How to Use Rosehip Oil

Your skin will absolutely drink this up—and thank you for it.

Whether you're staring down a cluster of dry patches, trying to fade old acne souvenirs, or just want that subtle glow people get from sleeping eight hours a night and drinking celery juice (without actually doing those things), rosehip oil might be your new go-to.

Okay, but what is rosehip oil—and why are people obsessed with it?

Rosehip oil comes from the fruit and seeds of the rose plant. It’s not made from the petals, like rosewater or rose essential oil. Instead, this oil is cold-pressed from the little bright red pods (rosehips) that pop up after the flower has bloomed and dropped its petals.

And while it’s been a staple in natural skin care for ages—like, Cleopatra-era ages—it’s been getting major buzz recently because of what’s inside: a mix of vitamins A and C, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants. People love it for supporting skin health, helping skin look smoother, and generally giving off “I vacation in the Alps” energy.

I’ve tried a million face oils. What makes rosehip different?

Totally get it. There’s a sea of face oils out there, and not all of them feel good on your skin. Some feel too sticky. Others just kind of… sit there.

Rosehip oil is different because it’s super lightweight. It sinks in fast—it doesn’t just hang out on the surface waiting to stain your pillowcase. It also works for a wide range of skin types, from dry to oily and even (carefully!) on sensitive skin.

Even though it’s technically an oil, it doesn’t clog pores the way heavier oils can. That’s because it has a low comedogenic rating, and it absorbs quickly without leaving that greasy look behind. A lot of people say it makes their skin feel moisturized but still fresh—not slick.

Easy ways to use rosehip oil in your day

If you’ve got a little bottle waiting in your bathroom cabinet and you’re not sure what exactly to do with it, here’s what’s worked for people (and for me):

Add a few drops to your moisturizer

This is the easiest way to sneak it into your routine. Take a pea-sized amount of your usual face cream, and mix in 2–3 drops of rosehip oil in the palm of your hand. Rub together, then smooth over your face.

Why this works: Your cream helps seal in the oil, and the oil makes your cream feel a little more nourishing—especially if your skin’s dry or it’s cold out.

Use it as a nighttime face oil

After you clean your face at night and it’s still slightly damp, press a few drops of rosehip oil into your skin. Let it soak in before going to bed.

Why this works: Skin tends to repair itself overnight, and rosehip oil contains nutrients like trans-retinoic acid (a natural form of vitamin A) which can support healthy-looking skin over time.

Bonus: That “I slept well” glow is real.

Mix it into your foundation

Okay, this one’s a little beauty hack: Add one drop (literally, one) of rosehip oil to your foundation before applying. It makes matte formulas look less cakey and gives you that soft glow without looking shiny.

Why this works: The oil sheers out heavy foundations just enough, which helps if your makeup tends to settle into fine lines or cling to dry patches.

Dab it on dry spots or flaky lips

Got a rogue dry patch on your cheek that won’t quit? Elbows feeling sandpapery? Lips suddenly turning into the Sahara desert? A single drop of rosehip oil tapped on with your finger can work wonders.

Why this works: Rosehip oil contains fatty acids like linoleic and oleic acids, which help support your skin’s natural moisture barrier.

What about body care?

Don’t save it for just your face. If the price tag isn’t wild, you can totally use rosehip oil all over. People use it to soften rough knees and elbows, give legs a bit of sheen in the summer, or even on stretch marks to help them look smoother.

Personally, I’ve mixed a few drops into plain lotion to level it up—and wow, my skin forgot what “ashy” even means.

A few quick tips before you go all in

• Keep it in a cool, dark place. Because rosehip oil has lots of delicate fatty acids, it goes rancid faster than some oils. Heat, light, and air speed that up.

• Look for cold-pressed and organic if you can swing it. It tends to be more potent and less processed.

• Less is more. Don’t slather it on like sunscreen. A few drops go a long way.

• Always patch test first. Especially if you have sensitive skin. Try one drop near your jawline or behind your ear and wait 24 hours just to be sure.

What I’ve noticed using it consistently

I used to think oils were just fancy ways to look shiny. I dabbled in coconut oil, argan oil, even grapeseed—but none of them stuck. Rosehip was different.

For me, it made my skin feel softer right away. After about two weeks of adding a few drops to my night routine, I noticed some old post-acne spots started fading a little faster. Nothing drastic, just less blotchy. My skin also looked—how do I put this—more “awake”? Like I wasn’t constantly tired. Even though I was.

Best of all, it never broke me out. Which, in skin-care land, is kind of a miracle.

Give it a try?

You don’t need a 12-step skincare routine or a $300 serum to feel good in your skin. Sometimes, a tiny glass bottle of something simple—like rosehip oil—can make all the difference.

If you’ve been curious, start small. Try it at night, mix in a drop with your moisturizer, or pat a bit on dry spots and just see what happens. Your skin might just say, “Oh hey, thanks for that.”

And if not? You’ve got a lovely little oil that still smells good and works great on elbows.

Go slow, stay curious—and let your skin do the talking.