Updated October 2026
No, rosehip seed oil isn't considered comedogenic. It has a comedogenic rating of 1 on the 0 to 5 scale, which means it's unlikely to clog pores for most people, including those with oily or blemish-prone skin.
Below I'll explain what that rating means, how rosehip compares to other face oils, and how I use it on breakout-prone skin. For everything else about this oil, see my full rosehip oil guide. Jump to the comparison chart.
What Does Comedogenic Mean?
"Comedogenic" describes how likely an oil or ingredient is to clog pores. The comedogenic scale runs from 0 (very unlikely to clog pores) to 5 (very likely). Oils rated 0 to 1 are called non-comedogenic, and a 2 is fine for most people.
One honest note: these ratings come from older lab testing, and different charts don't always agree. They're a helpful starting point, but your own skin is the final word. You can see every oil I've rated in my non-comedogenic carrier oils ratings chart.
Is Rosehip Seed Oil Comedogenic?
Rosehip seed oil rates a 1, so it sits firmly in the non-comedogenic range. A few things make it a good fit for skin that clogs easily:
- It feels light: it's often called a "dry" oil because it sinks in quickly without leaving a greasy film.
- It's high in linoleic acid: roughly half of rosehip seed oil is linoleic acid. Oils rich in linoleic acid tend to feel thinner and are often favored for oily skin.
- A little goes a long way: 2 to 3 drops cover the whole face.
That said, a low rating isn't a guarantee. Rosehip can still cause problems if:
- It's gone rancid. Rosehip's delicate fatty acids oxidize quickly, and old oil is more likely to irritate. Fresh rosehip smells mild and earthy. If it smells sharp or fishy, toss it.
- It's in a product with heavier ingredients. A cream that contains rosehip might also contain coconut oil or cocoa butter, which rate a 4.
- Your skin simply doesn't like it. Everyone is different, so patch test first.
How Rosehip Compares to Other Face Oils
| Carrier Oil | Comedogenic Rating | Feel |
|---|---|---|
| Hemp seed | 0 | Very light |
| Argan | 0 | Light, silky |
| Sunflower (high-linoleic) | 0 | Light |
| Rosehip seed | 1 | Light, dry finish |
| Grapeseed | 1 | Thin |
| Sea buckthorn | 1 | Rich (use a few drops) |
| Jojoba | 2 | Balanced, silky |
| Sweet almond | 2 | Smooth, medium |
| Olive | 2 | Heavy |
| Coconut | 4 | Heavy, solid when cool |
See more oils and butters in my full comedogenic ratings chart.
Which Skin Types Suit Rosehip Oil?
- Dry and mature skin: a lovely match, on its own or mixed with jojoba.
- Oily and combination skin: usually fine in small amounts at night. If it feels too rich, mix it half and half with hemp seed or jojoba oil.
- Blemish-prone skin: a good carrier choice thanks to its low rating, and I especially like it for the dark marks left behind after a breakout fades.
- Sensitive skin: patch test first and start with plain rosehip, without essential oils.
How I Use Rosehip Oil on Breakout-Prone Skin
- Start small: 2 to 3 drops at night is plenty for the whole face.
- Apply to clean, slightly damp skin: press it in with your fingertips rather than rubbing.
- Add one new product at a time: give it two to three weeks before deciding how your skin likes it.
- Keep it fresh: buy a small bottle, store it in the fridge and use it within a few months.
How to Patch Test a Face Oil
- Apply a drop to your inner arm and wait 24 hours.
- If that's fine, try a small spot along your jawline for a few nights.
- Watch for redness, itching or new bumps, and stop if you see any.
- Read my full patch test guide.
Simple Rosehip Face Oil for Blemish-Prone Skin
Adults and teens
- 1 tsp (5 ml) rosehip seed oil
- 2 tsp (10 ml) hemp seed oil
- 2 drops lavender
- 1 drop tea tree
- 15 ml amber glass dropper bottle
Method: Add the carrier oils to the bottle, then the essential oils. Cap and roll gently to mix. Pat 2 to 3 drops onto clean skin at night, avoiding your eyes. This is a 1% blend. For sensitive skin, leave out the essential oils. Keep it in the fridge, since both rosehip and hemp seed oil go rancid quickly. Learn more in my full tea tree essential oil guide, and see a dermatologist for painful or persistent breakouts.
Keep Exploring
- Rosehip oil: 6 uses, benefits and easy DIY recipes
- Rosehip oil for nails and cuticles
- What is rosehip essential oil? Is there such an oil?
- Tea tree and lavender roller for blemish-prone skin
- How to make a custom facial oil
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