Rosehip Seed Oil Serum – How Many Drops of Essential Oil Should You Add? A Practical Concentration Chart for Luxurious Skincare
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Rosehip seed oil (Rosa canina) – serum base (30 ml)
This is one of the most valued cosmetic oils, classified as premium . Our oil is cold-pressed from whole, hand-picked rosehips sourced from certified, organic farms in Bulgaria. It is characterized by a beautiful, red-gold color and a velvety, slightly thick consistency. It perfectly moisturizes the skin without leaving a greasy film – contrary to appearances, it is quite light and absorbs well. Its natural scent is subtle, herbal and earthy , confirming the authenticity and high quality of the raw material.
Rosehip seed oil is rich in valuable nutrients. It contains a high concentration of unsaturated fatty acids – primarily omega-6 (linoleic acid) and omega-3 (linolenic acid), as well as omega-9 (oleic acid). It is also a treasure trove of antioxidants , including natural tocopherols (vitamin E) and carotenoids (provitamin A). Moreover, rosehip oil provides the skin with vitamins A, C, and E – with vitamin A occurring primarily as provitamin (beta-carotene) and trace amounts of trans-retinol (the active form of vitamin A). This combination of ingredients makes this oil a true natural resource for the skin .
Research confirms the exceptional skincare properties of rosehip seed oil. Thanks to its high content of essential fatty acids and antioxidants, it protects the skin from inflammation and oxidative stress. Used regularly, it revitalizes mature skin , improving its elasticity and hydration, and delays the appearance of wrinkles. It also helps even out skin tone – reduces discoloration and scars (e.g. acne scars) and reduces the visibility of stretch marks. Dermatologists often recommend rosehip oil as a natural elixir of youth for dry, mature, and damaged skin. .
Boswellia essential oil – 1 drop
Frankincense oil, derived from the resin of the Boswellia tree, has been valued for centuries for its rejuvenating and healing properties . Traditionally considered a remedy for mature skin, it is believed to smooth fine lines and wrinkles and reduce the appearance of scars and discoloration . Modern scientific research also suggests its anti-aging potential: frankincense oil's components can modulate inflammation and protect skin's collagen fibers from degradation, promoting firmness and elasticity. Furthermore, the aromatherapeutic benefits of this oil are invaluable – its deep, balsamic-resinous scent soothes the senses, helps reduce stress, and induces a state of tranquility (this oil is often used during meditation). Frankincense oil perfectly complements the serum, enhancing its regenerative properties and giving it a luxurious feel.
Roman chamomile essential oil (Chamaemelum nobile) – 1 drop
Roman chamomile is one of the most valuable essential oils with calming and soothing properties. Its sweet, floral aroma with a subtle hint of warm apple (it's not without reason that it's called the "apple of the earth") helps soothe the mind and senses , restoring a sense of harmony. This aroma facilitates calm during the day and promotes peaceful sleep in the evening – hence, Roman chamomile has been used in aromatherapy for years as a natural remedy for stress and insomnia. Combined with lavender oil, it creates a delicate, relaxing fragrance in the serum.
Chamomile oil is also known for its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties . Added to a massage mixture, it helps relax tense muscles and brings relief to tired body parts (as confirmed by both sports and medical research). At the same time, it is exceptionally gentle on the skin – Roman chamomile is considered one of the safest essential oils. It is considered non-photosensitizing and non-irritating to the skin. , which is why it's sometimes called "baby oil" (it's often used even on small children to promote sleep and soothe colic). In cosmetic applications, Roman chamomile soothes irritations —reducing redness, dryness, itching, and swelling. In our serum, its presence supports the regenerative effects of rosehip oil, making the entire composition suitable for sensitive and problematic skin.
Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia) – 1 drop
The formula is complemented by the highest quality organic lavender oil , extracted from the flowering tops of lavender (Hemus and Sevtopolis varieties) organically grown in the semi-mountainous coastal region of northern Greece. This oil boasts a unique aroma— sweet, fresh, floral with a slight fruity note —that brings a touch of freshness and purity to the serum. It is a low-camphor lavender, meaning it contains a perfectly balanced high concentration of linalool and linalyl acetate (responsible for its characteristic relaxing scent and effects), with very low levels of pungent camphor and 1,8-cineole. This chemical profile makes lavender oil exceptionally gentle and soothing for both the skin and the nervous system.
Lavender is renowned for its versatile properties. Aromatherapeutically, it has a relaxing and anti-anxiety effect – numerous studies confirm that its main ingredient, linalool , produces a powerful relaxing and anti-anxiety effect. Inhaling the scent of lavender reduces stress, tension, and promotes sleep, making it a popular ingredient in bath oils and pillow sprays. In skincare, lavender oil is valued for its anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties. Scientifically proven that applying it to the skin can accelerate the healing of minor injuries and wounds – faster tissue regeneration, increased collagen production, and more efficient remodeling of damaged skin have been observed with lavender oil. This ability to stimulate skin renewal makes lavender helpful for minor scars, irritations, and blemishes. Importantly, thanks to the reduced content of potentially irritating components, our lavender oil is safe even for children and those with sensitive skin – it combines effectiveness with gentleness.
Safe use, phototoxicity and purpose of the serum
Our serum formula has been developed to be effective and safe, even for daily use on the face. Each 30ml bottle contains a total of 3 drops of essential oils , which equates to a concentration of ~0.5%. According to guidelines from aromatherapy experts like Robert Tisserand, facial products should contain approximately 0.5–1% essential oils. – approximately 1–2 drops for every 10 ml of base. Body or massage oil may have a slightly higher concentration, usually in the 1–3% range. (equivalent to ~3–6 drops per 10 ml of carrier oil). Our serum therefore falls within the lower range recommended for sensitive facial skin , ensuring effectiveness without the risk of irritation. If you'd like to prepare a similar blend for body care , you can slightly increase the number of drops—for example, to 6–9 drops of oils per 30 ml of base (i.e., ~1–1.5%)—while still staying within safe limits.
To illustrate why adhering to the % concentration is so important, here is an example of frankincense and lavender oil:
| Oil | Amount of raw material per 1 drop |
|---|---|
| Frankincense | 0.5–1 g of resin |
| Lavender | 3–5 g of fresh flowers, approx. 0.5 g of dried flowers (calculated on a dry weight basis) |
Essential oil is a highly concentrated extract – one drop is equivalent to many times the amount of the plant used, for example, in a herbal infusion. Therefore, dosages must be very precise.
Table of % EO concentrations for dilution in the base (oil, cream, emulsion, gel)
| Concentration | Example application |
|---|---|
| 0.25% | babies, pregnancy, face |
| 1% | facial cosmetics, children |
| 2% | daily body care |
| 3% | short-term therapeutic effect |
| 5% | muscle pain, local |
| 10%+ | spot applications on a limited area (e.g. insect bites) |
It's always better to start with a lower concentration and gradually increase it if necessary. Note: The above values are indicative and do not replace an individual safety assessment. Particular caution should be exercised in the case of infants, pregnant women, and other sensitive groups (e.g., the elderly, sick people, children) .
Some essential oils may be toxic , have hormonal effects, cause allergic reactions , or have contraindications to use. Considerations should also include age, health, route of administration , and duration of use .
The table below shows the number of drops needed to achieve a specific percentage of oil in different volumes of base (in ml). You can use it to accurately prepare your own blends.
|
% EO |
5 ml |
10 ml |
15 ml |
20 ml |
30 ml |
|
0.03 |
0.05 |
0.1 |
0.14 |
0.2 |
0.27 |
|
0.05 |
0.1 |
0.15 |
0.2 |
0.3 |
0.45 |
|
0.07 |
0.1 |
0.2 |
0.3 |
0.4 |
0.6 |
|
0.1 |
0.15 |
0.3 |
0.45 |
0.6 |
0.9 |
|
0.2 |
0.3 |
0.6 |
0.9 |
1.2 |
1.8 |
|
0.3 |
0.5 |
0.9 |
1.4 |
1.8 |
2.7 |
|
0.4 |
0.75 |
1.5 |
2.25 |
3.0 |
4.5 |
|
0.5 |
1.5 |
3.0 |
4.5 |
6.0 |
9.0 |
|
0.6 |
0.9 |
1.8 |
2.7 |
3.6 |
5.4 |
|
0.7 |
2.0 |
4.0 |
6.0 |
8.0 |
12.0 |
|
0.8 |
1.2 |
2.4 |
3.6 |
4.8 |
7.2 |
|
0.9 |
1.35 |
2.7 |
4.0 |
5.4 |
8.1 |
|
1.0 |
1.5 |
3.0 |
4.5 |
6.0 |
9.0 |
|
1.1 |
1.7 |
3.3 |
5.0 |
6.6 |
9.9 |
|
1.2 |
1.8 |
3.6 |
5.4 |
7.2 |
10.8 |
|
1.3 |
2.0 |
4.2 |
6.3 |
8.4 |
12.6 |
|
1.4 |
2.1 |
4.2 |
6.3 |
8.4 |
12.6 |
|
1.5 |
2.25 |
4.5 |
6.75 |
9.0 |
13.5 |
|
1.6 |
2.4 |
4.8 |
7.2 |
9.6 |
14.4 |
|
1.7 |
2.5 |
5.0 |
7.5 |
10.0 |
15.0 |
|
1.8 |
2.7 |
5.4 |
8.0 |
10.8 |
16.2 |
|
1.9 |
3.0 |
6.0 |
9.0 |
12.0 |
18.0 |
|
2.0 |
3.0 |
6.0 |
9.0 |
12.0 |
18.0 |
|
2.5 |
3.75 |
7.5 |
11.25 |
15.0 |
22.5 |
|
3.0 |
5.25 |
10.5 |
15.75 |
21.0 |
31.5 |
|
3.5 |
6.75 |
13.5 |
20.25 |
27.0 |
40.5 |
|
4.0 |
6.75 |
13.5 |
20.25 |
27.0 |
40.5 |
|
4.5 |
7.5 |
15.0 |
22.5 |
30.0 |
45.0 |
|
5.0 |
7.5 |
15.0 |
22.5 |
30.0 |
45.0 |
Source: Essential Oil Safety, Second Edition, Table 4.6, R. Tisserand & R. Young.
Why does topical application matter?
When an essential oil is applied to the skin, most of its ingredients remain in the superficial layers of the epidermis or evaporate. Only about 5% of the active ingredients reach the bloodstream. This is why topical application is best for skincare – it works precisely where it's needed. Higher concentrations of oils, on the other hand, are used for pain relief. It's also worth remembering that with every application to the skin, partial inhalation also occurs – the scent affects the senses and emotions.
It's worth noting that our serum doesn't contain any photosensitizing ingredients . Phototoxicity is a phenomenon in which some essential oils (primarily citrus oils, rich in furanocoumarins) can increase skin's sensitivity to UV radiation and cause irritation or discoloration when exposed to the sun. However, our formula doesn't contain any citrus oils. Both lavender and frankincense oils are non-phototoxic , meaning they can be safely used on skin exposed to the sun. Roman chamomile is also classified as a photosafe oil – it does not increase skin's sensitivity to UV radiation. For safety reasons and to avoid unexpected skin reactions, we recommend applying the serum at night. During the day, regardless of the cosmetics used, it's always a good idea to use sunscreen and avoid intense sun exposure after applying skincare products.
Who is this serum for? Due to its richness in rosehip oil and frankincense, we recommend it especially for those with mature, dry skin, or skin showing signs of aging (wrinkles, loss of firmness, discoloration). These ingredients support skin regeneration, improving its elasticity and tone. Those struggling with acne scars, pigmentation spots, or rough skin will also appreciate the serum's benefits – rosehip oil and frankincense support healing and even out the skin's texture. At the same time, thanks to the presence of Roman chamomile and gentle lavender, the serum is suitable for sensitive, couperose-prone, or irritation-prone skin . It will be suitable even after light cosmetic treatments requiring skin soothing. The formula's gentleness and safety make it suitable for younger individuals just beginning their adventure with natural oils – the composition is gentle yet effective , based solely on pure plant ingredients. Of course, as with any new cosmetic, we recommend performing an allergy test on a small patch of skin, but the oils used are known for being among the best tolerated in aromatherapy.
Luxurious care with a subtle aroma
In short, our serum combines scientifically proven benefits with pure pleasure of use. Each ingredient plays an important role, and together they create a synergistic blend that supports skin's health and beauty. Rosehip seed oil provides valuable nutrients, frankincense oil adds anti-aging properties, Roman chamomile soothes and regenerates, and lavender calms and balances. The serum has a delicate, unobtrusive, yet distinctive scent – natural and premium . Each application is a mini spa ritual: the scent of luxury wafting from your hands, a moment of relaxation for the senses, and the knowledge that your skin is receiving the best of nature, backed by science. I personally love this blend , and I believe your skin will too.
Sources:
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/rosehip-oil-benefits-for-skin-and-hair
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rose_hip_seed_oil
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10735031/
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/10/181023085648.htm
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32589447/
https://tisserandinstitute.org/dilution-essential-oils/