "cold press" is not my preferred extraction method for rose hip oil. During a large-scale cold pressing process, heat is still generated due to friction and the temperature may reach as high as above 40°C (which is not very "cold" after all). In addition, the extraction method does not eliminate the presence of oxygen. Both of these factors mean the nutrients can still oxidise rather quickly in the extraction process. I prefer rose hip oil that is extracted by supercritical extraction process, which is done in the presence of carbon dioxide instead (both Kosmea & Pai use this extraction method).
I asked Sukin why they have chosen to use cold press which is not the best available method for extraction. I wasn't expecting them to reply at all. To my surprise, Sukin actually answered my question, explaining that they have to keep the cost low so that they can make the product available at an affordable price. It makes perfect sense to me. I like how honest, genuine and engaging this brand is.
My experience
I usually use Sukin Rose Hip Oil immediately after my usual hydrating serum and on skin that is very moist. The oil seals in the goodness of the serum, and it provides an additional layer of nourishment. I use 3-4 drops for my entire face and neck, and that’s plenty. Some days I top it up with a moisturiser; on other days I don't feel I need to. This oil has a subtle woody and earthy smell. I also like that it does not have a very greasy feeling. It only takes a few minutes for it to absorb properly. The trick is to use it on moist or even slightly wet skin rather than on dry skin. Oil absorbs into skin much better this way.
I like to use it under my makeup, as it adds a subtle glow and dewiness. However, it does sheer out the coverage of makeup, so it is not ideal to go under makeup for those who want a full coverage.
Even though Sukin’s rose hip oil does not have a deep colour compared to its counterparts from other brands, I found it exceptionally nourishing and moisturising. It soothed my dry skin in a matter of a few applications.
I have been using it for a few months now and I am very happy with my soft, supple and radiant skin. I am genuinely surprised by how this product can be available at such a low price.
Out of all the rose hip oils I have tried so far (including Kosmea, Trilogy, Essano and Sukin), I still rate Kosmea the highest because of its richness. However, after taken cost into account, Sukin gives me the best value for money.
About me
Makeup artist and hair stylist based in Sydney. Founder of the well-known award-winning bridal specialist team Faces Makeup & Hair. Beauty junkie with an obsession for skincare.