Frankincense Oil Skin Benefits You Need to Know
Discover how frankincense oil supports calmer, smoother, clearer skin. Practical tips for daily use, plus key pairings and answers to common skincare questions.
By Essential Synergy Team — Wellness Advocates & doTERRA enthusiasts
You open your bathroom cabinet and see a small brown bottle staring back at you, bought in a moment of optimism. Can it really help with uneven texture and the odd blemish that still shows up uninvited? The short answer is yes. Frankincense essential oil is prized in skincare for its ability to soothe irritation, visibly tone the look of the skin, and support a more even, radiant complexion. It blends easily into face oils, unscented moisturizers, and targeted spot treatments, making it a practical addition to almost anyone's routine. From dry patches to the early signs of aging, a single drop works quietly but noticeably, and because it's gentle when properly diluted, it suits everything from daily all-over use to focused care exactly where you need it.
Why Frankincense Oil Works for Skin
Frankincense oil comes from the resin of the Boswellia tree, steam-distilled into a light, woody oil. What makes it a go-to in natural skincare is its high concentration of alpha-pinene and other monoterpenes, compounds that help calm the appearance of redness and provide a tightening, smoothing effect on the skin's surface. doTERRA's pure Frankincense essential oil is sourced through long-standing co-impact relationships in Somalia, where resin harvesters use traditional tapping methods that preserve tree health. That detail matters because purity directly affects how the oil interacts with your face and body. A clean, CPTG-tested oil carries none of the solvents or adulterants that can sting sensitive skin or break down the beneficial properties you actually want.
3 Ways to Use Frankincense in Your Skincare Routine
Adding this oil to what you already do takes about ten seconds. Start with one method and increase gradually as your skin adjusts.
Morning face oil boost
Place one drop of Frankincense into your nickel-sized dab of moisturizer, mix between fingertips, and press evenly over face and neck. It layers beautifully under mineral sunscreen and never pills.Spot concentrate for uneven texture
Dilute one drop in half a teaspoon of jojoba oil. Tap lightly with a fingertip over any area where texture feels rough or skin looks dull. Use this once daily, preferably at night, for a full week before assessing the difference.Hydration-locking face mist
Fill a 30 mL amber spray bottle with distilled water, add three drops of frankincense and two drops of Lavender, then shake gently. Spritz over your bare face after cleansing and before serum to help everything you apply next sink in deeper.
| Skin Concern | Frankincense Pairing | Why It Helps |
|---|---|---|
| Dry, flaky patches | Frankincense + Geranium | Balances moisture levels and soothes tight, rough areas |
| Dull, tired look | Frankincense + Wild Orange | Brightens the appearance and revives lackluster skin |
| Blemish-prone texture | Frankincense + Tea Tree | Calms the look of irritation while targeting localized uneven spots |
| Fine lines around eyes | Frankincense + Rose | Provides a visible plumping and softening effect on delicate skin |
Building a Simple Evening Routine
What we recommend most often is to start with a two-product evening lineup and watch how your skin responds over two weeks. After removing makeup and washing with a gentle cleanser, mix one drop of frankincense into a pea-sized amount of unscented night cream. Press it into your skin instead of rubbing-this keeps the oil concentrated where you want it without pulling. A separate spot blend can follow: one drop of frankincense, one drop of Copaiba, and twelve drops of fractionated coconut oil, dabbed onto any raised or reddish areas. Copaiba steam-distilled from Brazilian copaiba resin is high in beta-caryophyllene and works harmoniously with frankincense to calm the skin's visible response to everyday environmental stress. Research published by the National Institutes of Health explores how frankincense resin extracts influence skin's structural appearance, giving added context for what many long-term users already report from their own experience.
Related reading
- Frankincense Oil Benefits and Uses Guide
- Frankincense Oil Benefits for Skin and Health
- Frankincense Anti-Aging Oil, Your Natural Youth
Frequently Asked Questions
Can frankincense oil be used directly on the skin?
It’s best to dilute it with a carrier oil (like jojoba or coconut) to reduce the risk of irritation, especially on sensitive skin.
How do I incorporate frankincense oil into my skincare routine?
Mix a drop or two into your moisturizer or serum before applying, or add it to a facial oil blend for nightly use.
Is frankincense oil safe for daily use on the face?
Yes, for most people, when properly diluted and patch-tested, it can be used daily, but start with a lower frequency (e.g., every other day) to see how your skin reacts.
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.