How to Use Frankincense Oil on Your Face for Skin
Learn how to apply frankincense oil to your face safely. Dilution ratios, morning and evening rituals, and tips for radiant-looking skin. A practical guide with.
By the VitalResin Team — Skincare & doTERRA enthusiasts
You reach for your favorite face cream and wonder if one extra drop could change your whole routine. The short answer: frankincense oil can be a beautiful addition to a facial self-care ritual when it is diluted properly. Mix 1 drop of Frankincense with about 5 ml of a carrier oil like jojoba or sweet almond (a 1% dilution), then press it gently onto cleansed skin. This supports a soft, hydrated feel and a more radiant-looking complexion. Always patch test first and avoid the immediate eye area. Below we walk through the exact steps, which carrier oils work best, and how to combine frankincense with complementary doTERRA oils for an elegant morning or evening ritual.
Why Frankincense Deserves a Spot in Your Routine
Frankincense (Boswellia carterii) has been treasured in beauty rituals for centuries. In modern cosmetic self-care, it is a favorite for mature and dry skin because its rich, resinous aroma turns a simple moisturizing step into a spa-like moment. The National Institutes of Health notes that botanical ingredients like frankincense have a long history of traditional cosmetic use (NIH resource on botanical products).
What we appreciate most is how versatile it feels. One drop mixes right into a facial oil, a night cream, or a weekly mask. We often recommend pairing it with Yarrow Pom, a doTERRA blend designed with mature-looking skin in mind. Together they create a silky base that helps the face feel nourished and pampered.
| Carrier Oil | Best For | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Jojoba | All skin types, especially combination | Waxy texture that mimics the skin's natural feel without clogging |
| Fractionated Coconut | Body and massage | Light, stable, absorbs quickly |
| Sweet Almond | Dry or tight-feeling skin | Rich feel, spreads easily |
| Avocado | Very dry skin | Dense and emollient for an overnight treat |
Step-by-Step: Applying Frankincense Oil to Your Face
Follow this simple sequence for a consistent, enjoyable ritual.
- Patch test first. Mix 1 drop of frankincense into 5 ml of your chosen carrier oil. Apply a small amount to the inner elbow and wait 24 hours. If no redness appears, proceed.
- Cleanse gently. Wash your face with a mild cleanser like the Veráge Cleanser and pat skin mostly dry, leaving it slightly damp.
- Prepare your blend at 1% dilution. Add 1 drop of Frankincense to 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of jojoba or sweet almond oil in your palm.
- Warm and press. Rub your hands together briefly, then press the oil onto your face with open palms. Avoid rubbing or pulling the skin.
- Finish with moisturizer. While the skin is still dewy, apply your regular face cream to seal in the hydrated feel. We like the Veráge Moisturizer for a light finish.
- Use once daily. In our experience, evening application works beautifully. If you prefer mornings, apply after cleansing and before sunscreen.
Building a Radiant-Looking Facial Ritual
Frankincense shines when paired with other botanicals. For a glow-focused blend, try 1 drop of frankincense, 1 drop of Lavender, and 1 drop of Geranium in 10 ml of jojoba. Lavender is gentle and well tolerated, while geranium adds a balancing floral note. This trio feels like a mini facial every evening.
For daytime luminosity, a lighter option is 1 drop of frankincense and 1 drop of Wild Orange in 10 ml of jojoba. Remember that citrus oils are photosensitive, so avoid direct sun exposure for about 12 hours after application. If you are out in the sun often, skip the citrus and use Sandalwood instead for a warm, grounding aroma that suits a morning routine well.
For a complete skincare foundation, we often point readers to doTERRA's Essential Skin Care system. It gives you a gentle cleanse, tone, and moisturize structure. Think of it as a canvas for your botanical blends. If you love a serum-like step, the Immortelle blend softens the look of fine lines. It slips easily into an evening ritual.
FAQ
Can I apply frankincense oil directly to my face without diluting it?
No. Essential oils are concentrated and should always be diluted before touching the skin. Use a 1% dilution: 1 drop of frankincense per 5 ml of carrier oil for facial application.
Is frankincense oil safe for sensitive skin?
Frankincense is considered gentle, but every skin is different. Always perform a 24-hour patch test on the inner elbow before using it on your face, and start with once-daily use.
Can I mix frankincense into my regular moisturizer?
Yes. Add 1 drop of frankincense to a small amount of your existing unscented face cream in your palm, mix well, and apply. This is a convenient way to enjoy the aroma and feel without changing your routine.
How often should I use frankincense oil on my face?
Start with once daily, ideally in the evening. As your skin becomes accustomed to it, you can use it twice daily if it feels comfortable and no irritation appears.
Frankincense is a timeless addition to a facial self-care ritual. With proper dilution and a gentle routine, it can help your skin feel soft, hydrated, and more radiant-looking. For more on its cosmetic benefits, we have a deeper guide on how to use frankincense for glowing skin and another on frankincense face oil benefits. A consistent ritual, not a quick fix, is what keeps skin looking its best.
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.