Uses and DIY Recipes: Frankincense Essential Oil

It has a warm, woodsy scent and can be used in so many different ways. Whether we're adding it to DIY cleaners, using it in a homemade perfume, or just enjoying the aroma, it’s easily one of the most versatile oils out there. Frankincense essential oil is one of those go-to oils that we always keep on hand.

Frankincense is often called the “King of Oils,” and for good reason. It’s incredibly versatile and has been used for a number of different purposes for thousands of years.

Frankincense has been treasured for its many uses, and it’s still just as useful today. You might remember it as one of the gifts brought to baby Jesus, and back then we wondered why they didn’t just bring him a toy! But now, we get it.

Let’s go over some of the best ways to use it and why it’s a favorite for so many.

A quick safety note: essential oils are potent, so always dilute yours with a carrier oil before it touches your skin, and do a small patch test first. Keep them away from your eyes, and store them safely out of reach of children and pets. If your skin ever feels irritated, stop and rinse the area with a carrier oil.

How to Use Frankincense Essential Oil

Aromatically

Frankincense has this deep, woodsy scent with a hint of spice that just makes a space feel warm and inviting. It’s one of those scents that feels timeless, earthy, rich, and perhaps a little mysterious.

Whether you’re looking to set a calm mood, add some depth to your home’s fragrance, or just enjoy something that smells incredible, here are a few ways to use it:

Breathe it in straight from the bottle for an instant hit of its deep, grounding scent.
Add a drop or two to a cotton ball or tissue and take a deep breath.
Diffuse 4-6 drops to fill your home with its warm, slightly earthy fragrance. It pairs beautifully with citrus, lavender, or even a touch of vanilla. We diffuse this all the time!

Topically

Frankincense is a great oil to work into DIY skincare and body care recipes. It blends beautifully with other ingredients and can add a warm, slightly resinous scent to your homemade creations.

While it is considered a neat oil, meaning it can be applied directly to the skin, we always recommend diluting it first, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Here are a few ways to use it:

Face Serum: Add a drop to your favorite DIY face serum for a subtle glow. It pairs well with jojoba or rosehip oil.
Body Butter: Blend it into homemade whipped body butter for a warm, luxurious scent.
Pulse Points: Combine with your favorite carrier oil and then dab a small amount on wrists or behind the ears as a natural personal fragrance.
Foot Rub: Mix with a carrier oil for a simple foot massage oil after a long day. (our personal favorite!)
Roller Bottle: Make an easy on-the-go rollerball bottle by adding 15-20 drops to a 10mL bottle and filling the rest with a carrier oil. Perfect for quick application.

As with all oils, avoid using it near the eyes, and always do a patch test before trying something new!

Ways to Use Frankincense Essential Oil

We love using frankincense in our skincare routine. It is a popular choice for homemade facial products, and we like to blend a drop with coconut oil for a simple, natural feel.
It is also lovely in hair care. Try adding a few drops to your shampoo for a fresh, clean scent.
We love using frankincense in our diffuser. It has such a calming vibe and adds a fresh, clean scent to the air. It’s a simple way to create a peaceful atmosphere and just makes the space feel more inviting.
We find frankincense to be a great option for a relaxing experience. Its soothing properties make it a go-to for winding down after a long day. Simply apply it topically to any areas that need a little extra attention for a calming effect.
Frankincense is often seen as a great way to bring a sense of balance to your daily routine. Many people enjoy using it to set a positive tone for the day, helping to create a fresh start and maintain good vibes.

Frankincense Essential Oil

Whether you are incorporating it into your skincare, diffusing it to freshen the air, or blending it into a roller bottle, this oil offers so many options for daily use.

Its natural, soothing properties make it a great addition to any DIY body care or home routine.

What are your favorite ways to use Frankincense essential oil? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Shop the supplies:

Roller bottles

Fractionated coconut oil

Frankincense essential oil

Frankincense pre-made roller bottle

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Key Takeaways

It has a warm, grounding scent, it blends beautifully with other oils, and it slips right into DIY recipes and blends for around your home. If you are just getting started, pick one idea from this note, a diffuser blend or a roller bottle, and go from there! Frankincense essential oil earns a spot on your shelf.