DIY Frankincense Scrub + Oil

Frankincense carries a kind of quiet reputation that stretches back thousands of years. Long before it became a staple in modern holistic skincare, it was treasured across ancient cultures not just as incense, but as a deeply restorative substance for the body and skin.

In ancient Egypt, frankincense was used in beauty rituals by both nobility and everyday people. It was ground into powders, infused into oils, and blended into masks to help smooth the skin and maintain a youthful appearance. Egyptian texts describe its use in rejuvenating balms, and it was even a key ingredient in kyphi, a sacred blend used for both spiritual and cosmetic purposes. Across the Arabian Peninsula and into India and China, frankincense was valued for its ability to calm inflammation, support healing, and bring balance to the skin.

What makes frankincense so enduring in skincare is its unique composition. The resin, harvested from the Boswellia tree, contains natural compounds that support cellular turnover, soothe irritation, and help tone and tighten the skin. It’s especially loved for mature, sensitive, or reactive skin types because it works gently while still being effective. Many people notice a softening of fine lines, a more even tone, and a general sense of calm in the skin when using it consistently.

Turning this ancient ingredient into a modern, usable form at home is surprisingly simple. Using low heat allows you to extract the beneficial properties of the resin without damaging its more delicate compounds.

Frankincense Jojoba Infused Oil (Crockpot Method)

What you need:

• Frankincense resin

• Jojoba oil

• Glass jar with lid

• Crockpot

• Separate Grinder ($15 on Amazon)

• Water

Step-by-step:

Step 1: Place your frankincense resin in the freezer for 30–60 minutes. This makes it easier to grind, and less sticky.

Step 2: Put the frozen resin in a grinder until it is a fine powder.

Step 3: Fill a clean glass jar about 1/4 full with the crushed resin.

TheStep 4: Pour jojoba oil over the resin until the jar is almost full, leaving a little space at the top.

Step 5: Place a cloth or towel at the bottom of your crockpot. Set the jar on top and add water around it, creating a gentle water bath (the water should sit below the jar lid).

Step 6: Turn the crockpot to the lowest heat setting. The oil should warm slowly, never bubble or cook.

Step 7: Let it infuse for 12-24 hours, occasionally giving the jar a gentle swirl.

Step 8: Once the oil has deepened slightly in color and smells softly resinous, remove it from heat and allow it to cool slightly.

Step 9: Strain the oil through cheesecloth or a fine strainer to remove resin particles.

Step 10: The crushed resin makes a beautiful scrub. Use it in the shower as it is a little sticky, then apply your frankincense oil over top.

You now have a grounding, skin-balancing infused oil that can be used as a facial oil, cleanser base, or added into other formulations.