updated 2026
Overview: What Is Frankincense Essential Oil?
Frankincense essential oil is one of the most revered and historically significant essential oils in the world. Known for its warm, resinous aroma and grounding properties, frankincense has been used for centuries in spiritual practices, skincare, wellness rituals, and traditional medicine.
Today, frankincense essential oil is widely valued for mature skin care, emotional balance, meditation, and handcrafted soap making. Its rich scent and skin-supportive qualities make it a favorite among natural formulators and soap makers alike.
Because frankincense is a resin-based oil and varies greatly in quality, it’s important to choose a high-quality frankincense essential oil from a reputable supplier.
Botanical Sources of Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense essential oil is distilled from the hardened resin (often called tears) of Boswellia trees, most commonly:
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Boswellia carterii
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Boswellia sacra
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Boswellia serrata
These trees grow primarily in Somalia, Oman, Ethiopia, and parts of India. The resin is harvested by making small cuts in the bark, allowing the sap to harden before collection.
How Frankincense Essential Oil Is Made
Frankincense essential oil is produced through steam distillation of dried resin tears. This process extracts the aromatic compounds responsible for its deep, grounding scent and beneficial properties.
High-quality frankincense oil has a warm, slightly sweet, resinous aroma and a thicker consistency than many other essential oils.
Aroma Profile & Emotional Benefits
Frankincense essential oil has a rich, earthy, resinous scent that is often associated with calm, clarity, and spiritual grounding.
It is commonly used to:
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Promote relaxation and emotional balance
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Support meditation and mindfulness
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Reduce stress and nervous tension
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Encourage deep breathing and focus
Because of its depth, frankincense is considered an excellent base note in aromatherapy blends.
Top Benefits of Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense essential oil is prized for its wide range of natural benefits:
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Supports mature and aging skin
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Helps calm irritated or stressed skin
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Traditionally used for emotional grounding
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Supports respiratory comfort
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Adds depth and longevity to essential oil blends
Its versatility makes it one of the most valuable oils to keep on hand.
Frankincense Essential Oil for Skin Care
Frankincense is especially popular in natural skincare, particularly for mature or sensitive skin:
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Helps support skin elasticity
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Commonly used in anti-aging formulations
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Calms dry or irritated skin
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Supports a smooth, healthy complexion
It is frequently found in facial oils, serums, creams, and balms when properly diluted.
For facial and skincare use, frankincense essential oil should always be diluted in a carrier oil such as jojoba oil or sweet almond oil before applying to the skin.
Frankincense Essential Oil for Hair & Scalp Health
Frankincense essential oil can also be used in hair and scalp care:
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Helps soothe dry or irritated scalp
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Supports scalp balance
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Often added to scalp oils and conditioner blends
Its mild nature makes it suitable for regular use when diluted correctly.
Many people mix frankincense essential oil into a small glass dropper bottle or roller bottle for easy scalp or hair application.
🧼 Using Frankincense Essential Oil in Soap Making
Frankincense essential oil is highly valued in cold process soap making, especially for premium, skin-focused soap recipes. Its resinous aroma adds depth and sophistication to handmade soaps.
Frankincense holds its scent moderately well in cold process soap, particularly when blended with anchoring oils such as cedarwood, patchouli, or sandalwood. It also pairs beautifully with citrus oils to soften and brighten its aroma.
Frankincense essential oil works especially well in:
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Facial and skincare soaps
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Mature or sensitive skin bars
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Meditation or grounding soaps
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Luxury and premium soap lines
Soap makers appreciate frankincense for its low acceleration risk and smooth behavior in soap batter.
Soap Maker Notes:
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Scent strength: Medium
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Acceleration risk: Low
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Discoloration: None
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Blends well with: Cedarwood, Lavender, Patchouli, Orange, Bergamot
Accurate measurement is essential when using essential oils in soap making. A digital gram scale ensures safe, consistent, and repeatable soap recipes.
👉 If you’re new to scenting soap, see How to Scent Soap Naturally and Essential Oils vs Fragrance Oils.
Many soap makers also rely on a soap making reference book or essential oil blending guide when formulating premium or skin-focused soap recipes.
Respiratory & Wellness Uses
Frankincense essential oil has long been used to support respiratory comfort:
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Helps promote deep, relaxed breathing
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Often used in steam inhalations
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Common ingredient in chest balms and diffuser blends
It is frequently combined with eucalyptus or lavender for wellness blends.
Historical Uses of Frankincense Essential Oil
Frankincense has an extraordinary history:
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Used in ancient Egyptian rituals and embalming
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Burned as incense in religious ceremonies across cultures
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Traded along ancient spice routes
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Valued more highly than gold in some regions
Its association with spirituality and healing has endured for thousands of years.
How to Use Frankincense Essential Oil Safely
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Always dilute before applying to skin
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Perform a patch test before first use
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Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes
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Keep out of reach of children
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Consult a professional if pregnant or under medical care
👉 See Essential Oil Dilution Chart and How to Use Essential Oils Safely at Home for guidance.
Essential Oils That Blend Well With Frankincense
Frankincense blends especially well with:
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Cedarwood
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Lavender
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Patchouli
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Orange
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Bergamot
These blends are popular in soap making, skincare, and aromatherapy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Frankincense Essential Oil
Is frankincense essential oil good for skin?
Yes, it is widely used in mature and sensitive skin formulations when diluted properly.
Can frankincense be used in soap making?
Yes, it performs well and adds a rich, grounding aroma to cold process soap.
Is frankincense safe for daily use?
Yes, when used at proper dilution rates.
Why is frankincense considered a luxury oil?
Its slow resin harvest process and long history contribute to its premium status.
Final Thoughts
Frankincense essential oil is a timeless oil valued for its skin-supportive qualities, grounding aroma, and versatility in natural formulations. Whether used in skincare, soap making, or aromatherapy, it remains one of the most respected essential oils available.
Frankincense is often included in essential oil blending collections because it adds depth and longevity to many natural formulations.
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