Natural oils are becoming really popular in skincare—and for good reason. They’re full of good stuff like vitamins and healthy fats that help keep your skin soft, smooth, and healthy.
Two of the most loved oils are rosehip oil and jojoba oil. They both do great things for your skin, but in different ways. If you’re not sure which one is right for you, don’t worry! We’ll walk you through their benefits and help you choose the best one for your skin type and needs.
Key Takeaways
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Rosehip Oil: Rich in Vitamins A & C, antioxidants, and fatty acids—great for dry, aging, or dull skin. Supports collagen, fades scars, and boosts radiance.
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Jojoba Oil: Mimics skin’s natural sebum, making it ideal for oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin. Balances oil, calms inflammation, and won’t clog pores.
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Best For:
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Dry or mature skin: Rosehip oil
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Oily, acne-prone, or sensitive skin: Jojoba oil
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Combination or mild acne: You can use both
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Use Together: Mix or layer for added hydration and balance—jojoba in the morning, rosehip at night.
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Application Tips: Store in a cool, dark place. Use rosehip within 6–12 months. Pair with vitamin C, toners, or moisturizers for best results.
What is Rosehip Oil?
Rosehip oil comes from the seeds of wild rose plants, especially Rosa canina and Rosa rubiginosa. These plants grow in places like South America and Europe.
The oil is made by pressing the seeds found inside the rosehip fruit (not the flower petals). It’s full of vitamins and healthy fats that are great for your skin.
What is Jojoba Oil?
Jojoba oil is made from the seeds of the jojoba plant, which grows in dry areas like Arizona and Mexico. Even though we call it an oil, it’s actually a liquid wax ester.
That just means it’s very similar to the natural oil your skin makes. This helps it soak in easily and keeps your skin balanced without feeling greasy.
Key Nutrients and Skin Benefits
Both rosehip oil and jojoba oil are packed with skin-friendly nutrients—but they offer different benefits depending on what your skin needs. Let’s break it down.
Rosehip Oil
Nutrient Highlights
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Vitamin A (Retinol) – Supports skin renewal and smooths texture
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Vitamin C – Helps brighten skin and even out tone
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Vitamin E – A strong antioxidant that helps skin heal and stay protected
Fatty Acids & Antioxidants
Rosehip oil is rich in Omega-3, 6, and 9 fatty acids, which help keep your skin moisturized and soft by supporting the skin barrier. These essential fats also help soothe dry or irritated skin.
Even better, rosehip is loaded with antioxidants that protect your skin from environmental stress like pollution and sun exposure—things that can lead to early signs of aging.
Jojoba Oil
Nutrient Highlights
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Vitamin E – Moisturizing and healing
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B-complex vitamins – Help calm stressed or sensitive skin
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Minerals – Includes zinc, copper, and iodine, which support skin repair and health
Unique Skin Compatibility
What makes jojoba special is that it mimics human sebum, your skin’s natural oil. Because of this, it can balance oil production, which is super helpful for oily or acne-prone skin.
Plus, jojoba oil is naturally antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. That means it not only helps keep breakouts at bay but also soothes redness and calms sensitive skin—without clogging pores.
Skin Type Match: Which Oil Suits You Best?
Choosing between rosehip oil and jojoba oil doesn’t have to be confusing—especially when you know your skin type. Each oil has its strengths, and matching the right one to your skin’s needs can make all the difference.
Let’s look at which oil works best for each skin type:
Dry Skin
Best choice: Rosehip oil
If your skin often feels tight, flaky, or rough, rosehip oil is a great match. It’s packed with essential fatty acids that help lock in moisture and support your skin’s natural barrier. That means more hydration and less dryness over time.
Oily Skin
Best choice: Jojoba oil
This might sound strange, but using an oil like jojoba can actually help reduce oiliness. Since it closely mimics your skin’s natural sebum, it signals to your skin that it doesn’t need to produce extra oil—helping you stay shine-free and balanced.
Sensitive Skin
Best choice: Jojoba oil
If your skin gets red, itchy, or irritated easily, jojoba oil is the gentle option you’re looking for. It’s non-irritating, calms inflammation, and is unlikely to clog pores—making it perfect for sensitive types.
Mature Skin
Best choice: Rosehip oil
Rosehip is rich in Vitamin A, which supports collagen production and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. If you’re looking to boost elasticity and get that youthful glow, rosehip is a great pick.
Acne-Prone Skin
Best choice: Jojoba oil (and rosehip for light acne)
Thanks to its antibacterial properties and ability to balance oil, jojoba oil can help keep breakouts under control. For those with mild acne, rosehip oil may also help by fading acne scars and improving skin tone—just make sure to patch test first.
Skin Type |
Recommended Oil |
Reason |
Dry |
Rosehip |
Deep hydration, barrier repair |
Oily |
Jojoba |
Balances sebum, lightweight |
Sensitive |
Jojoba |
Calms redness, non-irritating |
Mature |
Rosehip |
Boosts collagen, smooths wrinkles |
Acne-prone |
Jojoba (light acne: Rosehip optional) |
Controls bacteria & oil |
Rosehip vs. Jojoba Oil: Side-by-Side Comparison Table
Still not sure which oil is right for your routine? Let’s compare rosehip oil and jojoba oil side by side so you can quickly see how they stack up in key areas like texture, absorption, and shelf life.
Feature |
Rosehip Oil |
Jojoba Oil |
Absorption Rate |
Fast-absorbing (dry oil) |
Fast-absorbing and lightweight |
Texture |
Light, slightly dry finish |
Smooth, silky, and slightly waxy |
Comedogenic Rating |
1 (low risk of clogging pores) |
2 (very low, close to skin’s sebum) |
Best For |
Dry, mature, or uneven-toned skin |
Oily, acne-prone, or sensitive skin |
Main Nutrients |
Vitamin A, C, E, Omega-3, 6, 9 |
Vitamin E, B-complex, zinc, copper |
Oil Type |
True plant oil from rosehip seeds |
Liquid wax ester (mimics sebum) |
Shelf Life |
Shorter (around 6–12 months) |
Longer (up to 2 years) when stored properly |
Stability |
Less stable, may oxidize without care |
Very stable, resistant to oxidation |
Skin Feel |
Lightweight, absorbs quickly |
Soft, smooth, non-greasy |
Can You Use Both Together?
Good news—you don’t have to choose between rosehip oil and jojoba oil. These two are actually a perfect pair and can work even better when used together. Since they offer complementary benefits, combining them can give your skin a more balanced, glowing finish.
How to Layer or Mix Them Safely
You can either layer the oils one after the other or mix a few drops of each in your hand before applying. Both methods work well—it really depends on what feels best for your skin.
If you’re layering, a good rule of thumb is to apply the lighter oil first. Jojoba oil tends to absorb a little faster, so you can start with that, then follow with rosehip oil to seal in moisture and add a boost of nutrients.
Best Practices for AM vs. PM Use
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Morning (AM): Use jojoba oil as a base layer under your moisturizer or sunscreen. It absorbs quickly and helps prep your skin for makeup without feeling greasy.
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Evening (PM): Apply rosehip oil at night when your skin is in repair mode. Its high content of vitamins and antioxidants supports overnight regeneration.
You can also mix both oils in the evening for a nourishing, all-in-one treatment—especially helpful during dry or cold weather.
Application Tips for Best Results
To get the most out of your rosehip and jojoba oils, it’s not just about what you use—it’s how and when you use it. A few simple tweaks to your routine can make a big difference in results.
When to Apply (AM or PM)
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Use jojoba oil in the morning. It’s light, sinks in fast, and works well under makeup or sunscreen.
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Use rosehip oil at night. It helps your skin repair while you sleep, thanks to its vitamins and antioxidants.
You can also mix a few drops of both and use them together—especially if your skin feels dry.
Best Pairings
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Pair rosehip oil with a vitamin C serum or hydrating toner for glowing skin.
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Use jojoba oil after your moisturizer to help lock in moisture.
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Jojoba oil also works well as a gentle makeup remover or even a natural cleanser.
How to Store Your Oils
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Keep your oils in a cool, dark place—like a drawer or cabinet.
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Close the bottle tightly so air doesn’t get in.
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For rosehip oil, use it within 6–12 months, as it’s more delicate.
Taking care of your oils means they’ll stay fresh and work better for your skin.
Conclusion
There’s no single winner when it comes to rosehip oil vs. jojoba oil. It really depends on what your skin needs. Rosehip is great for dry or aging skin, while jojoba is perfect for oily or sensitive skin. You can even use both together or switch between them to get the best of both worlds.
Still not sure which one to start with? We’re here to help! If you have questions or want personalized skincare advice, reach out to Zicail. Our team is happy to guide you toward the right products for your skin’s unique needs. Let’s find your glow—together.