doTERRA Frankincense Oil Benefits for Skin

By Essential Synergy Team — Wellness Advocates & doTERRA enthusiasts

You catch your reflection in the car mirror and notice the fine lines around your eyes have gotten a little more visible. Before you reach for another expensive cream, it helps to know what Frankincense can actually do for mature skin.

The direct answer is this: doTERRA frankincense essential oil is used in aromatherapy and cosmetic routines to support the appearance of healthy, resilient skin. People reach for it when they want to smooth the look of fine lines, even out texture, and give dull or tired-looking skin a more polished look. It works best diluted in a carrier oil, applied consistently as part of a routine, and paired with hydration and sun protection. This article walks through what frankincense oil does, which species matters, how to dilute it properly, a simple two-oil comparison, and the routine we recommend most often.

Why Frankincense Stands Out for Mature Skin

Frankincense comes from the resin of Boswellia trees, and doTERRA sources Boswellia carterii, the variety most associated with skincare. What makes this oil useful in a cosmetic routine is its gentle, balancing nature. It isn't harsh, it blends well with almost everything, and it has a long history of being used in beauty preparations across cultures.

In our experience, people notice more from consistent use than from one dramatic application. A diluted roll-on or serum used nightly tends to bring the kind of subtle change that friends comment on: skin that looks rested, smoother at the surface, and less tired around the eyes.

An important distinction: frankincense essential oil is not a moisturizer. It does not hydrate or nourish skin on its own. It needs a proper carrier oil to be applied safely and to support the kind of environment where skin feels comfortable. That confusion is common, and it's worth clearing up early.

Frankincense Compared to Two Common Alternatives

Here is how frankincense sits alongside two other oils often mentioned for skin routines.

Oil	Best Use for Skin	Notes
Frankincense	Mature, dull, or uneven-looking skin	Gentle, balancing, blends well with many oils
Lavender	Reassuring, calming routine	Lavandula angustifolia, the sweet true lavender, is soothing and well tolerated
Tea Tree	Localized blemishes	Use only on specific spots, never all over the face

Lavender and frankincense are often used together in facial serums. Tea tree plays a very different role: it's for targeted use on imperfections, not for broad anti-aging application. If you're building a first skincare set, frankincense plus lavender in a jojoba base covers a lot of ground.

How to Use Frankincense Oil on Your Face: A Simple Routine

This is the routine we suggest to most people starting out.

1. Choose your carrier oil. Jojoba is the best pick for the face. It's a liquid wax that closely mimics skin's natural oils, doesn't clog pores, and has a long shelf life. Sweet almond works too if your skin runs dry.

2. Mix at 1% dilution. That means 1 drop of essential oil per 5 ml of carrier oil. For a 10 ml roll-on or dropper bottle, use 2 drops of frankincense oil total. The face always uses the lowest dilution, no exceptions.

3. Do a patch test first. Apply one diluted drop in the crook of your elbow and wait 24 hours. If there's no redness or irritation, it's safe to move to your face.

4. Apply to damp or freshly toned skin. After cleansing in the evening, press a few drops of the serum over your face, focusing on fine-line areas around the eyes and mouth. Avoid direct contact with the eyes.

5. Follow with moisturizer. Remember, the oil blend sits on the surface. Your regular moisturizer keeps skin hydrated, and the blend supports the overall look. Use sunscreen in the morning.

This routine works well with Geranium, which adds balance and is a frequent partner for frankincense in facial blends. A 1% total dilution means if you use two oils together, the combined drops still stay at 1 drop per 5 ml.

Other Ways to Use Frankincense for Overall Wellness

Frankincense is not only a face oil. Its warm, resinous scent makes it a staple in diffuser blends.

For an evening atmosphere, we often diffuse 3 drops of frankincense with 2 drops of Wild Orange in 100 ml of water for 30 to 45 minutes. The citrus lifts the resin, and it creates an environment that feels calm without being heavy. You can also pair frankincense with Cedarwood for a grounded, woodsy profile in colder months.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is doTERRA Frankincense oil commonly used for in skincare routines? It is often added to carrier oils or lotions as part of a daily skincare regimen. Many people use it for its aroma and as a companion oil in their personal care products.

How do people typically apply doTERRA Frankincense oil to the skin? It is usually diluted with a carrier oil such as fractionated coconut oil before being applied to the skin. A common approach is to mix a few drops into a moisturizer or apply the diluted blend to the desired area.

Can doTERRA Frankincense oil be combined with other oils for skin care? Yes, it is frequently blended with other doTERRA oils like lavender or tea tree in DIY skincare recipes. Always follow dilution guidelines and product labels when creating your own blends.

This content is for general information only and is not medical advice. Essential oils are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease; consult a qualified healthcare professional before use.