Rosehip oil is a deeply nourishing carrier oil loved for its support of dry, mature, or stressed skin. Pressed from the seeds of rose hips (the fruit of the rose plant), this golden-orange oil is rich in natural fatty acids and antioxidants. It is often used in face serums, scar blends, and night-time beauty oils.
What Is Rosehip Oil?
Rosehip oil is typically cold-pressed from the seeds of Rosa canina or related wild rose species. It is high in essential fatty acids such as linoleic and linolenic acid, and naturally contains skin-supporting compounds like provitamin A (in gentle, plant levels). This makes it a favorite in natural skincare for improving the look and feel of the skin.
Benefits of Rosehip Oil
Skin and Beauty
- Helps improve the appearance of fine lines and uneven texture when used consistently
- Supports a more even-looking skin tone and radiance
- Excellent for dry, mature, sun-exposed, or stressed skin
- Can soften the look of old marks and scars over time
- Absorbs relatively well without feeling overly heavy when used in small amounts
Body and Wellness
- Useful in body oils for extra nourishment on dry areas like elbows and knees
- Can be blended with lighter carrier oils for daily all-over use
- Provides a rich, supportive base for essential oil blends focused on skin repair and comfort
Hair and Scalp
- Can be used on dry ends to add softness and shine
- Helpful in small amounts for dry or flaky scalp blends
- Often combined with lighter oils (like jojoba) so it is not too heavy
Home and Daily Use
- Common in DIY face serums, eye oils, and night creams
- Useful in hand creams and cuticle oils for very dry skin
- Pairs well with floral and resin essential oils for richer blends
How to Use Rosehip Oil
As a Facial Oil or Serum Base
- Use alone at night: apply a few drops to clean, slightly damp skin
- For sensitive or oily skin, blend rosehip with a lighter carrier such as jojoba
- For essential oil blends used on the face, keep dilution low (about 1%: 1–2 drops essential oil per teaspoon of carrier)
As a Body Oil
- Combine rosehip with lighter oils (sunflower, jojoba, or grapeseed) for an all-over body oil
- Massage into especially dry areas or places that need extra care
- Use after bath or shower while skin is still slightly damp
For Hair and Scalp
- Add a few drops to your regular conditioner for extra richness
- Mix with jojoba or argan oil and apply lightly to dry ends
- For scalp, blend 1 tablespoon carrier (rosehip plus lighter oils) with 2–4 drops essential oils and massage before shampooing
For Rollers and Targeted Blends
- Ideal in rollers aimed at skin comfort, spot treatments, or dry patches
- Use in a 10 ml roller with a mix of rosehip and another carrier, plus 4–8 drops of appropriate essential oils depending on the area
Best Essential Oils to Pair With Rosehip
For Skin and Beauty
- Frankincense – supportive for mature or stressed skin
- Lavender – calming and gentle on most skin types
- Geranium – often used for balance and radiance
- Helichrysum (Immortelle) – frequently used in high-end skin blends
- Rose or Rose Absolute – for luxury facial oils and serums
For Body Oils
- Sweet Orange – uplifting and bright
- Ylang-Ylang – sensual, floral, and soft
- Sandalwood – grounding and comforting
Mind and Spirit Correspondences
Holistically, rosehip is associated with renewal, self-love, and gentle healing. It carries the energy of the rose in a quieter, deeper way, symbolizing:
- Recovery and restoration after stress or hardship
- Nourishing the self after emotional or physical depletion
- Softening old hurts and encouraging kindness toward your own body
Because of this, rosehip oil is a beautiful choice for nighttime rituals, self-massage, and any practice focused on forgiveness, rest, and renewal.
DIY Rosehip Oil Recipes
1. Night Renewal Face Serum
- 1 tablespoon rosehip oil
- 1 tablespoon jojoba oil
- 2 drops frankincense essential oil
- 1 drop lavender essential oil
Combine in a small glass bottle and apply a few drops to clean, damp skin at night.
2. Radiance Body Oil
- 2 tablespoons rosehip oil
- 2 tablespoons sunflower or grapeseed oil
- 8 drops sweet orange essential oil
- 4 drops ylang-ylang essential oil
Massage into arms, legs, and chest after a bath or shower.
3. Soft Hands and Cuticle Blend
- 1 tablespoon rosehip oil
- 1 tablespoon jojoba oil
- 2 drops lavender essential oil
- 2 drops lemon essential oil
Massage into hands, nails, and cuticles daily.
4. Nourishing Hair Ends Oil
- 1 tablespoon rosehip oil
- 1 tablespoon argan oil
- 2 drops rosemary essential oil (optional)
Rub a small amount between your palms and lightly smooth over hair ends.
5. Comforting Scar and Mark Oil
- 2 tablespoons rosehip oil
- 1 tablespoon jojoba oil
- 4 drops frankincense essential oil
- 2 drops lavender essential oil
Apply a small amount to old marks or scars once or twice daily, avoiding broken skin and fresh wounds.
Safety Notes
- Rosehip oil is generally well-tolerated but richer than some carriers; those with very oily or acne-prone skin may prefer it blended with lighter oils.
- Always patch test on a small area of skin before regular use, especially on the face.
- Store in the refrigerator or a cool, dark place to help slow oxidation.
- Use a clean dropper or pump to avoid contamination.
- When combined with essential oils, always follow safe dilution guidelines appropriate for the area of application.
Safety Note: I am NOT a medical professional. Please research ingredients, check for allergies, and confirm pet safety. Use gently and at your discretion.
