DIY Anti-Aging Rosehip Face Serum

Over the years I’ve heard from many people that this Rosehip Face Moisturizer is their favorite. Rosehip seed oil is great for your skin. This is especially true for anyone looking to restore or protect their skin barrier as they age. I started experimenting a bit more with rosehips and came up with this anti-aging rosehip face serum. Easy to apply and even easier to make!

There’s something special about making your own skincare. Not only will you know exactly what’s in it, but you’ll also be able to customize the ingredients to fit your exact needs. I love this rosehip face serum. Because it’s soft, lightweight, and leaves your skin glowing without making it feel greasy. It may also help improve tone, texture, and hydration over time. It also naturally supports collagen production.

Rosehip seed oil is a powerful source of antioxidants and skin-loving nutrients. Combined with other oils such as evening primrose, sea buckthorn, and apricot kernel, this serum delivers concentrated fatty acids and vitamins for radiant skin.

Face Serum Skin-loving Ingredients

Each oil in this blend plays a unique role in balancing tone, improving texture, and protecting skin’s natural barrier. Together, they create a deeply nourishing, restorative serum that helps smooth fine lines and prevent new ones from appearing.

rosehip seed oil

Rosehip seed oil is the star of this blend. The pressed seeds of wild rose hips have been used for healing and regenerative skin care for centuries. Rosehip oil is rich in linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3), which support skin repair, elasticity and hydration.

It’s also rich in vitamins, including antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E. Vitamin A (in the form of trans-retinoic acid) supports collagen production and cell turnover, which helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots over time. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that brightens the skin and protects it from free radical damage. Vitamin E nourishes cells and strengthens the skin’s lipid barrier to retain moisture and protect against environmental stress.

Rosehip oil contains carotenoids such as lycopene and beta-carotene, which give it its rich color. The darker the color, the more antioxidants it contains. This compound helps even out skin tone, fade pigmentation, and improve skin texture. Thanks to its tannin content, rosehip oil provides a dry, non-sticky finish that absorbs beautifully. I especially like it for oily or combination skin. Studies have shown that rosehip seed oil helps reduce scarring, smooth fine lines, and improve overall skin elasticity.

Evening primrose (or borage) oil

Evening primrose and borage oils are excellent sources of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a rare omega-6 fatty acid that plays an important role in maintaining skin health. GLA supports the skin’s barrier function and prevents moisture loss, helping the skin retain moisture better.

As you age, your skin naturally produces less GLA, which can lead to dryness, sensitivity, and rough texture. Using GLA-rich oils can help restore softness and elasticity to your skin. This oil is also naturally soothing, helping soothe irritation and redness. For aged or stressed skin, it can help restore flexibility and elasticity while providing a smooth finish.

Sea buckthorn (or macadamia nut) oil

Sea buckthorn oil is one of the most nutrient-dense vegetable oils you can use on your skin. This product contains a balanced blend of omega-3, 6, 7, and 9 fatty acids and is also packed with impressive antioxidants and vitamins. Palmitoleic acid (omega-7) is particularly beneficial. These omega fatty acids repair the skin barrier, support collagen synthesis, and protect against environmental damage, including excessive sun exposure.

Seabuckthorn oil’s deep orange color comes from high levels of beta-carotene, lycopene, and tocopherol (vitamin E compounds). This helps neutralize free radicals and improve overall skin tone. Studies have shown that sea buckthorn may improve skin hydration and elasticity and reduce inflammation.

Even if you replace macadamia nut oil, you can achieve a deep moisturizing effect as it contains plenty of palmitoleic acid. Macadamia oil helps our skin at the cellular level and maintains the lipid barrier, allowing for more moisture and skin regeneration.

Olive oil and other carrier oils

Olive oil acts as a base for this serum, finishing the blend and helping it spread evenly across the skin. It is rich in squalene, a natural lipid that mimics the skin’s own moisturizing properties. Olive oil contains vitamins A, D, E, and K, as well as polyphenol antioxidants that help reduce oxidative stress.

If your skin tends to be normal or oily, apricot kernel oil or jojoba oil can be great alternatives. Both are lightweight oils that deeply nourish without feeling heavy. For drier or more mature skin, olive oil or avocado oil are better choices. These carrier oils balance the astringent properties of rosehip oil while enhancing the overall moisturizing and protective qualities of the blend.

Personally, I liked the apricot kernel oil version, and my skin felt really smooth after using it!

Vitamin E

This ingredient is optional, but vitamin E oil helps prevent other oils from oxidizing and going bad quickly. It has the same effect on our skin. Vitamin E protects skin from free radical damage, reduces inflammation, and supports faster healing. This is especially useful for skin that is exposed to a lot of sunlight or wind.

frankincense essential oil

Another optional ingredient, but well worth a try! Frankincense essential oil is great for both fragrance and skin benefits. Not only does it increase calmness and concentration, but it is also highly regarded for its skin regenerative effects. Studies have shown that frankincense reduces inflammation, promotes cell renewal, and evens out skin tone. It is also known to fade stretch marks and scars, making it the perfect complement to rosehip seed oil in anti-aging formulas.

How to use anti-aging rosehip face serum

This serum has a silky texture that applies smoothly and absorbs quickly. The combination of rosehip seed oil and sea buckthorn provides a rich orange color. It looks dark in the bottle, but I saw the color fade as it absorbed into the skin. My skin drinks up this and leaves it feeling soft and hydrated, but not greasy. Obviously, if you use olive oil or avocado oil, you will have a richer face serum, although it will not absorb as quickly.

To use, massage a few drops onto clean skin. There is no need to use additional moisturizer or lotion. Store face serum in a cool, dry place for best shelf life.

This face serum builds up very quickly and I love how it feels on the skin. Since experimenting, my texture has become smoother and my skin tone has evened out. Combined with the earthy scent of frankincense, it adds a soothing effect to your daily skincare routine.

What is your favorite natural way to care for your skin? Let us know by leaving a comment!