Frankincense Essential Oil Uses: DIYs & Diffuser Blends

Frankincense Essential Oil Uses

For thousands of years, Frankincense Essential Oil Uses have been treasured in religious ceremonies, perfumery, skincare, and aromatherapy. Often called the "King of Essential Oils," frankincense offers a warm, resinous aroma that promotes relaxation while adding a luxurious touch to homemade body care products.

Today, Frankincense Essential Oil Uses extend far beyond ancient traditions. From diffuser blends and body oils to homemade perfumes and facial care, this remarkable oil has become a staple in natural wellness routines.

Whether you're just beginning your essential oil journey or looking for fresh DIY inspiration, this guide covers everything you need to know about Frankincense Essential Oil Uses, including its origins, chemistry, favorite oil pairings, and easy recipes you can make at home.

What Is Frankincense Essential Oil?

Frankincense Essential Oil is steam distilled from the aromatic resin harvested from trees belonging to the Boswellia genus. Different species of Boswellia grow in regions of Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and India and can be used to produce different varieties of Frankincense Essential Oil.

Northridge Oak Frankincense Essential Oil is produced from Boswellia serrata, a species associated primarily with India.

During steam distillation, the volatile aromatic compounds in the resin are carried into the essential oil, producing Frankincense's distinctive warm, balsamic, woody aroma.

Understanding Frankincense, Boswellia & Its Natural Compounds

Frankincense begins as an aromatic resin harvested from trees in the Boswellia genus. Northridge Oak Frankincense Essential Oil is derived from Boswellia serrata, a species traditionally associated with India.

You may have heard of boswellic acids when reading about Frankincense or Boswellia. This is where an important distinction needs to be made: Boswellia resin, Boswellia extracts, and Frankincense Essential Oil are not the same thing.

Boswellic acids are naturally occurring compounds found in the resin of Boswellia trees and are frequently studied in connection with Boswellia extracts and supplements. However, boswellic acids are relatively large, nonvolatile compounds and do not carry over in meaningful amounts during the steam-distillation process used to produce Frankincense Essential Oil.

Frankincense Essential Oil instead contains a complex mixture of volatile aromatic compounds, primarily terpenes and related constituents. The exact chemical composition can vary depending on the Boswellia species, growing conditions, geographic origin, harvest, and distillation process.

These naturally occurring aromatic compounds are responsible for Frankincense Essential Oil's distinctive warm, resinous, woody, and sometimes lightly citrus-like aroma.

This distinction is important when reading about Frankincense. Research involving Boswellia resin or standardized Boswellia extracts should not automatically be assumed to apply to Frankincense Essential Oil. They are different preparations with different chemical compositions.

Why People Love Frankincense Essential Oil

The popularity of Frankincense Essential Oil Uses continues to grow because the oil is incredibly versatile.

Many people enjoy using it for:

• Daily aromatherapy
• Relaxing evening routines
• Homemade skincare
• Massage oils
• Body butters
• Roll-on perfumes
• Diffuser blends
• Linen sprays
• Meditation
• Yoga practice
• Spa-inspired self-care
• Homemade gifts

Human research has also examined Frankincense Essential Oil inhalation and short-term memory. Read what the Frankincense memory study found—and what it did not prove.

What You'll Need for These Frankincense DIY Recipes

You don't need a long list of specialty supplies to get started. Most of these recipes use just a few simple ingredients, and you may already have many of them at home.

Tip: Frankincense is the star of the show! Start with Frankincense Essential Oil and choose the recipes you'd like to try. You can always add other oils and ingredients to your collection over time.

Essential Oils

• Frankincense Essential Oil
• Lavender Essential Oil
• Blood Orange Essential Oil
• Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
• Myrrh Essential Oil
• Eucalyptus Essential Oil
• Geranium Essential Oil
• Peppermint Essential Oil

Carrier Oils

You don't need all of these—choose the carrier oil called for in the recipe you'd like to make.

• Fractionated Coconut Oil
• Sweet Almond Oil
• Jojoba Oil
• Coconut Oil

A Few Other Ingredients

• Fine Sugar
• Epsom Salt
• Himalayan Salt
• Cotton Rounds

Basic DIY Supplies

Depending on the recipe you choose, you may need a small jar, dropper bottle, roller bottle, mixing bowl, or measuring spoons.

That's it! 

Ready to Make Something?

You don't need to buy everything at once. Choose a DIY that sounds fun, see what you already have at home, and start there.

As you try more recipes, you can gradually add ingredients and essential oils to your DIY supplies.

DIY Frankincense Essential Oil Recipes

Looking for more aromatic combinations? Explore these 15 Frankincense diffuser blends for relaxing evenings, fresh spaces, meditation and cozy seasonal aromas.

1. Luxurious Frankincense Body Scrub

You'll Need

• 1 cup fine sugar
• ¼ cup fractionated coconut oil or sweet almond oil
•  2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
• 10 drops frankincense
• 6 drops lavender
• 4 drops blood orange

Combine all ingredients thoroughly and transfer to a clean, dry airtight jar. Massage a small amount onto damp skin using gentle circular motions, then rinse thoroughly.

Caution: Oils may make shower or bathtub surfaces slippery. Use care when rinsing and exiting.

2. Frankincense & Ylang Ylang Roll-On Perfume

You'll Need

• 4 drops Frankincense
• 2 drops Ylang Ylang
• 1 drop Blood Orange
• Fractionated coconut oil to fill a 10 mL roller

Combine essential oils into a 10 ml roller bottle.  Top off with carrier oil.  Apply lightly to pulse points such as the wrists.

3. Frankincense & Lavender Body Oil

You'll Need

• 2 ounces sweet almond oil
• 10 drops frankincense
• 8 drops lavender
• 4 drops myrrh

Combine in a 2 ounce dropper bottle.  Massage onto slightly damp skin after showering.

4. Frankincense Hand & Nail Oil

You'll Need

• 1 oz jojoba oil
• 4 drops Frankincense Essential Oil
• 2 drops Lavender Essential Oil
• 1 oz dropper bottle

Add the essential oils to a clean 1 oz dropper bottle and fill with jojoba oil. Gently roll between your hands to combine.

Massage a small amount into hands, nails, and cuticles as needed to help moisturize and condition dry-feeling skin.

For external use only. Avoid broken or irritated skin.

5. Frankincense Bath Salts

You'll Need

• 2 cups Epsom salt
• ½ cup Himalayan salt
• 2 tablespoons fractionated coconut oil
• 10 drops Frankincense
• 5 drops Lavender
• 3 drops Eucalyptus

First thoroughly combine the essential oils with the fractionated coconut oil. Add that mixture to the salts and stir until evenly incorporated. Use approximately ½ cup per bath, adding it to warm running water and stirring the bathwater well. 

Caution: Oils may make bathtub surfaces slippery. Use care when rinsing and exiting.

6. Frankincense Massage Oil

You'll Need

• 2 oz fractionated coconut oil or sweet almond oil

• 8 drops frankincense
• 6 drops lavender
• 4 drops eucalyptus

Add all oils to a small bowl and stir to combine.  Massage into skin for a relaxing spa-like experience.

Important: For external use only. Avoid the face, eyes, mucous membranes, and broken or irritated skin. Wash hands after application.

7. Frankincense & Lavender Cleansing Oil Makeup Remover

You'll Need

• 2 tablespoons fractionated coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons jojoba oil
• 3 drops Frankincense Essential Oil
• 2 drops Lavender Essential Oil
• 2 oz bottle

Combine all ingredients in a clean, dry 2 oz bottle. Cap and gently roll between your hands to combine.

To use, apply a small amount to a clean cotton round and gently wipe over the face, avoiding the eye area, to loosen and remove makeup. Follow with your normal facial cleanser if desired.

Important: For external use only. Avoid direct contact with the eyes, eyelids, lash line and mucous membranes. Do not use on broken or irritated skin. Discontinue use if irritation occurs.

Storage: Keep tightly closed in a cool, dry place and prevent water from entering the bottle. Discard if you notice any change in odor, color or appearance.

8. Frankincense Facial Oil

You'll Need

• 1 tablespoon jojoba oil

• 1 tablespoon sweet almond oil
• 2 drops Frankincense Essential Oil
• 1 drop Lavender Essential Oil
• 1 drop Geranium Essential Oil
• 1 oz dropper bottle

Combine in the bottle and gently roll to mix. Apply 2–3 drops to clean skin in the evening and gently massage in.

Avoid the immediate eye area and discontinue use if irritation occurs.

9. Frankincense Grounding Roller

You'll Need

• Fractionated Coconut Oil

• 4 drops Frankincense

• 2 drops Lavender

• 1 drop Peppermint

Add essential oils to a 10 ml roller bottle, then fill to the top with fractionated coconut oil. Insert the roller ball and cap securely. Apply lightly to wrists or pulse points.   Avoid the face, eyes and mucous membranes.

Our Favorite Frankincense Diffuser Blends

Frankincense is one of the most versatile essential oils for aromatherapy. Its warm, resinous aroma blends beautifully with floral, citrus, woodsy, herbal, and resinous oils, making it easy to create blends for every mood and season.

Relaxing & Grounding Diffuser Blends are perfect for quiet evenings, meditation, yoga, or simply creating a peaceful atmosphere.

Fresh & Clean Diffuser Blends help create a crisp, spa-like atmosphere.

Floral & Luxurious Diffuser Blends are elegant combinations perfect for bedrooms and self-care routines.

Bright & Uplifting Diffuser Blends are cheerful combinations that brighten any room.

Warm & Cozy Diffuser Blends are perfect for fall, winter, and holiday gatherings.

Add each blend to your diffuser according to the manufacturer's recommended oil capacity, adjusting the number of drops as needed for your diffuser size and room.

Oils That Blend Well with Frankincense

One of the reasons Frankincense Essential Oil Uses are so popular is because this oil serves as an excellent "anchor" in blends. Its rich, resinous aroma softens bright citrus oils, balances intense florals, and adds warmth to woodsy and herbal scents.

Easy Frankincense Essential Oil Uses Throughout the Day

There are countless Frankincense Essential Oil Uses that can fit naturally into everyday life.

Morning

Start your day by applying your Frankincense & Lavender Body Oil after your shower while your skin is still slightly damp. The nourishing carrier oils help lock in moisture, while the warm, resinous aroma of frankincense and the calming floral notes of lavender create a luxurious spa-like experience before you begin your day.

As you get ready, diffuse Frankincense & Lemon or Frankincense & Blood Orange to fill your home with a bright, uplifting aroma that helps create a fresh and welcoming atmosphere.

Midday

Refresh your mindset by applying a bright and uplifting Frankincense roll-on perfume made with Frankincense, Blood Orange, and Ylang Ylang to your wrists and pulse points. The warm resinous notes of Frankincense paired with vibrant citrus and exotic florals create an elegant personal fragrance that's perfect for an afternoon refresh.

Evening

When it's time to unwind, diffuse Frankincense, Lavender, and Myrrh while reading, journaling, meditating, practicing yoga, or enjoying a relaxing bath. This timeless blend transforms your space into a peaceful retreat, making it the perfect way to end the day.

Frankincense Essential Oil Safety Tips

Frankincense Essential Oil is highly concentrated, so a little goes a long way. Whether you're using it in a diffuser, body oil, roller, or one of the DIY recipes above, following a few basic safety guidelines can help you enjoy it responsibly.

Dilute Before Applying to Skin

Always dilute Frankincense Essential Oil with an appropriate carrier oil or properly formulated product before applying it to the skin. Using undiluted essential oils increases the risk of skin irritation or sensitization.

Follow the dilution amounts provided in the recipes above rather than adding extra essential oil. More essential oil does not necessarily make a recipe better.

Avoid Eyes & Sensitive Areas

Avoid direct contact with the eyes, eyelids, mucous membranes, and other sensitive areas. Do not apply essential oils to broken or irritated skin.

Wash your hands after handling essential oils, especially before touching your face or eyes.

Perform a Patch Test

When trying a new topical essential oil recipe, test a small amount on a limited area of skin first. Discontinue use if you experience redness, burning, itching, or other irritation.

Even essential oils that are generally well tolerated can cause irritation or an allergic reaction in some individuals.

Use Essential Oils Safely in the Bath

Essential oils do not dissolve in water, so they should never be added directly to bathwater. They should first be appropriately diluted or dispersed before being added to the bath. Epsom salt by itself does not safely disperse essential oils.

That's why the Frankincense Bath Salts recipe above first combines the essential oils with a carrier oil before adding them to the salts. Remember that carrier oils can make the bathtub slippery, so use care when entering and exiting.

Diffuse Responsibly

Follow your diffuser manufacturer's instructions and adjust the amount of essential oil according to your diffuser size and room.

Rather than continuously diffusing essential oils all day, consider intermittent diffusion and allow fresh air into the room. Stop diffusing if the aroma causes discomfort or irritation.

Keep Essential Oils Away From Children

Store Frankincense Essential Oil and DIY products securely out of reach of children. Essential oils are highly concentrated, and accidental ingestion—particularly by young children—can be dangerous.

When using essential oils topically with children, follow age-appropriate dilution and safety guidance rather than assuming an adult recipe is suitable for a child.

Use Essential Oils Thoughtfully Around Pets

Keep essential oil bottles and DIY products where pets cannot lick, ingest, spill, or come into direct contact with them. When diffusing essential oils around pets, provide ventilation and make sure the animal can leave the area.

Do Not Ingest Essential Oils

The recipes in this guide are intended for aromatic or external topical use only. Do not ingest Frankincense Essential Oil or add it to food, beverages, or water based on the recipes in this article.

Pregnancy, Nursing & Medical Considerations

If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, managing a medical condition, or have questions about whether essential oils are appropriate for you, consult an appropriately qualified healthcare professional before use.

Store Essential Oils Properly

Keep essential oils tightly closed and stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and excessive heat. Proper storage helps slow oxidation and deterioration of the oil.

It's easy to understand why Frankincense Essential Oil Uses have remained popular for thousands of years. From its rich history rooted in Boswellia trees to its warm, resinous aroma, frankincense continues to be one of the most versatile essential oils available.

Whether you're creating a luxurious body scrub, blending a signature roll-on perfume, crafting nourishing body oils, or experimenting with diffuser recipes, Frankincense Essential Oil Uses offer endless opportunities to bring a spa-like experience into your home.

With its remarkable ability to pair beautifully with lavender, citrus oils, eucalyptus, myrrh, ylang ylang, cedarwood, and many other essential oils, frankincense deserves a permanent place in every essential oil collection.

Explore the Frankincense Learning Center

Continue learning about Frankincense Essential Oil with these detailed guides:

• Frankincense diffuser blends and recipes
• Frankincense Essential Oil and memory research
• Frankincense Essential Oil for face and skin
• Types of Frankincense: Serrata, Sacra, Carterii and Frereana
• Frankincense Essential Oil vs. resin, extract and supplements
• Frankincense and Myrrh: differences, uses and blends
• How to choose pure, high-quality Frankincense Essential Oil

Essential oils are highly concentrated. Always follow appropriate usage and dilution guidance for each individual oil. Some oils require additional precautions, so familiarize yourself with an oil's safety information before use. Keep essential oils out of reach of children and pets.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

100% Pure Frankincense Essential Oil – Boswellia serrata

$35.00

Warm, woody and resinous, Northridge Oak Frankincense Essential Oil is steam distilled from Boswellia serrata resin grown in India. This 100% pure, undiluted essential oil is third-party GC–MS tested for identity and purity, then bottled in the USA. Use Frankincense in diffusers, properly… read more

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