doTERRA Frankincense Face Oil Review for Glowing Skin
Our honest review of doTERRA frankincense oil for a glowing look. Pros, cons, dilution tips and who should or should not try it. A practical guide with clear.
By the VitalResin Team — Skincare & doTERRA enthusiasts
You have probably seen frankincense oil pop up in every "glowing skin" conversation lately, and the bottle from doTERRA tends to be the one people ask about most. So let us give you a straight answer before we go deeper: yes, in our evaluation, Frankincense is worth trying as a cosmetic face oil, provided you understand what it can and cannot do. It earns its place in a radiance-focused routine because of its gentle, resin-rich nature and the elegant way it blends into a carrier oil, but it is not a standalone moisturizer and it will not erase anything overnight. If you want a subtle botanical glow and a soothing ritual, it is a lovely addition. If you expect dramatic visible changes fast, this is probably not the product for you.
This review is based on the product's composition, label guidance, typical usage patterns and the experiences shared across doTERRA user reviews, not on a personal multi-week test. We look at pros, cons, a simple how-to, and exactly who should and should not reach for it.
What frankincense oil actually brings to a face routine
Frankincense is a resin-derived essential oil, and in our experience, its biggest cosmetic appeal is how softly it sits on the skin when properly diluted. It has a warm, balsamic, slightly citrusy-woody aroma that makes a face ritual feel closer to a spa moment than a chore. In cosmetic terms, people often describe it as helping skin look more even, calm and naturally dewy.
That said, a vital clarification that solves the most common reader confusion: essential oils are not vegetable oils. Frankincense does not hydrate or nourish on its own the way jojoba or sweet almond oil does. It must always be diluted into a carrier. If you apply it neat to your face, you are asking for irritation, not for glow.
What we recommend most often is pairing it with a simple, stable carrier. Jojoba works beautifully on the face because it is technically a liquid wax, does not clog pores and has a long shelf life. Sweet almond oil suits drier skin, while fractionated coconut oil feels lighter and absorbs quickly.
Pros and cons of doTERRA Frankincense for the face
A fair review needs both sides on the table.
Pros
- Warm, grounding aroma that turns a simple routine into a ritual
- Blends easily with jojoba, sweet almond or fractionated coconut oil
- doTERRA's CPTG testing standard gives a clear, traceable purity story
- A little goes a long way, so a bottle tends to last for months
- Cosmetic versatility: also used in body blends and diffuser moments
Cons
- Not a moisturizer or hydrator on its own; it must always be diluted
- Premium pricing compared to many other face oils
- The resin-rich, slightly sharp scent is not for everyone
- No instant, dramatic visible results; cosmetic benefits are gradual
- Like any essential oil, it can irritate sensitive or reactive skin if overused
| Feature | doTERRA Frankincense | Typical botanical face oil |
|---|---|---|
| Texture on its own | Concentrated, thin, volatile | Rich, fatty, emollient |
| Requires dilution | Yes, always in a carrier | No, usually applied near neat |
| Main cosmetic role | Soft glow, even-looking tone | Hydration and barrier support |
| Aroma strength | Strong, resinous | Mild or unscented |
| Best paired with | Jojoba or sweet almond oil | Often used alone |
How to use frankincense as a face oil for a glowing look
Follow this simple, safe sequence if you want to try it.
- Choose a carrier oil: jojoba for most skin types, sweet almond for dry skin, fractionated coconut for a lighter feel.
- Dilute at 1% for the face: roughly 1 drop of Frankincense per 5 ml (about one teaspoon) of carrier oil. Do not exceed this on facial skin.
- Do a patch test first: apply one diluted drop to your inner elbow and wait 24 hours before using it on your face.
- Apply in the evening after cleansing, pressing two or three drops of the diluted blend onto damp skin rather than rubbing.
- Use it two or three evenings a week at most, and watch how your skin responds before increasing frequency.
For a more indulgent moment, many people enjoy the classic doTERRA pairing of frankincense with Lavender in a 1% facial blend. If you are curious about the beauty-specific side of the doTERRA line, the Veráge range, HD Clear and the Immortelle blend are all built around a cosmetic, appearance-first philosophy that fits this same ritual. You can read more about the benefits of frankincense for a glowing look in our full benefits guide.
Who should try it, and who should skip it
Frankincense as a face oil makes the most sense for someone who already has a stable cleansing and moisturizing routine and wants to add a sensorial, botanical layer on top. It suits evening use beautifully because the aroma lingers and the act of pressing a warm blend into the skin feels calming. Our honest take: it belongs on the vanity of someone who enjoys ritual, patience and subtle shifts, not someone hunting for a quick fix.
It is less ideal for very sensitive or reactive skin types, anyone unwilling to dilute properly, or anyone expecting the thick, rich feel of a true facial oil. If true hydration is the main goal, look first at a well-formulated moisturizer or a genuine botanical face oil like jojoba, then add frankincense only as a complementary step.
One safety note that matters all year round: after applying any citrus oil topically, avoid direct sun exposure for about 12 hours. Frankincense itself is not a citrus oil, but if you build blends that include Lemon, Bergamot or Wild Orange, this caution applies to those additions.
See Frankincense in the doTERRA shop
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FAQ
Does frankincense oil moisturize the skin on its own?
No. Essential oils do not act as moisturizers. Frankincense must be diluted in a carrier oil like jojoba or sweet almond, which provides the actual softness and slip.
How much frankincense should I add to my face oil?
Stick to a 1% dilution for facial use, which means about 1 drop of frankincense per 5 ml of carrier oil. Do a patch test before the first application.
Is doTERRA Frankincense worth the higher price?
In our evaluation, yes, for people who value purity traceability and a strong, consistent aroma. If you only want basic moisture, a simple jojoba oil will be far more affordable and just as effective for that purpose.
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.