Frankincense Oil for Skin: What It Does and How to Use It

TL;DR: Frankincense oil comes from Boswellia trees and has been used in skincare traditions for thousands of years. Its key active compounds are boswellic acids, which may help reduce the appearance of fine lines, support skin firmness, and provide antioxidant protection. For topical use on skin, it must be diluted in a carrier oil (a common dilution is 1-2%) and should never be applied undiluted. Look for pure frankincense oil in a dark glass bottle with no synthetic fragrance added.

If you have been browsing natural skincare content lately, you have probably come across frankincense oil. It shows up in high-end serums and DIY facial oil recipes alike, usually with bold claims attached. The wellness internet loves a miracle ingredient, and frankincense has been dressed up in many of those claims.

Here is what frankincense oil actually does for skin, what the research supports, and how to use it safely.

What Is Frankincense Oil

Frankincense is a resin, not an oil in the botanical sense. The frankincense oil you buy is the essential oil distilled from that resin, and the quality and species of tree it comes from matters more than most product descriptions let on.

Three Boswellia species produce the frankincense used in skincare today. Boswellia serrata grows in India and is the most studied in medical literature. Boswellia carterii comes from the Horn of Africa, and Boswellia sacra is native to Oman and Yemen. Each species produces resin with a slightly different chemical profile, which means the oils derived from them vary in composition and scent.

The resin is harvested the same way it has been for millennia. Tappers make shallow cuts in the tree bark, and the frankincense “tears” (the name for the droplet shapes the resin forms as it dries) are collected once they have hardened. The raw resin is then steam-distilled to produce the essential oil.

This process is slow and labor-intensive, which is why genuine frankincense oil is not cheap. If you find a bottle priced like grocery store olive oil, the quality is worth questioning.

How Boswellic Acids Work on Skin

Boswellic acids are the compound class that gets the most attention in frankincense research. These pentacyclic triterpenic acids are found in the resin, and several make it through steam distillation into the essential oil in meaningful concentrations.

Boswellic acids appear to interact with the 5-lipoxygenase pathway, a key driver of inflammatory signaling in skin. A 2022 review in the Journal of Inflammation Research documented this mechanism, which is the primary way frankincense oil may help skin that is irritated, reddened, or sensitive. In addition, boswellic acids have demonstrated antioxidant properties in several laboratory studies, relevant to skincare since oxidative stress from UV exposure and environmental pollutants is a primary driver of premature aging.

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) notes that Boswellia extracts have been used in traditional medicine systems and remain under study, though more high-quality human trials are needed to establish definitive benefits.

Key Benefits for Skin

May Help Reduce the Appearance of Fine Lines and Wrinkles

This is probably the most common claim made for frankincense oil, and it is not without some basis. The antioxidant activity of boswellic acids helps neutralize free radicals that contribute to collagen breakdown and elastin degradation. When those processes slow down, the visible signs of aging (fine lines, reduced firmness) appear to progress more slowly.

That said, frankincense oil is not going to erase wrinkles. The effect, if any, is modest and builds over time. Think of it as one component of a broader anti-aging strategy. If you are already using a peptide serum and sunscreen daily, frankincense oil may be a reasonable addition.

May Help Even Skin Tone

The anti-inflammatory properties of boswellic acids may help reduce post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, the dark spots that often linger after breakouts or skin irritation clears. A few laboratory studies have suggested boswellic acids can inhibit tyrosinase, the enzyme involved in melanin production, though translating those findings to real-world results is a significant leap. Manage your expectations accordingly.

May Support Skin Firmness

The boswellic acids appear to help preserve the structural integrity of the extracellular matrix, the network of collagen and elastin fibers that gives skin its firmness and resilience. This is the same reasoning behind using peptide serums or retinoids, though frankincense oil works through a different mechanism.

If you are looking for firming effects, a targeted peptide serum is likely a more direct route. Frankincense oil may complement that approach, but it is not the primary tool for this goal.

Antioxidant Protection

This is frankincense oil’s best-supported benefit. Free radical damage from UV radiation, air pollution, and metabolic processes accelerates skin aging. Antioxidants like those found in boswellic acids help neutralize these reactive species before they damage collagen fibers and cellular DNA.

This is also one of the more honest benefits to claim, because it is a low-stakes, well-documented activity that occurs even at low concentrations.

How to Use Frankincense Oil Safely

This section is important, and I want you to actually read it rather than skip ahead to the benefits list.

Frankincense essential oil is highly concentrated and must be diluted before topical use. Applying it undiluted can cause skin irritation, redness, or contact dermatitis. This is not a scare tactic, it is basic essential oil safety.

Dilution Ratios

A common dilution for facial use is 1-2%, which works out to roughly 2-4 drops of frankincense oil per teaspoon of carrier oil. For reference, a teaspoon is about 5 milliliters, so 1% dilution is 1 drop per 5 mL of carrier oil.

If you are new to essential oils generally, start at the lower end of that range (1%) and patch test on your inner forearm for 24 hours before applying to your face. Some people are more sensitive than others, and “natural” does not mean “automatically safe for everyone.”

Good Carrier Oils to Pair With Frankincense

The carrier oil you choose matters for two reasons. First, it dilutes the frankincense to a safe concentration. Second, it brings its own skin benefits to the blend.

Jojoba oil is an excellent choice because its composition closely resembles the skin’s own sebum. It absorbs relatively quickly and does not leave a heavy residue. Sweet almond oil is another good option, rich in vitamin E and fatty acids. Rosehip seed oil pairs particularly well if you are using frankincense for its potential anti-aging benefits, since rosehip also contains antioxidant compounds and skin-supporting fatty acids.

Application Method

Once diluted, apply a few drops to clean, damp skin and gently press it in rather than rubbing. Damp skin absorbs oils more evenly, and pressing keeps the blend from sitting in patches. Avoid the immediate eye area.

Many people use frankincense oil in their evening routine, since rosehip and some other carrier oils can increase sun sensitivity during the day. If you use it in the morning, follow with a broad-spectrum sunscreen.

What to Look for When Buying Frankincense Oil

The natural skincare market is not well-regulated, which means frankincense oil quality varies enormously. Here is how to separate the good bottles from the ones that are mostly something else.

Species Matters

If the label only says “frankincense essential oil” with no species listed, that is a yellow flag. Reputable brands specify Boswellia serrata, Boswellia carterii, or Boswellia sacra. B. serrata is the most studied in dermatological contexts, so if you are shopping for a specific benefit backed by research, that is the species to look for.

Purity and Additives

Look for 100% pure frankincense essential oil with no added synthetic fragrances, carrier oils, or diluents. The ingredient list should say only “Boswellia [species] oil.” Anything labeled “frankincense fragrance oil” or “frankincense blend” is not the same product.

Packaging

Dark amber or cobalt glass bottles are essential. Essential oils degrade when exposed to light, and plastic can leach chemicals into the oil over time. Avoid clear glass and plastic entirely.

Price as a Signal

A reliable 10 mL bottle from a reputable brand typically runs $15-30. If you see frankincense oil at $5 for 30 mL, the oil is either heavily diluted or not actually frankincense.

Frankincense Oil vs Other Skin Oils

If you are building a natural skincare routine, you probably have other oils on your radar. Here is how frankincense stacks up against a few common alternatives.

Rosehip Oil

Rosehip oil is rich in linoleic acid and provitamin A, giving it stronger direct evidence for skin repair and tone evening. For acne-prone or hyperpigmented skin, rosehip is the more impactful primary choice. Frankincense works better as a complement if you are already using rosehip and want extra antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support.

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba is technically a wax, not an oil, which gives it remarkable stability and a composition that mirrors skin sebum. It is an excellent everyday moisturizer and pairs well as a carrier oil for frankincense. It does not offer boswellic acid benefits, so its role is primarily as a neutral, high-quality diluent.

Sea Buckthorn Oil

Sea buckthorn has high concentrations of omega-7, vitamin C, and beta-carotene. Its orange color can transfer to skin at high concentrations, which is a practical limitation. For targeted scar fading and tissue repair, sea buckthorn has stronger evidence. For daily antioxidant support and mild anti-inflammatory action, frankincense is the gentler option.

A Simple DIY Frankincense Face Oil Recipe

If you want to try frankincense oil in a basic homemade blend, here is a straightforward recipe to start with.

Frankincense and Jojoba Face Oil

Ingredients: - 1 teaspoon jojoba oil - 2 drops frankincense essential oil (Boswellia serrata or B. carterii)

Instructions: Combine the jojoba oil and frankincense drops in a small glass dropper bottle. Swirl gently to mix, do not shake. Apply 2-3 drops to clean, damp face and press into skin. Use in the evening for best results.

This makes a small batch that stays fresh for about 2 weeks when stored in a cool, dark place. Essential oils lose potency in blended form over time, so small batches are better than making a large quantity at once.

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Key Takeaways

• Frankincense oil comes from Boswellia trees, with B. serrata, B. carterii, and B. sacra being the main species used in skincare.
• Boswellic acids are the active compounds, with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity in laboratory research.
• Benefits may include reduced appearance of fine lines, support for skin firmness, and antioxidant protection.
• Always dilute in a carrier oil before topical use. A common dilution is 1-2%.
• Buy pure oil in a dark glass bottle, with the species clearly labeled.
• Works best as part of a broader anti-aging routine rather than as a standalone ingredient.
• Pairs well with jojoba, rosehip, and sea buckthorn depending on your specific skin goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I apply frankincense oil directly to my skin without diluting it?

No. Undiluted frankincense essential oil can cause skin irritation, redness, or allergic reactions. Always dilute it in a carrier oil before topical use. A common dilution is 1-2% (roughly 2-4 drops per teaspoon of carrier oil).

Q: Can I use frankincense oil on my face every day?

Yes, a properly diluted frankincense face oil can be used daily. Start at 1% dilution and monitor how your skin responds. If using in the morning, follow with sunscreen, since some carrier oils can increase sun sensitivity.

Q: Does frankincense oil help with acne?

It may help indirectly through its anti-inflammatory properties, since inflammation contributes to acne and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It is not an antibacterial agent, so for active breakouts a targeted approach with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide is more effective.

Q: Is frankincense oil safe during pregnancy?

Research on essential oil safety during pregnancy is limited. Most integrative health organizations advise caution, particularly during the first trimester. Consult your healthcare provider before using any essential oils while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Q: Can I ingest frankincense oil?

No. Do not ingest essential oils. They are highly concentrated and can be toxic when swallowed. If you are interested in boswellic acid supplementation internally, look for supplements specifically labeled for oral consumption and discuss them with your healthcare provider.

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If you want to explore RejuveNaturals skincare products, browse our anti-aging serums and organic facial oils on our website, or find us on Amazon where our castor oil and vitamin E oil each have around 10,000 customer reviews.

Sources:

• National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), “Boswellia”: https://nccih.nih.gov/health/boswellia
• Journal of Inflammation Research (2022), “Boswellic Acids: Mechanistic Rationale for Anti-Inflammatory Activity”: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
• Frontiers in Pharmacology, “Boswellic Acids and Their Role in Chronic Inflammatory Diseases”: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/