Frankincense and Castor Oil: Benefits, How to Use & Skin Guide
What Are the Benefits of Frankincense and Castor Oil Together?
Combining frankincense and castor oil creates a deeply nourishing botanical blend that may support skin renewal, ease the appearance of scars and fine lines, provide targeted comfort for joint and muscle discomfort, and promote a healthy scalp environment — combining the resinous actives of Boswellia serrata with the dense, ricinoleic acid-rich profile of cold-pressed castor oil.
The pairing works because the two oils occupy complementary roles. Castor oil — thick, slow-absorbing, and exceptionally moisturising — acts as a sustained-release carrier that holds frankincense's active constituents in prolonged contact with the skin. Frankincense, in turn, contributes alpha-Pinene and Incensole acetate — constituents associated with skin-comforting and grounding aromatic properties — that castor oil alone cannot provide.
The result is a blend that is richer and more therapeutically layered than either oil delivers independently. Castor oil's natural humectant qualities draw moisture to the skin while frankincense's resinous constituents work at the surface, making the combination particularly well-suited to dry, mature, or stressed skin types.
Benefits at a Glance
| Benefit Area | How the Blend Supports It |
|---|---|
| Skin renewal | Castor oil's ricinoleic acid supports skin barrier function; frankincense may help comfort the appearance of uneven texture |
| Scar appearance | Regular topical application may help soften the appearance of scars and stretch marks over time |
| Fine lines | Frankincense's resinous constituents paired with castor's deep moisturising may help comfort the appearance of fine lines |
| Joint & muscle comfort | Castor oil packs with frankincense have a long history of traditional use for targeted topical comfort |
| Scalp & hair | Castor oil's density nourishes the scalp; frankincense adds a grounding aromatic quality to scalp treatments |
| Dry skin relief | The combined occlusive and resinous profile creates a deeply nourishing treatment for very dry or cracked skin |
What Does Frankincense and Castor Oil Do for Skin?
Frankincense and castor oil work together on skin by combining castor oil's intense moisturising and occlusive properties with frankincense's resinous skin-comforting constituents — the result is a deeply nourishing topical treatment that may support the appearance of smooth, even-toned skin over consistent use.
Castor oil is unusually high in ricinoleic acid — a hydroxyl fatty acid that makes up approximately 90% of its composition — which gives it exceptional moisturising and skin-barrier supporting qualities not found in lighter carrier oils. When applied to the skin, it forms a protective occlusive layer that slows moisture loss and keeps the frankincense constituents in contact with the skin surface for longer than a lighter carrier would allow.
Frankincense Essential Oil contributes Incensole acetate and alpha-Pinene to the blend — constituents that have been associated in aromatherapy practice with comforting the appearance of redness, uneven texture, and the visible signs of skin ageing. Applied consistently in a castor oil base, these actives are delivered in a sustained, slow-release format that suits nightly skin treatment routines.
For body application — areas of very dry skin, stretch marks, or scar tissue — the blend's density is an asset rather than a limitation. It absorbs slowly and thoroughly, leaving behind a protective film that locks moisture in overnight.
Can You Use Frankincense and Castor Oil on Your Face?
You can use frankincense and castor oil on your face, but the blend must be significantly diluted and castor oil should be used sparingly — its high viscosity can feel heavy on facial skin, and a small amount goes a long way.
For facial use, the recommended approach is to use castor oil as a minor component of a lighter carrier blend rather than as the sole carrier. A combination of jojoba or rosehip oil (80%) with castor oil (20%) and frankincense essential oil at 1% dilution creates a facial oil that retains castor's beneficial properties without the heaviness of full-strength castor application.
Those with oily or acne-prone skin should approach castor oil on the face with particular caution — its occlusive nature can trap sebum and contribute to congestion in some skin types. A patch test on the jaw or inner arm before facial use is always recommended.
For dry, mature, or very dehydrated facial skin, the blend can be particularly beneficial applied as a nightly treatment oil — 2–3 drops warmed between the fingertips and pressed gently into cleansed skin before bed.
Facial Blend Options by Skin Type
| Skin Type | Recommended Blend | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Dry / mature | 20% castor + 80% rosehip + frankincense 1% | 2–3 drops nightly to cleansed face |
| Normal / combination | 10% castor + 90% jojoba + frankincense 1% | 2–3 drops nightly or every second night |
| Oily / acne-prone | 5% castor + 95% jojoba + frankincense 0.5% | Patch test first; use sparingly 1–2x per week |
| Sensitive | 10% castor + 90% jojoba + frankincense 0.5% | Patch test 24hrs; apply to cheeks and forehead only |
What Is the Best Ratio of Frankincense to Castor Oil?
The best ratio of frankincense essential oil to castor oil depends on the application — for facial use, 1% frankincense in a castor-blend carrier (approximately 2 drops per 10ml) is recommended; for body, joint, and scalp use, up to 2% (4 drops per 10ml) is appropriate.
Castor oil itself is the carrier in this blend, not the essential oil — so the ratio question has two parts. First, how much castor oil relative to any lighter carrier you choose to blend it with (typically 10–30% castor to 70–90% lighter oil for facial use, or up to 100% castor for body and joint applications). Second, how much frankincense essential oil to add to the total carrier volume.
Never add frankincense essential oil to castor oil without measuring precisely. Essential oils are highly concentrated, and even a single additional drop can shift a safe 1% dilution to a potentially sensitising concentration over a small volume.
Ratio Reference Guide
| Application | Castor Oil % | Frankincense Dilution | Drops per 10ml |
|---|---|---|---|
| Face (dry/mature) | 20% castor + 80% rosehip | 1% | 2 drops |
| Face (normal/oily) | 10% castor + 90% jojoba | 1% | 2 drops |
| Body / scar tissue | 100% castor | 2% | 4 drops |
| Joint / muscle | 100% castor | 2% | 4 drops |
| Scalp treatment | 50% castor + 50% jojoba | 1% | 2 drops |
How to Make a Frankincense and Castor Oil Blend
To make a frankincense and castor oil blend, combine your chosen carrier ratio in a dark glass bottle, add the measured frankincense essential oil drops, warm gently in your palms, and patch test before use — the entire process takes under five minutes.
- Choose your application. Decide whether you are making a facial oil, body treatment, joint blend, or scalp oil — this determines your castor ratio and frankincense dilution.
- Measure your carriers. For a facial blend: add 8ml jojoba and 2ml castor oil to a 10ml dark glass dropper bottle. For a body or joint blend: add 10ml castor oil directly.
- Add frankincense essential oil. For 1% dilution: add 2 drops. For 2% dilution: add 4 drops. Use a calibrated dropper for accuracy.
- Seal and warm. Cap the bottle and hold it between your palms for 20–30 seconds, rolling gently. Castor oil's natural viscosity benefits from gentle warming to blend evenly with lighter oils.
- Patch test. Apply a small amount to your inner forearm and wait 24 hours before broader use, particularly for facial application.
- Label your bottle. Note the blend date, ratio, and dilution. Use within 6 months for optimal freshness.
Can Frankincense and Castor Oil Help with Pain?
Frankincense and castor oil applied topically may help provide comfort for joint and muscle discomfort — castor oil's ricinoleic acid has a long history of traditional use in topical pain comfort applications, and frankincense adds a grounding aromatic quality to the blend.
The traditional castor oil pack — a cloth soaked in warm castor oil applied to areas of joint or muscle discomfort — has been used in naturopathic and traditional wellness practice for generations. Adding frankincense essential oil at 2% dilution to the castor oil used in these applications introduces an additional layer of aromatic botanical support to the practice.
For targeted joint comfort, apply the frankincense and castor oil blend directly to the affected area and massage in gently using circular motions. The density of castor oil means it stays on the skin surface longer than lighter oils, allowing sustained contact with the application site.
These are traditional wellness applications only. If you are experiencing persistent or severe pain, please consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before relying on topical botanical treatments.
Is Frankincense and Castor Oil Safe to Use?
Frankincense and castor oil are both considered safe for external topical use when correctly diluted and patch tested — but castor oil's density means it should never be used near the eyes, and frankincense essential oil must always be diluted before skin contact.
- Always dilute frankincense: Never apply frankincense essential oil directly to skin without a carrier. Maximum 1% for facial use; 2% for body.
- Patch test both oils: Some individuals react to castor oil's ricinoleic acid content. Test the full blend on the inner forearm and wait 24 hours before facial or body use.
- Avoid eye area: Castor oil is sometimes used on eyelashes, but should never be applied within the orbital area alongside essential oils. Keep frankincense blends away from eyes entirely.
- Pregnancy: Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Both castor oil and frankincense essential oil carry precautions for pregnancy.
- Children: Not recommended for children under 6 without professional guidance. Keep all essential oils out of reach of children.
- Never ingest: For external use only. Do not swallow castor oil blended with essential oils.
- Storage: Castor oil has a relatively short shelf life once opened. Store in a cool, dark place and use within 6–12 months.
Where to Buy Frankincense and Castor Oil in Australia
For effective results, both oils need to be 100% pure — adulterated castor oil blended with synthetic fillers will not carry the same ricinoleic acid density, and synthetic frankincense fragrance oil carries none of the botanical constituents that make the essential oil effective topically.
When purchasing in Australia, look for cold-pressed castor oil clearly labelled as 100% pure Ricinus communis with no additives, and frankincense essential oil with the botanical name (Boswellia serrata or Boswellia carterii), country of origin, and extraction method stated on the label.
purelyBlack's Pure Frankincense Essential Oil is 100% steam-distilled Boswellia serrata — no additives, no synthetic fragrance, sourced and shipped from Australia. Pair it with a pure cold-pressed castor oil for a complete, genuine botanical blend.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), and this product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a healthcare professional before use.
About the Author
Formulated & Written by H.R. Kim
Founder at purelyBlack — an Australian-owned perfumery and essential oil supplier based in Sydney. Blending a deep knowledge of molecular ingredient chemistry with holistic aromatherapy, H.R. specialises in creating harmonious, safe, and effective essential oil blends for natural home fragrance, cosmetic balancing, and daily wellness.
Related Reading
