Frankincense for Skin: Why We Use It, How It Works, and How to Infuse It

At Byers Ranch Apothecary, we like our skincare how we like our land — wild, intentional, and rooted in tradition. And few ingredients carry that herbal legacy the way that golden frankincense does.

This ancient resin has been used for thousands of years in ceremonial rituals, traditional medicine, and yes, skincare. Today, it’s one of our favorite ingredients for calming inflammation, supporting skin repair, and offering gentle grounding to your daily routine.

Let’s explore what makes frankincense such a powerful skin care product and how you can use it at home.

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What Is Frankincense?

Frankincense (Boswellia sacra) also known as olibanum is the aromatic resin extracted from trees in the Boswellia family. It is traditionally harvested in dry, mountainous regions like Somalia, India, and the Middle East. The resin is tapped from the tree, hardened, and collected in golden, amber-colored tears.

It’s rich in boswellic acids, antioxidants, and aromatic compounds, all of which contribute to its skin-soothing properties.

Skin Benefits of Frankincense

Frankincense is a true multitasker in natural skincare. Here's what it can do:

Reduce inflammation: 

Boswellic acids are known for their anti-inflammatory effects, helping to calm red, irritated, or reactive skin.

Support healing: 

Frankincense encourages skin regeneration, making it great for minor wounds, scars, or blemishes. 

Balance oil production: 

It gently tones the skin without stripping it, which is especially helpful for acne-prone or combination skin.

Minimize signs of aging: 

Regular use can help soften fine lines and even out skin tone thanks to its antioxidant content. It can also stimulate collagen production, and improve skin elasticity.

Soothe the nervous system: 

Its earthy, resinous scent brings a sense of calm, which can benefit the skin, too.

How We Use It at Byers Ranch Apothecary

You’ll find frankincense in some of our most calming and restorative formulas — often infused directly into herbal oils or blended with essential oils for a therapeutic boost. We love pairing it with other soothing botanicals like lavender, white willow bark, or calendula to create deeply effective and gentle blends.

How to Make a DIY Frankincense-Infused Oil at Home

Want to try frankincense in your own skincare creations? Here’s a simple infusion method you can do at home.

The Ingredients:

• 1–2 tablespoons frankincense resin tears (lightly crushed)

• 1 cup carrier oil (jojoba, grapeseed, or sweet almond all work well)

• A clean glass jar with a lid

• A small pan or a double boiler

• Cheesecloth or fine strainer
  

The Method:

• Crush the resin lightly with a mortar and pestle to expose more surface area.

• Place the resin in your jar and cover with the carrier oil to 1” from the rim of the jar.

• Add a few inches of water to the bottom of your pan and place your jar of oil/frankinsence inside. Ensure that the water never touched the oil.

• Gently warm the jar in for 3–4 hours, over low heat. Replace water as needed to ensure the pan never goes dry.

• Strain the oil through cheesecloth lined colander and store in a dark glass bottle. Keep it in a cool place, and use within 6 months.

Use it as a facial oil, spot treatment, or blend into balms and creams.

Final Thoughts

Frankincense is one of those botanicals that brings both beauty and depth to your skincare ritual. It reminds us that healing can be both powerful and gentle, and that the earth gives us what we need when we listen closely.

Want to experience the magic without the mess? Look for frankincense in our Boswellia Apothica youth serum.

Clean. Natural. Wild.

That’s how we do skincare at Byers Ranch.

Tell us all your favorite ways to use frankincense in the comments below, and until next time,

Disclaimer: 

Content from thisunboundlife.com is informational and not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Just because something is “natural” does not mean it’s safe for every person. Many plants should be avoided when pregnant or nursing; some can cause extreme interactions with prescription and over-the-counter medicine. 

While we strive to be 100% accurate, utilizing information from scientific studies, trusted sources, and verified publications, we are not health professionals, medical doctors, or nutritionists. It is solely up to the reader to verify nutritional information and health benefits with qualified professionals for all edible plants listed on this website and to ensure proper plant identification. 

The information provided by this site is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Before using herbal preparations, always research them, speak to a professional about any significant concerns, and seek medical advice when needed.