Rosehip Oil for Skin: Benefits, How to Use It & How to Make Rosehip-Infused Oil

Rosehips are everywhere in the UK countryside right now: those small, ruby-red fruits left behind once the wild roses have finished flowering.

I've been foraging rosehips and making my own rosehip-infused oil since long before B Calm existed, and it's still one of my favourite botanical ingredients for a simple skin ritual.

There's something rather lovely about taking something growing wild in an autumn hedgerow and slowly turning it into a nourishing facial oil.

But there is a little confusion around rosehip oil, because not every rosehip oil is made in the same way.

So let's talk about what rosehip oil actually is, what the research tells us about rosehip for skin, how to make a simple rosehip-infused oil at home, and why I eventually created a ready-made version for the days when I don't have eight hours to spare.

What is rosehip oil?

When people search for rosehip oil for skin, they can actually be talking about a few different preparations.

Rosehip seed oil is oil extracted from the seeds of the rosehip fruit. Research has explored its fatty-acid composition and other naturally occurring compounds, as well as different methods of extracting the oil. Read the research on rosehip seed oil and its extraction methods here.

Rosehip-infused oil, on the other hand, is made by gently infusing dried rosehips into a carrier oil such as sweet almond oil.

That's the traditional method I have used myself for years.

The two shouldn't be treated as identical ingredients. A seed oil is produced by extracting oil from the seeds, whereas an infused oil takes the botanical material and slowly macerates it in another carrier oil.

And that's exactly what makes making your own rosehip-infused oil so interesting.

What are the benefits of rosehip oil for skin?

Rosehip has attracted plenty of attention in skincare research because it contains a range of naturally occurring fatty acids and other bioactive compounds.

Research into rosehip seed oil has particularly examined its fatty-acid profile, including linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids, as well as other compounds that contribute to its cosmetic potential. You can read the scientific review here.

For skincare, rosehip oil is best thought of as a nourishing, emollient facial oil that can help leave the skin feeling soft, smooth and conditioned.

It can be particularly lovely when skin is feeling dry, tight or in need of a little extra nourishment.

Rosehip preparations have also been investigated for their antioxidant and other biological properties, although it's important not to turn interesting laboratory or ingredient research into promises about what a particular finished cosmetic will do. Read the research review here.

There has even been clinical research looking at rosehip seed oil and skin lesions. However, that particular randomised controlled trial did not find rosehip seed oil to be effective for the specific skin lesions studied, which is a useful reminder that promising ingredients still need to be assessed in the right context. Read the study here.

That's why I prefer to keep my own claims simple:

Nourish. Soften. Condition. Ritualise.

Is rosehip oil good for your face?

It can be a beautiful addition to a simple facial oil routine.

A few drops pressed into the skin can provide an emollient layer that leaves skin feeling soft and comfortable, without needing a complicated collection of different products.

I particularly like facial oils as part of an evening ritual because applying them encourages you to slow down.

And for me, that matters just as much as the oil itself.

Less adding. More listening.

How to forage rosehips safely in the UK

If you're lucky enough to have wild roses growing near you, autumn is a lovely time to spot rosehips.

Look for the familiar red-orange fruits in:

• hedgerows

• woodland edges

• fields and footpaths

• areas where wild roses are growing naturally

A few simple rules make foraging more responsible.

Choose your location carefully

Avoid rosehips growing directly beside busy roads or anywhere that may have been treated with pesticides or other chemicals.

Only forage from somewhere where you are confident the plants haven't been sprayed.

Look for ripe rosehips

Rosehips generally become a deep red or orange-red as they ripen through autumn.

I like to collect them when they are ripe and beginning to soften, rather than taking large quantities early in the season.

Leave plenty behind

Rosehips are an important autumn food source for wildlife, particularly birds, so don't strip a whole bush.

Take only what you need and leave plenty for nature.

Be careful when handling them

The seeds and fine hairs inside rosehips can be irritating, so take care when cutting or preparing them.

And yes, those tiny hairs have a rather infamous history: they have traditionally been used to make itching powder.

How to make rosehip-infused oil

If you fancy making your own rosehip oil at home, you can make a simple rosehip-infused carrier oil using dried rosehips and sweet almond oil.

I use two different approaches.

Method 1: Gentle heat infusion

This is the method I have used when I want my oil ready in a day.

You'll need

• Dried rosehips

• Organic sweet almond oil

• A clean, dry heat-safe container

• A sieve or suitable filter

• A clean, dry bottle for your finished oil

I use B Calm Organic Pure Sweet Almond Face Oil as my carrier oil.

Method

1. Add your dried rosehips to your carrier oil.

2. Place the mixture into a slow cooker or suitable gentle-heating setup.

3. Keep the temperature as low and gentle as possible and allow the oil to infuse slowly for several hours.

4. The oil will gradually take on a beautiful deeper orange colour.

5. Strain the mixture carefully through a fine sieve or suitable filter to remove the plant material.

6. Transfer the finished infused oil into a clean, dry, light-protective bottle.

The important thing is gentle heat rather than cooking the oil. You are looking to encourage a slow infusion, not fry your rosehips.

Method 2: The slow cupboard infusion

This is my favourite method when I'm not in a hurry.

And this is probably the method I'd recommend if you want to experience the traditional ritual of making your own rosehip-infused oil.

You'll need

• Dried rosehips

• Organic sweet almond oil

• A clean, completely dry glass jar

• A fine sieve or suitable filter

• A dark glass bottle for your finished oil

Method

1. Place your dried rosehips into a clean, completely dry glass jar.

2. Cover them fully with sweet almond oil, making sure all of the plant material is submerged.

3. Seal the jar and place it somewhere cool and dark, such as a cupboard.

4. Leave the oil to slowly infuse for several weeks.

5. Gently turn or shake the jar occasionally.

6. When you're ready, strain the oil thoroughly to remove the rosehip material.

7. Decant the finished oil into a clean, dry, preferably dark glass bottle.

I love this method because there is something wonderfully slow about it.

You make it.

Then you forget about it.

And weeks later, you have your own little bottle of autumn.

Why use dried rosehips?

For an oil infusion, I prefer working with dried plant material rather than freshly picked rosehips.

Fresh plant material contains water, whereas an oil infusion is an oil-based preparation. Keeping unnecessary moisture out of your homemade infusion is important for helping maintain its quality and stability.

For anything you intend to keep or use regularly, cleanliness, dry equipment and appropriate storage are particularly important.

And remember: a homemade infusion isn't the same thing as a professionally manufactured cosmetic. If you're making something commercially, there are additional safety, stability and regulatory requirements.

How to use rosehip oil on your face

Once your rosehip-infused oil is ready, keep your ritual beautifully simple.

After cleansing, apply a few drops to your fingertips, warm the oil between your hands and gently press it over your face and neck.

You can use it:

• as a simple facial oil

• as the nourishing step in your evening skincare ritual

• after a facial mist

• alongside gentle facial massage

• as part of a slow evening wind-down

I particularly love using a facial mist first.

The mist brings that lovely feeling of fresh hydration to the skin, followed by the oil as the nourishing, emollient step.

You don't need ten products.

Sometimes you just need a few good ones that you'll actually use.

My full Skin Calm ritual

This is the ritual I actually come back to, especially in the evening. It's simple, sensory and designed to give both my skin and my nervous system a little more attention.

1. Cleanse

Gently cleanse your skin and remove makeup, then pat dry with a soft, warm cloth.

2. Mist

Spritz B Calm Rose Mist over your face and neck.

I love this step because it gives my skin that first layer of fresh hydration before I apply my oils.

3. Nourish with Rosehip

Warm a few drops of B Calm Organic Rosehip Carrier Oil between your fingertips and gently press it over your face and neck.

This is the nourishing part of the ritual. No complicated layering. Just a few drops and a little time.

4. Add Rest Calm

For my evening ritual, I then reach for B Calm Rest Calm, my signature essential oil blend of geranium bourbon, lavender and frankincense.

I dilute 2 drops of Rest Calm in 1 teaspoon of carrier oil, mix it in the palm of my hand and gently press it into my skin.

I love this part because the ritual becomes more than skincare. The aroma helps create that little signal to slow down, breathe and transition into the evening.

5. Massage

Finally, I'll spend a few minutes gently massaging my face or using my gua sha.

And that's it.

No ten-step routine. No bathroom shelf full of products.

Just Rose Mist, Rosehip, Rest Calm and a few quiet minutes to myself.

That's what B Calm Skin Calm is all about.

Less adding. More listening.

Why I created B Calm Rosehip Carrier Oil

After years of foraging and making my own rosehip-infused oil, I eventually wanted something I could simply reach for.

Because, lovely as an eight-hour infusion is, sometimes you just don't have eight hours.

And sometimes you want the ritual without having to remember what you put in a jar three weeks ago!

So I created my ready-made Rosehip Carrier Oil as part of the B Calm Skin Calm collection.

It's a simple botanical facial oil designed to fit into a daily skincare ritual without adding unnecessary complexity.

Shop B Calm Rosehip Carrier Oil →

Pair it with B Calm Rose Mist for a simple mist-and-oil ritual, or create an evening Skin Calm ritual around your favourite B Calm products.

Less adding. More listening.

Rosehip oil FAQs

Can I use rosehip oil on my face every day?

Rosehip oil can be incorporated into a daily facial skincare routine if it suits your skin. Start with a small amount and see how your skin responds.

Is rosehip oil good for dry skin?

Rosehip-infused oil can be a lovely choice for skin that feels dry or tight because the oil provides an emollient layer that helps leave the skin feeling soft and conditioned.

What's the difference between rosehip oil and rosehip seed oil?

Rosehip seed oil is extracted from the seeds of the rosehip fruit. Rosehip-infused oil is made by infusing rosehip plant material into another carrier oil, such as sweet almond oil. They are different preparations and shouldn't be treated as interchangeable.

Can I make rosehip-infused oil at home?

Yes, you can make a simple oil infusion using dried rosehips and a carrier oil such as sweet almond oil. You can use a gentle heat method or allow the dried rosehips to slowly infuse in oil for several weeks in a cool, dark place.

How should I store homemade rosehip-infused oil?

Keep your finished oil in a clean, dry, preferably dark bottle and store it somewhere cool and away from direct sunlight. Because homemade preparations don't undergo the same testing as commercial cosmetics, make small batches and pay attention to any changes in smell, appearance or texture.

Can I add essential oils to rosehip oil?

Essential oils should always be used at an appropriate dilution for the intended application. Don't apply undiluted essential oils directly to your skin.

For a facial oil, I'd always recommend following the dilution guidance supplied with the specific essential oil blend you're using.

A final thought from me

For me, rosehip is more than another skincare ingredient.

It's the smell of autumn walks, hedgerows and muddy boots.

It's collecting something beautiful from nature and taking the time to turn it into something useful.

And it's a reminder that skincare doesn't always need to mean more.

Sometimes it's a few drops of oil, warm hands, a slower breath and five minutes to yourself.

That's the kind of ritual I created B Calm for.

Breathe. Live. Rest.

The research behind rosehip

If you'd like to explore the science behind rosehip seed oil further, these are useful starting points:

• New horizon of rosehip seed oil: Extraction, characterization for its potential applications as a functional ingredient – PubMed

• Efficacy and safety of a rosehip seed oil extract in the prevention and treatment of skin lesions – PubMed

• Great Britain cosmetic product claims guidance – GOV.UK

The information in this article is for general skincare and educational purposes and is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any medical condition.