Yarrow Pom vs Frankincense Face Oil for Glowing Skin

By the VitalResin Team — Skincare & doTERRA enthusiasts

You stand at the bathroom shelf with two little bottles and one evening routine, wondering which one earns the spot. Here is our direct answer. If your skin leans normal to combination and you want a light, fresh-feeling glow, start with Yarrow|Pom. If your skin is drier or more mature-looking and you want a richer, resinous ritual, choose Incense. Both are cosmetic self-care choices that help skin look radiant and feel soft, and neither is a medical product. In our experience the real difference is texture and scent, not magic. Frankincense is the classic hero of a quiet evening routine, while Yarrow|Pom is a botanical blend built around a brighter, more modern skin look. Whichever you pick, remember that essential oils are potent: patch test first and always dilute in a carrier oil.

Quick Comparison

Criteria	Yarrow|Pom	Frankincense
Best for	Normal to combination skin	Dry, mature-looking skin
Feel on skin	Light, fresh	Rich, comforting
Scent	Fruity-botanical, soft	Woody, resinous, warm
Role in routine	Daytime or evening glow	Evening ritual
Main drawback	Less of the classic "spa" feel	Scent can feel heavy to some
Dilution for face	1% in a carrier	1% in a carrier

Both need a carrier oil. Jojoba is our usual pick for the face because it is a liquid wax that does not turn rancid or feel greasy.

Which One Should You Choose If...

You have normal or combination skin. Yarrow|Pom is the easier fit. It feels lighter, and the look it supports is fresh rather than heavy.

Your skin feels dry or you like a richer ritual. Frankincense wins here. Paired with a nourishing carrier, it makes the routine feel like a small spa moment.

You are sensitive to strong scents. Be honest with yourself: frankincense is deeply resinous, and some people find it too intense on the face at bedtime. Yarrow|Pom is softer, though any fragrance can bother reactive skin.

You want one oil for the long run. Frankincense is the more versatile oil across the doTERRA range, and it layers well with other botanicals.

Both have flaws. Yarrow|Pom is a more specialised pick with a narrower role. Frankincense has a stronger aroma and can feel like too much for a daytime routine. Neither will change your skin overnight, because cosmetic benefits are gradual and individual.

How to Use a Face Oil Safely

1. Patch test. Apply one diluted drop to the inner elbow and wait 24 hours.
2. Dilute to 1%. That is about 1 drop of essential oil per 5 ml of carrier oil.
3. Cleanse gently. Use a mild cleanser and leave skin slightly damp.
4. Apply a thin layer. Press 2-3 drops of the diluted mix into the face and neck.
5. Layer the rest. Follow with your usual moisturizer and keep it away from the eyes.

If you add Lavender or Geranium to your blend, keep the total at 1%. Avoid citrus oils such as Lemon or Wild Orange on skin before sun exposure, because they are photosensitive.

Building a Simple Glow Routine

Think of the oils as one step in a wider ritual. A gentle cleanse, a hydrating layer and daily sunscreen do the heavy lifting. Essential oils are not vegetable oils: they do not hydrate or replace a moisturizer, so they always belong inside a carrier.

For more detail on this exact pairing, see our companion piece, Frankincense vs Yarrow Pom Face Oil for Glowing Skin. For a broader look at ritual products, the Immortelle blend and Sandalwood are worth exploring too. For general guidance on safe use of botanical products, the NIH is a reliable starting point.

Registration with doTERRA is free and quick, and any product can go in your cart. Membership offers 25% off the retail price, and a small annual fee is waived on orders over 150 PV. A kit is a recommended option, never a requirement.

Layering Both Oils Without Overwhelming Your Skin

You do not have to choose permanently. A practical approach is to split the day: use a Yarrow|Pom blend in the morning under sunscreen, then switch to a Frankincense blend in the evening when the richer texture feels comforting. The key is not mixing an extra-strong blend. Prepare two separate 5 ml dropper bottles, each with 5 ml of jojoba and 1 drop of your chosen essential oil. Label them clearly, because the bottles will look identical in dim bathroom light. If you are tempted to use both in one sitting, take one drop of each blend and press it in gently, rather than layering two full applications. In our experience, the glow comes from consistency over weeks, not from using more in a single evening.

Common Mistakes That Sabotage a Glow Routine

The biggest mistake we see is using too much oil and then blaming the product. With a 1% face blend, two or three drops cover the whole face and neck. More than that, and you are likely to feel sticky, wake up with residue on the pillow, or trigger congestion. Another frequent error is applying face oil to completely dry skin. Slightly damp skin helps the carrier glide and gives a fresher look after five minutes. Finally, do not store blends in direct sunlight or a steamy shower. A cool, dark drawer protects the botanicals and keeps the scent pleasant for the life of the bottle, which should be used within three to six months.

FAQ

Can I use Yarrow Pom and Frankincense together? Yes, many people alternate them: one in the morning, the other in the evening. Keep the combined dilution at 1% for the face and patch test the blend first.

Will either oil remove fine lines? No. Neither product erases or reverses anything. At most, a consistent routine helps skin look softer and more radiant, and the effect varies from person to person.

Is it safe to apply these oils undiluted? No. Always dilute in a carrier oil at 1% for the face, and stop use if you notice irritation. If you are pregnant, nursing or have a skin condition, ask your healthcare professional first.

Conclusion

Yarrow|Pom suits lighter, fresher routines, while Frankincense suits richer, more ritual-focused evenings. Pick by skin feel and scent tolerance, dilute properly and give any routine time.

See Yarrow Pom in the doTERRA shop

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.

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