If you're curious about how to make frankincense resin oil, you'll be happy to know it's one of the most rewarding DIY projects you can tackle at home. There is something incredibly grounding about taking raw, golden resin "tears" and turning them into a silky, fragrant oil that you can use for skincare or just to relax after a long day. Most people assume you need a chemistry degree or an expensive distillery to get these benefits, but that's not true at all. You can actually make a potent infusion right in your kitchen with just a few basic tools.
The big difference between what we're making and the essential oil you buy in a tiny bottle is the process. Essential oils are distilled using steam, while what we're doing here is an infusion. By infusing the resin directly into a carrier oil, you actually capture some of the heavier resinous compounds that steam distillation sometimes leaves behind. Plus, it smells absolutely divine—earthy, citrusy, and a little bit like ancient history.
What you'll need to get started
Before we jump into the steps, let's talk about the ingredients. You don't need much, but the quality of your raw materials really dictates how the final product turns out.
First, you need the star of the show: frankincense resin. There are different types out there, like Boswellia carterii, Boswellia serrata, or the high-end Boswellia sacra from Oman. Honestly, for an oil infusion, any of these will work beautifully. Look for resin that looks clean and has a strong scent right out of the bag.
Next up is your carrier oil. This is the liquid that will "pull" the goodness out of the resin. I usually recommend something stable with a long shelf life. Fractionated coconut oil is a favorite because it stays liquid and doesn't have a scent of its own. Jojoba oil is another winner, especially if you plan on using this for your face, as it's very similar to our skin's natural oils. You could even use sweet almond oil or grapeseed oil if that's what you have on hand.
You'll also need a mortar and pestle (or a sturdy plastic bag and a rolling pin), a glass jar with a tight lid, and a way to strain the mixture later on.
Preparing the resin
The first secret to how to make frankincense resin oil effectively is increasing the surface area. If you just toss big chunks of resin into oil, it'll take forever to infuse. You want to break those "tears" down into a coarse powder or very small bits.
Put your resin in your mortar and pestle and give it a good grind. You don't need it to be as fine as flour, but the smaller the pieces, the better the oil can penetrate and dissolve the beneficial compounds. One little pro-tip: frankincense is, well, a resin. That means it's sticky. If it's a warm day, the resin might get gummy while you're grinding it. If that happens, stick the resin in the freezer for about 15 minutes before you grind it. It'll be much more brittle and easier to crush.
The cold infusion method (The "Slow" Way)
If you aren't in a rush, the cold infusion method is definitely the way to go. It's the gentlest way to preserve all the delicate aromatic properties of the frankincense.
- Take your crushed resin and put it into a clean, dry glass jar. A good ratio to start with is about one part resin to four parts oil. So, if you have a quarter cup of resin, use a full cup of oil.
- Pour your carrier oil over the resin, making sure it's completely covered.
- Seal the jar tightly and give it a good shake.
- Place the jar in a cool, dark spot. A kitchen cabinet or a pantry shelf is perfect.
- Now comes the hard part: waiting. You'll want to let this sit for at least four to six weeks.
- Every couple of days, give the jar a little shake to keep things moving and ensure the resin doesn't just clump at the bottom.
Over time, you'll notice the oil changing color. It usually turns a beautiful, warm amber hue, and the scent will get deeper and richer by the week.
The warm infusion method (The "Fast" Way)
Sometimes you just don't want to wait over a month to start using your oil. I get it. If you're looking for how to make frankincense resin oil in a single afternoon, the warm method is your best friend.
For this, you'll need a double boiler. If you don't have one, just put a glass bowl over a pot of simmering water. Never put the oil and resin directly over a flame on the stove, as you'll scorch the oil and ruin the delicate scent of the frankincense.
- Place your crushed resin and your carrier oil in the top of the double boiler.
- Keep the heat very low. You want the oil to be warm, not hot. If you have a kitchen thermometer, try to keep it around 120°F (50°C).
- Let it gently steep for about two to three hours. Keep an eye on the water level in the bottom pot so it doesn't dry out.
- You'll see the resin start to look a bit melted or translucent, and the oil will take on that signature frankincense aroma.
Once the time is up, turn off the heat and let it cool down to room temperature before you try to handle it.
Straining and storing your oil
Whether you went the slow route or the fast route, you'll eventually need to separate the leftover resin bits from your finished oil.
Grab a piece of cheesecloth, a fine mesh strainer, or even a clean coffee filter. Set it over a clean glass jar and slowly pour the oil through. If you used a coffee filter, it might take a while because the oil is thick, but it'll give you a very clear, sediment-free result. Squeeze the cheesecloth at the end to get every last drop of that liquid gold out.
The leftover resin "sludge" can actually be saved! Some people use it in a charcoal burner as incense, so don't feel like you have to toss it right away.
Store your finished frankincense oil in a dark glass bottle—amber or cobalt blue is best—to protect it from light. If you keep it in a cool, dark place, it should stay fresh for a year or even longer.
Ways to use your homemade oil
Now that you know how to make frankincense resin oil, what do you actually do with it?
One of the most popular uses is for skincare. Frankincense has a long-standing reputation for being great for aging skin. You can apply a few drops directly to your face at night or mix a little bit into your favorite unscented lotion. It feels incredibly luxurious and smells like a high-end spa.
It's also fantastic for a relaxing massage. If you have sore muscles or just feel stressed, rubbing this oil into your shoulders or the soles of your feet can be really grounding. Many people use it during meditation or yoga because the scent is known for helping to focus the mind and deepen the breath.
A few final tips for success
A common mistake is using a jar that isn't completely dry. Even a tiny drop of water trapped in your oil can cause it to grow mold or go rancid much faster. Make sure everything you use—the jar, the mortar, the funnel—is bone dry.
Also, don't be afraid to experiment with the ratios. If you want a really "heavy" and potent oil, use more resin and less oil. If you want something light just for a hint of scent, go easy on the resin. It's your creation, so you can tweak it until it's exactly how you like it.
Learning how to make frankincense resin oil is a bit of a slow-living craft. It forces you to slow down, use your hands, and appreciate the natural process. Once you smell that first batch you made yourself, you'll probably never want to go back to the store-bought versions again. It's a simple, ancient luxury that you can easily bring into your modern home.