Why We're Obsessed With Rosehips (And How to Make Your Own Christmas Wreath)

Rosehips aren't just pretty berries that brighten up winter hedgerows. They're packed with trans-retinoic acid and essential fatty acids that actually regenerate skin tissue, which is why we extract every last compound for our face oil. And while we spend our days extracting every last antioxidant from these vitamin-packed fruits, they also happen to make stunning Christmas wreaths.

Before we get our hands dirty with the wreath-making (courtesy of London florist Hayford & Rhodes), here's why these berries are just as powerful in your skincare routine.

The Science Behind Rosehip's Skin-Regenerating Power

Rosehip oil has more peer-reviewed clinical research behind it than almost any other botanical oil. The studies are clear: rosehip accelerates skin regeneration, boosts collagen production, and fades pigmentation. But not all rosehip oils are created equal.

Most rosehip oils on the market are cold-pressed from seeds only, which means they're missing the fruit's unique bioactive compounds. That's why our Rosehip Bioregenerate uses CO2 extraction on both fruit and seed, capturing the full spectrum of regenerative compounds.

The difference is visible. Literally. Our rosehip oil has that distinctive deep orange colour that signals high carotenoid content. Pale, golden rosehip oils? They've either oxidised or started with fewer actives to begin with. Independent testing shows our CO2-extracted oil contains up to 700% more polyphenols than cold-pressed versions. That's the difference between oil that delivers measurable skin regeneration and oil that's already oxidised before it reaches your shelf.

From Lab to Wreath: Our Christmas Craft Project

Right. Time to get practical. We spent an afternoon with the talented team at Hayford & Rhodes creating rosehip wreaths for the Pai lab. They explained: "The rosehip is nature's most beautiful by-product, glorious in its own right. We source our rosehips from a Hampshire farm, grown without pesticides and nurtured with organic fertiliser. They're perfect for winter wreaths because they're hardy berries with a beautiful rosy red hue."

Ready to create your own? Here's their step-by-step guide.

How to Make a Rosehip Christmas Wreath

What You'll Need

You can forage most of these materials on a winter walk. You'll need: pliable twigs (willow or birch work well), 20-30 rosehip stems, scissors or secateurs, reel wire, ribbon, clear thread for hanging, and gloves (rosehip thorns are sharp).

Step 1: Form Your Base

Create a soft circle, roughly 25cm diameter, with your pliable twigs. Bind them with reel wire, but don't overdo it. You want to keep the twigs' natural form. This rustic base gives the wreath character.

Step 2: Prepare Your Rosehips

Strip most leaves from your rosehip stems and cut 8cm florets from each branch. Keep some leaves for texture if you like, but the berries are the stars here.

Step 3: Build Your Wreath

Start by twisting a wire loop onto your base. Lay your first rosehip floret on the twigs and wrap wire around both stem and base to secure. Add the next floret, overlapping to hide the previous stem. Keep all rosehips facing the same direction as you work around the circle. Cover about 90% of your frame.

Pro tip: Each new floret should hide the stems of the previous one. This creates that full, professional look where you see only berries, not mechanics.

Step 4: The Finishing Touch

As you complete the circle, tuck your final stems under the berries where you started. This creates a seamless finish. Secure the wire tightly through the stems and onto your base. Add a ribbon bow and hang with clear thread.

Why Rosehips Change Colour (And Why It Matters for Your Skin)

Notice how fresh rosehips start bright red but fade to peachy-orange as they dry? That's oxidation at work. The same process happens to rosehip oil exposed to air and heat during extraction. This is why extraction method matters so much.

Cold-pressing generates heat through friction (up to 49°C) and exposes the oil to oxygen throughout. CO2 extraction happens at 30°C in a sealed, oxygen-free environment. The result? More antioxidants preserved, less oxidation, deeper colour, and dramatically more skin-regenerating compounds making it into your bottle.

Understanding this chemistry is what separates truly effective rosehip oil from the pale, oxidised versions flooding the market. When you see that deep orange colour in our bottles, you're seeing antioxidants that haven't been destroyed by processing. They're ready to work on your skin instead.

Beyond the Wreath: Getting the Most from Rosehips

While your wreath dries to a beautiful peachy tone on your door, your skin can benefit from rosehip's regenerative power year-round. A few drops of quality rosehip oil at night supports your skin's natural repair cycle, delivering essential fatty acids that strengthen the barrier and antioxidants that neutralise damage from the day.

For more creative ways to use rosehip oil beyond your evening routine, check out our guide to 10 unexpected uses for Rosehip Bioregenerate. Spoiler: it's not just for faces.

Your wreath will fade to a beautiful peachy tone, but the rosehip compounds in your skincare routine keep working.