This rosehip oil naturally moisturizes skin and hair. Moreover, homemade rose hip oil is nourishing, and aids heal the skin from bruises, acne, and wrinkles.
This rosehip oil recipe requires two ingredients and is easy to make at home for a fraction of the price.
Learn methods of making it from fresh, dried rose hips or rosehip powder. This tutorial will uncover its main benefits and uses.
In addition, I will guide you through the selection of carrier oils that best fit this recipe.
What is rosehip oil?
This potent oil is made by slowly macerating rosehips in a carrier oil where all-powerful ingredients are extracted and transformed into a highly-absorbable oil. Make your own rosehip oil to soothe skin prone to acne, bruises, and wrinkles.
While DIY rose oil is extracted from rose petals, rosehip oil comes from the fruits of roses – rosehips.
Rosehips
Rosehips are fruits of the rose bush. There are several types from various Rosa genera, and all are edible. Inside the fruits are plenty of irritating seeds containing powerful ingredients. A valuable source of essential fatty acids, linoleic acids, provitamin A and carotenoid (indicating their orange color), rosehip seeds possess excellent healing properties for our skin.
Rosehips are also well known for their high content of Vitamin C, which is essential in boosting our immune system during the cold and flu season. But most of the Vitamin C is in rosehip’s pericarp (fruit). So if you make rosehip syrup, rosehip tea, or rosehip jam, you better remove the seeds and use the fruits instead, but when it comes to skincare – keep the seeds!
Benefits of DIY rosehip oil
But before we use the oil, take a look at the reasons your skin is going to love it.
For acne
Rosehips are considered a superfood for the skin, and several studies confirm their high content of fatty acids, flavonoids, and vitamins.
The main element that eases acne is linoleic acid. Rosehip oil always has a high amount (about 50%) of linoleic fatty acid, which is exactly what acne sufferers need.
In addition, it contains tretinoin, which converts vitamin A into retinol, the most effective single ingredient in acne treatment.
Most people fear the oil will be too greasy and clog pores. However, this oil is considered dry and does not leave traces as it absorbs relatively quickly and does not leave an oily film on the skin. Its neutral pH encourages easy absorption by the skin.
Why not take it to the next level with this facial oil recipe?
to lighten dark blemishes
This study revealed that linoleic acid and α-linolenic acid lightens blemishes induced by UV, discoloration or the dark spots caused by sun exposure.
The orange color of rose hips indicates its high carotenoid content, which helps protect skin from free radical damage.
to hydrate the skin
the ability of fatty acids to keep strong cell walls and therefore protect the skin from dehydration helps hydrate the skin. It also works for sensitive skin.
to reduce wrinkles
This clinical research also showed that tretinoin has anti-wrinkle properties and plays a vital role in the anti-aging process. A synthetic version of tretinoin also exists but with more side effects than its natural counterpart.
speed up healing of the skin
When rosehip oil penetrates through the skin, fatty acids become prostaglandins (PGE) that regenerate the tissues and cells. This oil helps speed up the healing of burns and wounds. It may also reduce the appearance of stretch marks and scars.
to ease inflammation
Oil from rose hips contains antioxidant vitamin E, known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Together with polyphenols, they may help to calm irritation due to psoriasis, eczema, or dermatitis.
Ingredients to make rosehip oil
Learn how to make homemade rosehip oil using any of the options below.
Fresh Rosehips
collect them on a dry day. They have sharp thorns, so I recommend wearing gloves. Collect them after the frost, so they are soft and easy to break or bruise. Make sure they are free of chemicals as you don’t want these to end up on your face.
However, it is better to use dried herbal material. The moisture that is present in fresh fruits may spoil the oil.
Dry fruits
buy dry rosehips online from a trustworthy source.
Alternatively, clean your fresh rosehips from leaves, stems, and thorns, place them in a mortar and bruise them so the seeds can release their medicinal properties in the carrier oil
Set them to dry. Spread them on the parchment paper with seeds and fruit shelves and let them sit for several days to dry.
Alternatively, use a dehydrator
Rosehip powder
Making rosehip powder is a preservation method that allows you to enjoy rosehip power during the cold winter.
Rosehip powder can also serve as a base for your rosehip infused oil, just use 1/2 cup for this recipe
Carrier oil
Carrier oils have additional benefits for the skin, so the right selection is essential. I like to use almond or jojoba oil or grapeseed oil as they are noncomedogenic and thus very unlikely to clog the pores on my face. On the other hand, if you want to use it on your body or on dried skin, you can go for fractionated coconut oil or olive oil, which are very moisturizing and nourishing but may not be ideal for acne-prone skin. Using an edible oil like olive oil will enable you to consume your DIY rosehip oil in dressings or marinades.
Lately, I have been impressed with the properties of argan oil. That is thick and rich and very suitable for dry skin but doesn’t leave a greasy residue. It also promotes wound healing, calms inflammation, and reduces dry, flaking skin.
Add a few drops of essential oil such as frankincense or lavender to boost its properties and scent. Rosehip oil combined with essential oils make a wonderful face serum that makes your skin glow.
When I select a carrier oil for my project, here are the main factors I consider:
- what do you intend to do with your product – use it on your face and other parts of your body
- What type of skin do you have – sensitive, dry, or rather oily
- The absorption rate of the oil
How to Make Rosehip Oil at Home
First step
Place dry, fresh rosehips or rosehip powder in a casserole that can go in the oven. Pour over the carrier oil in a ratio of 1(rosehips):2 (carrier oil). For rosehip powder, use the ratio 1/2(rosehip powder):2(carrier oil)
Second step
place the oil in the oven and keep it at the lowest heat possible, it should not exceed 38°C (100°F) for 8 hours. After 8 hours, remove it from the oven and let it settle in the dark place
Third step
strain the oil from the solids through a fine piece of cheesecloth or several layers, so there is no solid residue in the oil.
Fourth step
Add a few drops of Vitamin E to increase the preservation time.
Fifth step
Pour the oil into a dark bottle, put a label and a date, and seal it.
Sixth step
Store your rosehip oil in the refrigerator in a dark dropper bottle to extend its shelf life. The oil is sensitive to light and the nutrients break down if it is exposed to light.
Here is the web story about rosehip oil.
NOTE
homemade rosehip-infused oil is not the same as rosehip seed oil. Rosehip seed oil is made from cold-pressed rosehip seeds that require a specific hydraulic press and a lot of seeds and is therefore impossible to make at home.
It will not clog pores if applied in 2-3 drops daily. Rosehip oil is often called dry oil. Thanks to its neutral ph, it absorbs very quickly and does not leave an oily film on the skin.
Yes. Just make sure the temperature will not exceed 38°C (100°F). If possible, set up in a warm setting.
Yes. Just make sure the temperature will not exceed 38°C (100°F). If possible, set up in a warm setting.
It depends on whether you use fresh or dried fruits. If you played saved and used dried material, your rosehip oil should last at least 1 year without being kept in the fridge. If you use fresh plant material with lots of moisture, the oil has the potential to go rancid quicker. Thus one should use it between 6-9months and store the oil in a dark jar refrigerated. It is also advised to check periodically for mold and rancidity.
15 uses of rosehip oil
- Its neutral pH and fast absorption make rosehip oil ideal makeup and eye makeup remover. Just a few drops of oil onto a cotton pad will clean your face from any mascara or makeup remains.
- To treat dark spots or acne, apply a few drops directly to the affected area.
- Use it as the main oil for this rosehip soap with plenty of benefits for your skin.
- I used this oil to create this excellent anti-aging eye cream with vitamin E and coconut oil.
- Rosehip oil is great for hydrating dry and itchy skin. Thus ideal for this homemade lip balm with rosehips
- This Rosehip Serum is a concentrate of nutritious ingredients that promotes collagen production and scar healing.
- Use it to make this nourishing body butter that moisturizes the whole body
- It helps your dry or cracked nose when chaffed
- Massage oil
- Healing rosehip oil makes for a beautiful diaper rash cream
- In cooking to marinate the meat or in salad dressings
- Its healing properties can be used directly on cracked skin on the heels and elbows, ideally combined with calendula oil.
- If you regularly apply DIY rosehip oil to your eyelashes or eyebrows, they will grow longer and look healthier.
- Suffering from weak and easily breakable nails? Massage the cuticles every night before going to sleep. The effect should be visible within one week. It should help strengthen your nails and make them less fragile.
- If dry hair makes your life difficult, you will love this oil. Massage the dry and brittle ends of your hair and leave it for 1 hour to settle. Wash it and watch it. Your hair will get back its shine and soft look again.
How to make rosehip oil
Packed with antioxidants and fatty acids, rosehip oil is a natural versatile moisturizer that will heal your hair, nails and skin from bruises, acne and wrinkles.
Materials
Tools
Instructions
- Place fresh or dried rosehips or rosehip powder in the casserole and pour over your carrier oil - almond or jojoba oil
- place the oil in the oven and keep it at a low temperature; it should not exceed 38°C (100°F) for 8 hours.
- Remove from the oven after 8 hours and let it settle in the dark place
- Strain the oil from the solids through a fine piece of cheesecloth or several layers of cheesecloth, so there is no solid residue in the oil.
- Add a few drops of Vitamin E to increase the preservation time.
- Pour the oil into a dark bottle, put a label and a date and seal it.
- Store in a dark place.
Notes
select ripe rosehips after the frost so its easier to mash them in the mortar.
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Collection of infusion oils you might want to try
Collection of infusion oils you might want to try
DIY rose oil for skin and hair
This highly scented and effective rose oil is a must have item in your household. Our DIY rose infused oil goes a little bit further with ultra rich grape seed oil and petals from Rose Damascena.
How to make nettle oil
This mineral-rich nettle oil is a powerful remedy with a wide spectrum of uses from easing stiff joints to scalp and hair treatment. Made of nettle leaves this effective oil might help with skin irritations or baldness.
Scented Lavender infused oil
Infusion Lavender oil soothes minor skin irritations and eczema. It is also suitable for mild burns, yeast infections or for insect bites.
DIY Dandelion oil to heal your cracked hands
Dandelion oil is used in salves, lotions, and lip balms to soothe dry and cracked skin. Thanks to its capability to speed up the healing process of scars and calm down skin irritations dandelion oil is also efficient in acne treatment.
Uses and benefits of Calendula oil
Calendula (Calendula Officinalis, a.k.a. “Pot Marigold”) has its well-defined place in the herbal world. It’s not only the bright color and sweet smell that distinguish this plant from the others. But mainly it’s healing power and capability to cleanse wound made it internal as well as external number one choice of herbal healer.
How to make & use red clover oil
purple blossoms of the red clover make an outstanding nourishing oil that, by increasing collagen production, improves the elasticity of your skin and reduces wrinkles. Its anti-inflammatory properties can also help with eczema or psoriasis.
Powerful Elderflower infusion oil to soften your skin
Elderflower infusion oil has a powerful soothing effect on the skin, improves skin complexion and is especially useful for older skin. However, it is also very effective in treating acne or sunburns. It's anti-inflammatory and anti-wrinkle properties made the elderflower infusion oil very popular in the cosmetic industry.
How to make Violet oil and its uses
Extracted from leaves and flowers of wild violets this violet oil possesses many benefits for skin and hair and might be also able to help with insomnia or rheumatic pain.
How to make chamomile oil
This soothing chamomile oil extracted from chamomile flowers deeply nourishes and restores the skin. Its healing properties can be used in wound healing, diaper rash, or eczema.
Cucumber oil recipe for skin and hair
Deeply moisturizing and nourishing cucumber oil soothes and protects dry skin and hair adding softness and hydration.
How to make lemon balm oil + 10 ways to use it
This soothing lemon balm oil moisturizes and promotes skin healing. Lemon balm oil’s healing properties may help with cold sores.
I am definitely going to give this a try! My face needs all the hydration possible in the dry winter months. Thanks for this!
I love rose hip oil and use it in my nightly serum. It is expensive, so I love the idea of saving some money while making a fun DIY project! I can’t wait to try this! Thank you for sharing 🙂
I need this for every benefit you’ve listed! I have never used it before, but it looks like I should give it a try. Thanks for the great ideas!
This recipe is so helpful! I have some reships I’ve been meaning to pick but I keep forgetting to. I need to pick them before the birds get them so I can make some oil!
Can it be done on stove top?
it can but it is important to keep it at low temperature, it should not exceed 38°C (100°F) for 8 hours:)
What happens if it goes above 100 degrees? I just made some in my crockpot and it stayed below 100 for a long time and then snuck up to ~150 while I wasn’t paying attention. Is my oil ruined?
You might lose some of its benefits but not all.
Question … I left mine on low for like 8 hours and it definitely looks like the rose hips got a little brown … can I still use this or will it be bad now :/ ?
Did it give off a burned smell? If not I would use it:)
Question … I left mine on low for like 8 hours and it definitely looks like the rose hips got a little brown … can I still use this or will it be bad now :/ ?
Can it be left outside in the sun for 8 hours?
Hi Natasha, the rosehip oil is sensitive to light so it should not be exposed to the sun. If you don’t want to use the oven you can use maceration method. Dry the rosehips first, place them in the jar and pour 500 ml of carrier oil. Screw the lid and let it macerate for about three weeks in the dark place. After 3 weeks strain the rose hips from the oil and keep it in the dark jar in the refrigerator.
Do you need to grind or cursh the dried rosehips if you use this maceration method? If I halve the recipe, would that be 1 cup of dried rosehips with 250ml of carrier oil? Thanks!
Hi Laurel,
I just bruise them in the mortar so the seeds can release their medicinal properties in the carrier oil. YOu can also grind them or crush them. Halve them is not enough if you want to make potent rosehip seed oil. Yes, use one cup of rosehips for 250 ml of oil.
great, thank you! what other carrier oil aside from jojoba or almond would work?
Sure, you can use any carrier oil that is good for your skin such as sunflower oil, apricot oil or coconut oil.
The ratio was 1 part rosehips to 2 parts carrier oil but then it showed 2 cups of fresh rosehips and 300 ml carrier oil which is approximately 1 1/4 cups. This is opposite of the initial ratio or have I misread it? Thank you for the clarification.
Thank you Penny for spotting a mistake. The ratio is correct and I fixed it in the recipe card.
how long will it last?
Hi Elaine, it can last up to one year if kept in the dark and cold place.
Thank you I was wondering that. Would that be the same for most oils?
Thank you
Hi
I tried making oil using my slow cooker on a low setting (suggestion from another site, didn’t mention anything about temp, like you do). Unfortunately it charred the rosehips, I’m quite disappointed. I looked online and low on this model is set at 76C,
But hey lesson learned. I’ve been searching to see if this oil is still useful and can’t find any answer. Wondering if you might have one for me, I do hate to be wasteful. And it was my only batch of rosehips.
Thanks
Hi Rhiannon, I am sorry to hear that. I also went through the same lesson so I know how you feel:(
I am afraid that the oil will not have any medicinal benefits anymore as all are gone with the heat. Depends where you live but in Europe, you can still find some rosehips on the bushes otherwise you can order dried online. Good luck.
Hi, I used dried rosehips and pulverised them a bit in a spice grinder, first. Then I put them, with the oil, into the oven, on 100 C. I covered the bowl with tinfoil (I’m not sure why!) I’ve just taken it out of the oven, after 8 hrs, and I think it might have cooked too much. The oil looks too dark and the rosehip sediment smells biscuity. Do you think it’s ruined? I’m devastated! I spent a lot on the oil!
The temperature should not exceed 38°C (100°F) for 8 hours. I am not sure if the medicinal benefits will stay intact. As per your description I think the oil is ruined:(
Hello. I hope I don’t seem like I’m questioning your method, only asking for clarification. So many things I read up on neednto be dried first. Is this ok to use fresh? Can I ask use dry rosehips? Will I get the same strength of oil either way? Thank you
Hi Akacia, I used fresh rosehips and it worked well. It is easier to mash them and get their seeds. I haven’t done it with dried rosehips though.
Do you have to have the seeds if you are doing a slow infusion in oil for a few months? Thank you for your time
Yes, you need to include the seeds in the infusion. Bruise them before the infusion.
my sisters and I used to make all sorts of concoctions with roses, hosehips, elderflower and elderberries, its never left me,I think irs something we know innately, however its not something we followed as we grew up until now, im studying herbal medicine so this article is extremely helpful and informative.
Thank you so much for writing it.
Its such a good read.
Blessings and light to you my dear
Hi I want to make jelly with the rosehips if I separate the seeds to make the oil only frim the seeds will i Still have a good quality oil!? Thks!!
How many rose hips do I need to make this?
Hi Sierra, I used 2 cups of fresh rosehips
Good morning,
I have a problem crushing the seeds of rosehips, even using a heavy pestle and mortar, the seeds are really hard! Will the seeds still give out the good properties if left whole?
Thank you.
Hi Wendy, they are hard to crush in the mortar. Try to use a coffee grinder or high performing blender to grind them. I would not use them whole as their properties would not be released.
Will any rosehip do or is there a specific rose I should use?
There are more than 300 Rosacea species and all are edible and suitable for this project. If you want to learn more about rosehips, when to collect them and how to use them, this article will answer all your questions.https://simplybeyondherbs.com/foraging-rose-hips/
Hi, can I make rosehip oil from dried hips? Also, I am really wondering if I blend whole rosehips in Vitamix for 5 minutes, will the powder still have its itching power? Can I then add that mixture into edibles?
Thank you so much!!!
Hi Karolina, I would rather use Vitamix to grind the rosehips to the extent that allows you to split them into seeds and crushed fruits that you can separate with the sieve afterwards. That way you will keep the seeds for making the rosehip seed oil and crushed fruits are edible and packed with vitamin C that you can use in any other dishes like smoothies or oatmeals. The sieve will also allow you to remove all pesky hairs. I described the process when making rosehip powder – the 2. method. https://simplybeyondherbs.com/how-to-make-rosehip-powder/
Good luck. Vladka
Can I make oil from rosehip powder?
Hello Mandi, Rosehip powder is made of dried and crushed fruits of rosehips without the seeds so I don’t think so.
I made this and it smells amazing It smells like berries and nuts and apples 🥰
Help! I’ve mashed my fresh rosehips (with a potato masher, since I don’t have a mortar and pestle but now I’m thinking it’s not affecting the seeds enough that way).
But I also discovered my oven won’t go below 170 F.
What can I do to save this?? Can I let it sit for weeks (without having dried the rosehips first)?
Yikes, please help!
Hi Jenna, I would use a blender or fork to disrupt the seeds a bit so they can release the oil. Not sure you can do it with a potato masher as it is not sharp. You can also use a slow cooker instead of the oven that you set on minimum temperature for 4 hours.