What Is Frankincense Oil?
Frankincense essential oil is steam distilled from the resin of Boswellia trees, hardy trees that grow in some of the driest landscapes on earth. When the bark is carefully scored, the tree releases a milky sap that hardens into amber-coloured resin "tears" — the raw material behind one of the most recognisable scents in aromatherapy.
A Resin With an Ancient Legacy
Resin from Boswellia trees was burned in temples across ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia and Arabia, used in religious ceremony, and transported along the famed Incense Route. At various points in history it was worth more than its weight in gold — a reputation that's part of why frankincense still feels special today.
Where doTERRA Sources Its Frankincense
doTERRA sources its frankincense resin from harvesters in Somalia and Oman, regions with some of the longest continuous traditions of Boswellia harvesting in the world. Through its Co-Impact Sourcing model, doTERRA works directly with local harvesting communities, aiming to support sustainable collection practices and fair trade relationships.
The Aroma: Warm, Woody and Balsamic
Frankincense has a distinctive scent profile: warm, woody, slightly balsamic, with a subtle citrus-tinged freshness underneath — grounded and calming rather than bright or floral, which is part of why it's so often reached for in the evening.
How People Use Frankincense Oil
- Diffusing: A few drops creates a warm, grounding atmosphere during a wind-down routine.
- Topical use: Often diluted with a carrier oil and applied to the skin as part of a daily skincare routine, valued for its aroma.
- Blended into products: Commonly added in small quantities to facial oils, moisturisers and body creams.
Frankincense should always be diluted before applying to the skin — a general guide is 1–2 drops of oil per teaspoon of carrier oil for facial use. Always patch-test on a small area of skin and wait 24 hours before wider use. Anyone who is pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication, or managing a health condition should speak to a doctor before introducing a new essential oil into their routine.
Why Frankincense Is doTERRA's Signature Oil
doTERRA describes Frankincense as the "king of oils," reflecting its rare combination of history, sourcing story, aroma and everyday flexibility. For anyone building an essential oil collection, Frankincense is often recommended as one of the first bottles to own.