Frankincense Oil Benefits, Uses & Buying Guide

Frankincense has been valued for thousands of years, long before "essential oils" was a category on a store shelf.

Traders once carried it across deserts as a luxury good. Today it's a staple of aromatherapy and natural self-care, and one of the more misunderstood oils.

This guide covers what frankincense oil is, how people traditionally use it, how to use it safely, and how to tell a pure, organic oil from a diluted or synthetic one.

Note: Frankincense oil is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

What Is Frankincense Oil?

Frankincense oil is steam-distilled from the resin of Boswellia trees. Common species include Boswellia sacra (also sold as Boswellia carterii), native to the Arabian Peninsula and the Horn of Africa, and Boswellia serrata, native to India.

The tree bark is scored, and the tree releases a sap-like resin that hardens into "tears." Those tears are what get distilled into oil.

Because the trees grow slowly and harvesting is labor-intensive, genuine frankincense oil costs more to produce than many other essential oils.

That's also why it's often diluted or adulterated. Cutting it with a carrier oil or synthetic aroma compound is cheap, and most buyers can't tell by smell alone.

Traditional and Aromatherapy Uses

Frankincense has a long history of traditional and aromatherapy use. These are cosmetic and aromatic uses, not medical claims.

In Skincare Routines

Frankincense is a common ingredient in natural skincare, largely for its warm, woody-sweet scent.

People typically dilute it in a carrier oil and add it to an evening routine. It's often paired with carrier oils like castor oil, or with vitamin E oil.

Always dilute frankincense oil before applying it to skin. Undiluted ("neat") oil can cause irritation. If you have sensitive skin, patch-test first and introduce it gradually.

In Massage and Body Oils

Due to its warm, resinous profile, frankincense is a popular addition to massage oil blends, usually diluted in a carrier oil like castor or jojoba.

It's often blended with oils like peppermint or clove as part of a relaxing massage ritual. Essential oils are not a substitute for medical care.

If you have persistent or severe discomfort, talk to a healthcare professional.

For Relaxation and Grounding 

Used in aromatherapy, frankincense is best known as a "grounding" scent, one people diffuse during meditation, breathwork, or at the end of the day to create a calmer space.

Its deep aroma is often softened with citrus or floral notes. If you'd like a ready-made blend for your evening routine, try our Stress Relief Essential Oil Blend or Zen Sleep Essential Oil Blend.

How to Use Frankincense Oil

1. Diffusing: Add 3–5 drops to a diffuser with water. This is the simplest way to enjoy the aroma with no skin contact. Keep the room ventilated.

2. Topical use (diluted): Always dilute in a carrier oil first. A general starting ratio is 1–2 drops per teaspoon of carrier oil such as castor or jojoba. Use less for the face. Our Frankincense & Castor Oil Roll-On is pre-diluted, so you can skip the measuring.

3. Inhalation: Some people add a drop to a tissue or cotton ball and carry it with them.

A note on internal use: We don't recommend ingesting frankincense oil. Essential oils are not approved by the FDA for internal therapeutic use. Only consider it under the direction of a healthcare practitioner trained in clinical aromatherapy.

Precautions and Side Effects

Frankincense oil is generally well tolerated when used as directed, but keep these in mind:

• Dilute before topical use. Undiluted oil can irritate skin.
• Avoid internal use unless directed by a qualified practitioner.
• Check with your doctor during pregnancy or while nursing, or if you have a medical condition or take medication.
• Keep away from pets. Cats in particular are sensitive to many essential oils. Don't apply oils to pets or diffuse heavily in small, unventilated spaces they can't leave, and ask your vet before regular diffusing.
• Patch-test new topical blends on a small area and wait 24 hours before wider use.

How to Choose a Frankincense Oil

This is the part most buying guides skip. Here's what to check:

• Clear purity and organic labeling. Look for "100% pure" and a USDA Organic seal. If a label doesn't state the purity or extraction method, assume it may be diluted.
• The Latin name. A trustworthy label names the species (Boswellia sacra/carterii or Boswellia serrata), not just "frankincense oil."
• A realistic price. Genuine oil rarely costs the same as a mass-market synthetic fragrance oil.
• Steam distillation. It's the standard extraction method for frankincense. Solvent extraction can leave residue.
• Batch or third-party testing. Brands that publish test results are usually more transparent overall.

Nexon Botanics' Organic Frankincense Oil is steam-distilled and USDA Organic certified.

Frankincense Oil FAQ

Where can I buy pure frankincense oil?
You can buy organic frankincense oil directly from Nexon Botanics. Whatever source you use, check for the USDA Organic seal and the Latin species name on the label.

Can frankincense oil be used on the face?
Many people add diluted frankincense oil to a facial routine. Mix it into a carrier oil, patch-test first, and never apply it undiluted.

What can frankincense oil be mixed with?
It pairs well with carrier oils like castor, jojoba, and vitamin E oil for topical use, and with lavender or myrrh for diffusing.

Is frankincense oil safe during pregnancy?
Essential oil safety in pregnancy varies by oil and individual health history. Talk to your doctor or a qualified prenatal aromatherapist first.

What's the difference between frankincense and myrrh?
Both are aromatic tree resins with a long history of ceremonial and topical use. Frankincense smells brighter and more citrusy-woody. Myrrh is darker, earthier, and more bitter. They're often blended together.

Can I use frankincense oil in a massage?
Yes, diluted in a carrier oil. It's a popular aromatic addition to massage blends. It isn't intended to treat any condition, so see a healthcare professional for ongoing or severe discomfort.

Can I use frankincense oil on blemish-prone skin?
Some people include diluted frankincense oil in their skincare routine. It isn't intended to treat acne or scars. Dilute it fully, patch-test first, and see a dermatologist for persistent skin concerns.

Is frankincense oil safe for dogs or cats?
Cats especially are sensitive to many essential oils. Don't apply frankincense to pets or diffuse it around them without guidance from your veterinarian.

Ready to try it? Shop Frankincense Oil or the pre-diluted Frankincense & Castor Oil Roll-On.