This "Liquid Gold" Skin Care Ingredient Is A 2,000-Year-Old Royal Favorite

Frankincense is, quite literally, a skin care ingredient of mythical proportions. Chances are that’s how you’ve heard of the resin, too — either through its use as a ceremonial Ayurveda staple, in Traditional Chinese Medicine, references in the Bible, or even Cleopatra’s now-legendary beauty routine. Today, frankincense oil, made from Boswellia tree resin, is experiencing something of a rebirth in the skin care space, popping up as a key ingredient in expert-loved products and routines. Patting some frankincense oil on your face might be the upgrade your 2023 skin care routine is looking for, and dermatologists and pros alike agree.

“It has natural astringent properties,” Dr. Rita Linkner, a board-certified dermatologist with New York City’s Spring Street Dermatology, explains to Bougeoir. That means it helps balance oil production while “tightening” the skin. “Frankincense benefits include the ability to strengthen skin and improve its tone, elasticity, and defense mechanisms against bacteria or blemishes,” Dakar adds. Anecdotal studies have shown frankincense to have anti-inflammatory and even “tissue remodeling” properties, too. For these reasons, it’s often added to acne treatments, anti-aging products, and formulas to combat hyperpigmentation.

Sonya Dakar, celebrity aesthetician and founder of her namesake skincare line, knows firsthand the benefits of frankincense. To celebrate the anniversary of her Organic Omega Booster, she updated the cult-favorite botanical blend with a new ingredient: frankincense. “I wanted to take my most prized possession in my range, my liquid gold, and elevate it,” Dakar tells Bougeoir. “Frankincense was a natural choice, as it has been used in anointing ceremonies since ancient biblical times.” She’s aptly named this limited anniversary edition the Anointing Oil, since “the anointing of royalty is the perfect blend of spirituality, luxury, and something so sacred.”

As an essential oil, frankincense oil also lends itself well to skincare DIYs and at-home concoctions — all that’s needed are a few drops of the pure stuff to anoint your skin with the legendary oil-balancing, blemish-clearing, skin-brightening power of frankincense oil.
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“For a DIY eye oil, add two drops of frankincense to two tablespoons of your existing eye cream, or vitruvi Plum Oil, and massage in at night to naturally prevent signs of aging,” Sara Panton, the CEO and co-founder of vitruvi, suggests to Bougoir. “Or, add three drops of frankincense essential oil and two drops of geranium essential oil to a warm face cloth for a quick facial steam on the go,” she says. “Press the warm cloth of your face for a few seconds, then wipe your face clean.”

In addition to tightening and brightening your skin, frankincense products deliver a dose of aromatherapy. Its scent — an earthy, spiced incense — is said to lower stress levels, calm anxiety, and promote sleep which makes it a great choice for evening skin care routines and other before-bed rituals.

This is perhaps the most popular of Frankincense oil uses – essential oil infused skincare. Frankincense essential oil effectively minimises wrinkles and fine lines when applied topically to the skin, speeding up cellular renewal. It is also preventative as it slows down the damage caused by photoaging. You can strengthen skin by combining it with Helichrysum essential oil and Pomegranate Seed carrier oil to make a super potent rejuvenating serum.

​It’s suitable for all skin types, particularly dry and mature skin. Even problematic acne skin can be improved by using Frankincense essential oil. It has long been used to help heal cuts and wounds and smooth out skin imperfections. Research has shown it to be particularly effective when blended with Myrrh essential oil. You can see why these two were such useful, practical gifts brought by the Three Kings.

Antioxidant: The oil has antioxidant properties that can help protect the skin from free radical damage, which is one of the key factors in premature aging. Frankincense is beneficial for the skin. It can help reduce the appearance of scars, fine lines, and wrinkles. You can dilute it in a carrier oil and apply it to your face or body.

Hydration and moisture: Frankincense oil can help improve the skin's ability to retain moisture, making it a good choice for dry or aging skin.
Scar reduction: Frankincense oil is thought to help reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks over time.

Cell renewal: Some studies show that frankincense oil can promote skin cell renewal, which can lead to a smoother, more youthful complexion.

Night time Use: Many people prefer to use frankincense oil as part of their nighttime skin care routine to allow the skin to absorb it without exposure to sunlight, which can cause photosensitivity.

Here are some tips for using frankincense essential oil in skin care:
Dilution: Essential oils should always be diluted with a carrier oil (such as coconut oil, jojoba oil or almond oil) before applying to the skin. A general guideline is to use 1-2 drops of essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil.

Patch: Before applying the essential oil to your face, apply a patch to a small area of your skin to make sure you don't experience any side effects.

For noticeable results, add frankincense oil to your skin care routine regularly over a long period of time. It is important to note that individual reactions to essential oils can vary, and what works well for one person may not work as effectively for another. If you have specific skin problems or conditions, it's a good idea to consult a dermatologist or skin care professional before using frankincense essential oil or other essential oils on your skin. In addition, pregnant or nursing women should be careful and consult a specialist before using essential oils.

However, as is the case with most powerful ingredients, there are a few things of which to beware. Essential oils are extremely potent, so if you’re DIYing with pure frankincense (as opposed to using a pre-made product), always dilute it in a carrier oil — like jojoba, coconut, or olive oil — first. “All essential oils are best diluted, especially on sensitive skin or on dry or cracked skin,” Panton says, noting the ideal ratio is two drops of essential oil to two tablespoons of carrier oil. “Pregnant or nursing women and children should consult their health care provider before using any products with essential oils,” Dakar adds.

Night time Use: Many people prefer to use frankincense oil as part of their nighttime skin care routine to allow the skin to absorb it without exposure to sunlight, which can cause photosensitivity.
Be consistent: For noticeable results, add frankincense oil to your skin care routine regularly over a long period of time. It is important to note that individual reactions to essential oils can vary, and what works well for one person may not work as effectively for another. If you have specific skin problems or conditions, it's a good idea to consult a dermatologist or skin care professional before using frankincense essential oil or other essential oils on your skin. In addition, pregnant or nursing women should be careful and consult a specialist before using essential oils.