Your Skin’s New Frankincense Ritual
Discover how frankincense oil supports healthy-looking skin with doTERRA essential oils. Learn application tips, recipes, and which products to choose for your daily routine.
Your Skin’s New Frankincense Ritual
By Essential Synergy Team — Wellness Advocates & doTERRA enthusiasts
A friend recently showed me her morning skincare shelf, and three different bottles had frankincense oil added to them, her moisturiser, her facial serum, and even her hand cream. She's not alone: frankincense has quietly become one of the most talked-about essential oils for people who want a simple, botanical addition to their daily skin routine. So what can it actually do for your skin?
Frankincense oil is prized in skincare for its ability to promote a smooth, even-looking complexion and reduce the appearance of blemishes and imperfections. When applied properly (always diluted with a carrier oil), it feels gentle and soothing, making it a popular choice for everything from facial serums to body balms. Many people reach for it specifically to help maintain healthy-looking skin as they age, because it supports the skin's natural tone and texture without harsh ingredients. doTERRA's Frankincense essential oil comes from Boswellia tree resin and is tested for purity, so you know exactly what you are putting on your body. Unlike fragrance oils that smell nice but do little else, authentic frankincense brings genuine botanical properties that have made it a staple in holistic skincare circles worldwide.
What Makes Frankincense Oil Suitable for Skin Care
The resin from Boswellia trees has been used in traditional practices for centuries, and modern wellness enthusiasts value it for similar reasons. The key is the oil's natural chemical profile, which includes compounds like alpha-pinene and limonene. These constituents are what give frankincense its cleansing and smoothing properties when applied topically.
doTERRA sources its frankincense through co-impact sourcing partnerships, which means quality control starts at the tree level. The oil is steam-distilled from resin and undergoes rigorous third-party testing before it reaches your home. This matters for skincare because purity directly affects how your skin responds, an adulterated oil loaded with synthetics can cause irritation, while a pure oil offers the genuine botanical experience people expect.
Research published on PubMed suggests that Boswellia extracts have been studied for their effects on skin comfort and appearance, though much of the work remains preliminary. What we know from everyday use is that diluted frankincense feels soothing and looks beautiful in a well-formulated skincare blend.
Top Skin Benefits of Frankincense Oil
What specific improvements can you expect when you add frankincense to your routine? Here are the benefits that come up most often in our experience and in community feedback:
- Smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. Frankincense is often included in DIY anti-aging serums because it helps the skin maintain a firmer, more toned appearance.
- Reducing the look of blemishes and scars. A diluted drop applied directly to a dark spot or old blemish mark can, over time, help the area look more even and less noticeable.
- Calming redness and irritation. The oil's natural properties make it a go-to for soothing skin that looks angry or stressed, especially after sun exposure.
- Balancing oily and combination skin. Frankincense has a mild astringent effect that can help regulate excess oil without over-drying.
- Supporting overall radiance. Regular users often describe their complexion as looking brighter, fresher, and more even-toned after several weeks of consistent use.
Compared to other skincare oils, frankincense occupies a unique niche. The table below shows how it stacks up against common alternatives:
| Oil | Primary Skin Benefit | Best For | Texture & Feel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frankincense | Smoothing and toning | Aging, uneven skin | Light, fast-absorbing |
| Lavender | Soothing and calming | Irritated, sensitive skin | Light, floral |
| Tea Tree | Cleansing and clarifying | Oily, blemish-prone skin | Sharp, medicinal |
| Helichrysum | Renewing and restorative | Scarred, damaged skin | Rich, honey-like |
| Geranium | Balancing and glow-boosting | Combination, dull skin | Floral, slightly thick |
| Rose | Nourishing and hydrating | Dry, mature skin | Rich, luxurious |
What we recommend most often is a combination approach: use frankincense as your primary smoothing oil and pair it with a second oil that matches your specific skin type. For oily skin, add a drop of Tea Tree; for dry skin, reach for Rose or Geranium.
How to Use Frankincense Oil on Your Skin
Follow these steps for safe and effective application every time:
- Choose your carrier oil. Start with jojoba, argan, fractionated coconut oil, or unscented lotion. Carrier oils protect your skin from irritation and help the essential oil absorb properly.
- Mix your dilution. For facial use, add 1-2 drops of frankincense oil to 1 teaspoon of your carrier. For body use, you can go slightly stronger (3-4 drops per teaspoon).
- Do a patch test. Apply a small amount to your inner arm, wait 15-20 minutes, and check for any reaction. This is non-negotiable for first-time users.
- Apply gently. Use upward, circular motions on clean skin. For the face, start at the jawline and work upward. Do not rub aggressively, the oil absorbs best with light pressure.
- Lock it in. Wait 2-3 minutes, then apply your regular moisturiser or sunscreen if it is daytime. Frankincense is not phototoxic, so daytime use is safe from a sunlight-sensitivity perspective.
- Be consistent. Use once daily for 2-3 weeks before evaluating results. Skin cycles take time, and botanical oils work gradually.
For a simple DIY facial serum, combine 5 drops of Frankincense with 3 drops of Lavender and 2 drops of Sandalwood in a 30ml bottle of jojoba oil. Roll between your palms to mix (do not shake aggressively) and apply 3-4 drops each night after cleansing.
Another product worth exploring is Immortelle, doTERRA's proprietary anti-aging blend. It combines frankincense with helichrysum, rose, and other botanicals in a convenient roller bottle, so you get a pre-formulated blend without needing to mix your own. The HD Clear blend is another option if your primary concern is blemishes and uneven texture, it uses frankincense alongside other oils known for clarifying properties.
Choosing Quality and Storing Your Oil
Not all frankincense oils are equal. Look for oils that are 100% pure, free from fillers, and sourced from known Boswellia species (carterii, sacra, serrata, or frereana). doTERRA uses Boswellia carterii and sacra varieties, steam-distilled from resin, and every batch is tested for purity and potency.
Store your oil in a cool, dark place with the cap tightly sealed. A bathroom cabinet is fine as long as it does not get steamy, moisture can degrade essential oils over time. Properly stored, your bottle should last 1-2 years without losing its aromatic or topical properties.
Avoid applying undiluted frankincense to large areas of skin, and never use it internally without guidance from a qualified professional. Pregnant or nursing people should consult their healthcare provider before adding any new essential oil to their routine.
FAQ
Can I apply frankincense oil directly to my skin without a carrier oil? It is not recommended. Even though frankincense is considered gentler than many essential oils, undiluted application can still cause sensitivity, redness, or irritation. Always mix it with a carrier oil or unscented lotion, especially on facial skin.
How long does it take to see skin improvements with frankincense oil? Most users notice a subtle difference in skin texture and radiance within 2-4 weeks of daily use. For reduction in the appearance of old blemish marks or fine lines, expect to wait 6-8 weeks. Consistency matters more than quantity.
Is frankincense oil safe for sensitive skin? Yes, when properly diluted it is generally well-tolerated. However, sensitive skin types should do a patch test first and start with a lower dilution (1 drop per teaspoon of carrier oil). If any redness occurs, discontinue use.
Can frankincense oil help with acne? It may help reduce the appearance of blemish marks and support balanced oil production, but it is not a targeted acne treatment. For active breakouts, Tea Tree or the HD Clear blend are better starting points, and frankincense can be added later to smooth the look of post-blemish areas.
Does frankincense oil need to be a specific species for skin benefits? All Boswellia species offer skin benefits, but the experience differs slightly. Boswellia carterii is the classic doTERRA frankincense and works well for general smoothing. Boswellia sacra has a slightly richer aroma. Either works beautifully in skincare.
Frankincense oil has earned its place in countless skincare routines for good reason, it is gentle, versatile, and visibly effective for smoothing, toning, and brightening the complexion. Pair it with a quality carrier oil, stay consistent, and let your skin do the rest.