Known for its calming and grounding aroma, Frankincense Essential Oil is a much-loved favourite in aromatherapy, valued for the sense of peace and clarity it brings.
Beyond its soothing scent, Frankincense is also believed to support the body naturally - from easing stress and discomfort to helping strengthen overall wellbeing.
In this article, we’ll look at the key benefits of this often called ‘miracle oil’ and simple ways to weave it into your daily routine.
What is Frankincense Essential Oil?
Frankincense Essential Oil - also known as Olibanum Oil or Boswellia carterii - is an aromatic oil made from the resin of the Frankincense tree. When the sap droplets are tapped from the bark and allowed to harden, they form the golden resin that is later steam distilled to produce the essential oil.
Used for thousands of years across the Middle East, Africa and parts of Asia, Frankincense resin has long been treasured in spiritual rituals, traditional medicine and cultural ceremonies. Ancient civilisations valued it for its grounding aroma, its role in meditation and prayer, and its reputation for easing discomfort and supporting general wellbeing.
Much of Frankincense Oil’s versatility comes down to its natural chemical profile, which includes powerful compounds such as:
- α-Pinene: Fresh and pine-like, known for its uplifting, cleansing and respiratory-supportive qualities.
- Limonene: Offers bright, mood-lifting properties and contributes to its soothing, anti-inflammatory effects.
- Incensole acetate: A highly studied compound believed to help calm the mind and support emotional balance.
- β-Caryophyllene: A warm, peppery constituent associated with easing tension and reducing feelings of stress.
With an overall warm, earthy and slightly woody aroma, Frankincense Oil carries gentle spicy and subtly fruity undertones. This makes it a calming and comforting essential oil that lends itself beautifully to a wide range of aromatherapy uses - with wellness benefits galore!
7 Benefits of Frankincense Essential Oil
The chemical profile of Frankincense Essential Oil is comprised of Limonene, Pinene, Borneol, Phellandrene and Myrcene, amongst other compounds. This unique chemical makeup helps Frankincense Essential Oil benefit the mind and body in multiple ways. These include:
1. Known To Relieve Stress
Inhaling the sweet, woody aroma of Frankincense Oil is believed to have a calming effect on the nervous system, helping to reduce feelings of stress and promote a sense of peace. That’s why it is often regarded as one of the best essential oils for meditation, grounding practices, and winding down after a long day.
A 2019 study found that the compounds of Frankincense Oil - particularly incensole and incensole acetate - may help ease feelings of anxiety and low mood by activating specific ion channels in the brain linked to emotional balance.
Alongside its soothing, stress-relieving qualities, Frankincense is also said to support mental clarity and focus. Many people find its grounding aroma helps clear a busy mind, making it a popular choice for study, work or any situation where you need calm concentration.
2. It May Improve Asthma and Support Respiratory Comfort
Frankincense Oil has long been used in traditional wellness practices to support easier breathing, thanks to its naturally soothing and anti-inflammatory qualities. Its warm, resinous aroma is believed to help ease congestion and provide comfort during respiratory discomfort, including symptoms related to asthma.
One study suggests that compounds found in Frankincense Oil – particularly boswellic acids - have the ability to inhibit lipoxygenases, proteases and nuclear factor KB (enzymes that play a role in the inflammatory process). This gentle, inflammation-soothing action is one reason Frankincense Oil is often chosen for respiratory wellness routines.
3. Has Been Seen to Relieve Arthritis
Frankincense Oil is often valued for its naturally anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which may help provide comfort to stiff or achy joints. Many people use it as part of a massage blend or daily wellness routine to ease general discomfort associated with arthritis.
A small 2015 study found that Boswellia extracts - compounds found in Frankincense — were associated with reduced joint pain and improved function in individuals with osteoarthritis. While research is still emerging, these findings support why Frankincense has been traditionally used to help soothe inflammation and promote easier movement.
4. Believed to Work Wonders for Skin
Frankincense Oil is a cherished ingredient in natural skincare, often nicknamed ‘liquid gold for the face’ thanks to its soothing, rejuvenating profile – and it offers a range of gentle yet effective benefits.
Whether you’re looking to refine the complexion or support ageing skin, there are several Frankincense Oil skin benefits, including these ones:
- Helps refine pores and improve skin texture: the natural astringent qualities in Frankincense Oil may help tighten the appearance of large pores and promote a smoother complexion.
- Supports ageing and mature skin: rich in antioxidants, Frankincense Essential Oil is believed to promote firmer, more elastic-looking skin while helping minimise the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation.
- Assists with acne-prone skin: its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties may help calm breakouts, reduce redness, and support a more balanced complexion.
- Helps balance sebum levels: Olibanum Oil is often used to support oily or combination skin types by gently regulating excess oil.
- May support minor wound and scar appearance: traditionally, Frankincense Oil has been used to help soothe the skin and support the look of blemishes, scars and uneven tone.
5. Helps Strengthen Immunity
Frankincense Oil is often used in aromatherapy to help support the body’s natural defences, thanks to its calming, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties. Its warm, resinous aroma is believed to help create a healthier environment during seasonal changes, especially when diffused to freshen the air and promote overall wellbeing.
Many people include Frankincense in their routines during cold and flu season, using its grounding scent to help the body feel more supported and balanced.
6. Promotes Better Sleep & Restfulness
With its gentle, grounding aroma, Frankincense Oil is widely used as part of nighttime rituals to help quiet the mind and encourage deeper relaxation. Its naturally calming properties may assistthose who struggle to unwind, making it a popular choice for evening diffusers and meditation practices before bed.
By helping ease tension and settle busy thoughts, Frankincense creates a soothing environment that supports a more restful night’s sleep.
7. May Help Improve Digestive Function
In various traditional wellness practices, Frankincense has been used to help soothe the body and promote a sense of digestive comfort. Its naturally calming and anti-inflammatory qualities are believed to support overall wellbeing, particularly during times of occasional bloating or tension.
One 2017 study found that Frankincense Oil, in combination with other herbal medicines, was effective in eliminating symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and its related feelings of anxiety.
While more research is needed to understand its direct effects, many people incorporate Frankincense into their daily routines to help create a more relaxed, settled feeling throughout the body.
Popular Frankincense Oil Uses
To enjoy the many benefits of Frankincense Oil, we recommend either topical application (on the skin) or inhalation by a diffuser.
Topical Application
There are several Frankincense Oil uses for skin. To help treat specific skin concerns and enjoy its calming properties, dilute Frankincense into a carrier oil and apply to the skin using one of the following methods:
- Dilute Frankincense Essential Oil into your preferred carrier oil of your choice, such as Jojoba or Coconut Oil, at a 2-4% dilution and apply to the skin.
- For facial application, we recommend the same method but at a 1% dilution.
Diffused and Inhaled
Now you know the many benefits Frankincense Oil can bring to your mind and body, you might be wondering how to incorporate it into your daily routine.
Here are three of our favourite ways to enjoy Frankincense Olibanum Oil benefits at home:
As a Studying or Meditating Aid
Frankincense Oil is known for its ability to focus the mind. So, next time you’re studying, working, meditating or practicing yoga, add some Frankincense Oil to your diffuser to enjoy its benefits.
In a Soothing Warm Bath
To enjoy Frankincense Essential Oil’s calming and relaxing properties, simply add a few drops of the oil into a warm bath.
Wrinkle Fighting Cream
Mix Frankincense Essential Oil with your carrier oil of choice at a 1% dilution and apply directly to areas of the skin prone to ageing – such as the neck and face. You can even add a few drops to your eye cream of choice.
What Blends Well with Frankincense Oil?
Because of its well-balanced spicy aroma, Frankincense Essential Oil blends well with a variety of essential oils. Try one of these blends for yourself and appreciate all the benefits of Frankincense for skin, mindfulness and more!
- To create an uplifting and energising blend to help clear the mind and instill focus, combine Frankincense Oil with Basil, Mandarin, Peppermint or Ylang Ylang essential oils.
- To ease symptoms of stress, mix Frankincense Oil with Lavender, Sweet Orange, Lime and Bergamot essential oils.
- To support glowing, balanced skin, blend Frankincense Oil with Lavender, Rose Geranium or Sandalwood essential oils, always diluting them in a suitable carrier oil before applying to the face.
- For acne-prone skin, combine Frankincense Oil with Tea Tree, Lavender or Patchouli essential oils, again ensuring they are properly diluted in a gentle carrier such as Jojoba or Sweet Almond Oil.
Lavender Essential Oil
When combined, Lavender and Frankincense Oil create a calming scent to help relieve feelings of stress.
Bergamot Essential Oil
Bergamot Oil's citrus, sweet aroma blends well with Frankincense Oil's spicy, fruity scent.
Essential Oil Sleep Pack
With Lavender, Bergamot and Frankincense Oil, our Essential Oil Sleep Pack promotes a restful sleep.
How Do You Know If You Have Quality Frankincense Oil?
To experience the true benefits of Frankincense Oil, it’s important to choose a product that is completely pure and free from synthetics or fillers. High-quality Frankincense should be clearly labelled and packaged to protect its delicate resin-derived compounds. Here’s what to check before you buy:
Things to Look For
- The correct Latin name: For Frankincense, look for Boswellia carterii or Boswellia serrata. If the label only lists “fragrance oil” or has no Latin name at all, it’s likely not a pure essential oil.
- Dark glass packaging: Pure Frankincense should always be stored in amber or dark-coloured glass bottles to protect it from light and heat, which can affect its quality over time.
- A clear purity statement: Wording such as “100% Pure Frankincense Essential Oil” indicates you’re buying a genuine, undiluted oil rather than a synthetic blend.
- An expiry or batch date: An important indicator of freshness, especially if purchasing in-store.
- Country of origin: Reputable brands will list where their Frankincense resin is sourced from, helping you understand quality and authenticity.
- A realistic price point: Frankincense is a premium resin, so very low prices can often signal adulterated or highly diluted oils.
At AWO, we ethically source our Frankincense Oils directly from trusted suppliers and never dilute them with carrier oils or synthetic ingredients. This ensures you receive a true, 100% pure Frankincense Essential Oil, steam distilled from quality Boswellia resin.
Considerations for Safe Use
- Frankincense Essential Oil is generally well tolerated, but as with all essential oils, you should still use care when applying it to the skin.
- Using Frankincense Oil may cause sensitivity or irritation for some people, so we always recommend performing a patch test before topical use.
- AWO’s Frankincense Oil is 100% pure and very concentrated, which is why dilution with a carrier oil is essential before applying it to the skin – see our dilution guide below for support.
- Because of their potency, essential oils can cause harm if ingested without the necessary expertise. For this reason, Frankincense Essential Oil should never be taken internally.
- We recommend storing your Frankincense Essential Oil in a cool, dry place at room temperature, ensuring it is kept away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children and pets.
Topical Dilution Guidelines
Please note that the following guidelines are recommended for healthy adults:
General Use: 2 – 4% dilution (4 – 8 drops per 10ml)
Facial Application: 1 – 2% dilution (2 – 4 drops per 10ml)
What Customers Are Saying About Frankincense Essential Oil
“I have found the product to be of a high quality and reasonably priced and will continue to buy your products”
Trevor (Verified Customer)
Trevor (Verified Customer)
“The aroma that Frankincense emits gives me feelings of satisfaction, peace and relaxation.”
Hussein (Verified Customer)
Hussein (Verified Customer)
FAQs
What are the main benefits of Olibanum Oil?
Olibanum Oil, also known as Frankincense Oil, is widely valued for its calming, grounding aroma and its ability to support emotional balance, stress relief, and relaxation. It’s also commonly used to help ease respiratory discomfort, soothe joint and muscle tension, and promote healthy-looking skin thanks to its natural astringent and antioxidant properties.
Is Frankincense good for your skin?
Yes — Frankincense is a popular addition to natural skincare routines because of its gentle astringent and rejuvenating qualities. It may help refine the appearance of pores, reduce the look of blemishes and scars, and support firmer, more radiant skin. When properly diluted, it’s suitable for most skin types, including mature, oily and combination skin.
Can you use Frankincense Oil every day?
Frankincense Essential Oil can be used daily so long as it’s diluted correctly, and your skin tolerates it well. Many people enjoy diffusing it for relaxation, using it in meditation, or applying a diluted blend as part of their skincare routine. As with all essential oils, start slowly and perform a patch test to ensure your skin responds comfortably.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any illness.