This DIY Frankincense Face Cream Recipe is the ultimate secret to achieving smooth, deeply hydrated, and youthfully radiant skin without spending a fortune on synthetic commercial cosmetics. Known historically as the “King of Oils,” frankincense has been cherished for thousands of years across ancient civilizations for its remarkable skin-soothing, toning, and rejuvenating properties. When combined with rich, raw plant-based botanicals, this powerful essential oil transforms simple kitchen ingredients into a luxurious, high-performance skincare staple known affectionately by our readers as Franki’s Famous Face Cream.
If you have been searching for a reliable DIY Frankincense Face Cream Recipe that truly nourishes dry patches, smooths fine lines, and restores your natural barrier, you have come to the right place. In this masterclass guide, we will break down the science behind ancient botanicals, provide a step-by-step tutorial for crafting your own blend at , and share expert dermatological insights for maximizing skin absorption.
At a Glance: Commercial Creams vs. Natural made Formulas
Before diving into the exact formulation, let’s look at how this made whipped cream compares directly to high-end commercial moisturizers:
| Attribute / Benefit | Commercial Anti-Aging Creams | DIY Frankincense Face Cream Recipe Formula |
| Average Price | $45.00 – $180.00 | $2.50 – $4.00 per batch |
| Toxic Synthetic Fillers | High (Parabens, Silicones, Fragrances) | 0% (100% Pure & Organic Botanicals) |
| Key Active Ingredients | Low Concentration (Diluted with water) | High Concentration (Pure Essential Oils) |
| Shelf Life | 12–24 Months (Chemical Preservatives) | 3–6 Months (Natural Antioxidant Stability) |
| Customizability | Fixed Formulas | Fully Adjustable to Your Skin Type |
Why Frankincense Works: The Science & EEAT Behind Natural Botanical Skincare

Formulating your own botanical skincare isn’t just a fun DIY project—it is a scientifically backed approach to holistic skin health. Understanding the biological mechanisms of your ingredients allows you to tailor your routine for maximum efficacy.
[Botanical Synergistic Action]
Frankincense Essential Oil ──► Cell Rejuvenation & Skin ToningPure Virgin Coconut Oil ──► Deep Barrier Repair & Fatty Acid DeliveryCold-Pressed Olive Oil ──► Oleic Acid Infusion & Moisture RetentionLavender Essential Oil ──► Cellular Calming & Nighttime Repair
1. Cellular Rejuvenation & Skin Toning
Frankincense essential oil (Boswellia carterii) contains active monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes that help protect skin cells while promoting a calm, even skin tone. Regular topical application aids in reducing the appearance of sunspots, hyperpigmentation, and minor redness, giving the skin a healthy, luminous finish.
2. Moisture Barrier Preservation & Lipid Delivery
Your skin’s stratum corneum relies on lipids to prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Virgin coconut oil delivers vital medium-chain fatty acids (like lauric and myristic acids), while cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil provides dense oleic acid. Together, they create a protective shield that locks in moisture overnight.
Expert Holistic Tip: Holistic skincare works best when paired with holistic self-care. Just like natural oils transform your skin, everyday kitchen items can completely revitalize your beauty regimen. For another incredible budget-friendly DIY treatment, check out our guide on 3 surprising beauty uses for coffee grounds to complement your skincare routine.
3. Stress Reduction & Nighttime Repair
Skin repair reaches its peak while you sleep. The inclusion of pure lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia) not only soothes skin inflammation but also acts as a natural aromatherapy agent, lowering cortisol levels and preparing your mind for deep, restorative sleep.
How to Execute: The Ultimate DIY Frankincense Face Cream Recipe
Crafting your customized whipped cream requires minimal equipment and under 10 minutes of hands-on time.

Required Ingredients & Exact Measurements
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1/2 cup Organic Virgin Coconut Oil (Unrefined, pure, and solid at room temperature)
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1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Cold-pressed and unrefined)
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5 drops Pure Frankincense Essential Oil (Boswellia carterii)
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5 drops Therapeutic-Grade Lavender Essential Oil
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
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Prepare the Oil Base: Place the solid virgin coconut oil and extra virgin olive oil into a clean, dry blending bowl or high-speed blender container.
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Infuse Active Aromatics: Add exactly 5 drops of pure frankincense essential oil and 5 drops of lavender essential oil directly over the oil base.
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Blend to Perfection: Whip the mixture using a hand mixer or high-speed blender on medium-high speed for approximately 3 minutes. The mixture will transform from a dark golden liquid into a fluffy, creamy, ivory-colored whipped butter.
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Package & Store: Scoop the whipped cream into a clean, dark glass amber jar or pretty glass container with an airtight lid. Store it on your bedside table or in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
How to Integrate This Cream Into Your Daily Skincare Routine
To get the best possible results from this rich formulation, application method matters just as much as ingredient quality.
Morning Routine vs. Nighttime Application
Because this formula contains rich natural lipids, it functions exceptionally well as a restorative night cream. Applying a small pea-sized amount to damp skin right after cleansing allows the botanical oils to absorb quickly without leaving an oily residue.
Grooming & Skincare Note: High-quality skincare isn’t just for women—men’s skin benefits tremendously from deep moisture and simple, clean ingredients. If you are exploring broader personal care products or looking for great grooming box recommendations, read our detailed July Birchbox Man review to discover premium grooming essentials.
5 Custom Recipe Variations for Every Skin Type

One of the greatest advantages of crafting a made anti aging face moisturizer is complete control over your ingredients. While our core formula is optimized for normal, dry, and aging skin, you can easily adapt this natural coconut oil face cream DIY recipe to target your specific dermatological concerns:
1. The Ultra-Hydrating Dry Skin Boost
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Modification: Add 1 tablespoon of pure jojoba oil or rosehip seed oil alongside the olive oil base.
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Best For: Flaky skin, harsh winter weather, or compromised skin barriers. Rosehip oil provides an extra dose of Vitamin A and essential fatty acids to lock in moisture overnight.
2. The Soothing Sensitive Skin Blend
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Modification: Reduce essential oil concentration to 3 drops of frankincense and 2 drops of Roman chamomile oil.
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Best For: Reactive skin prone to redness or rosacea. Roman chamomile works synergistically with frankincense to instantly calm irritation without overloading delicate skin.
3. The Target Firming Night Treatment
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Modification: Blend in 3 drops of pure pomegranate seed oil or Helichrysum essential oil.
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Best For: Mature skin seeking advanced elasticity support. This custom variation works as a high-potency DIY frankincense night cream that targets fine lines around the neck and declletage.
4. The Lightweight Summer Edition
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Modification: Swap the olive oil for light sweet almond oil or grapeseed oil.
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Best For: Humid climates or oily-combination skin. Grapeseed oil has a much lower comedogenic rating and absorbs rapidly into pores without clogging.
5. The Radiance & Dark Spot Correcting Whip
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Modification: Add 2 drops of wild orange or lemon essential oil (use only at night due to photosensitivity).
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Best For: Fading hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and dull skin tones.
The Science of Frankincense: Deep Dive into Frankincense Essential Oil Skincare Benefits

To understand why this ancient resin has survived centuries of beauty trends, we must look at its chemical profile. Frankincense resin is extracted from the Boswellia tree family through a delicate harvesting process. When steam-distilled into an essential oil, it unleashes powerful bioactive compounds that transform skin health.
Key Bioactive Bio-Compounds in Frankincense Oil
- Alpha-Pinene ────────► Strong antioxidant protection against urban pollutants
- Limonene ────────► Brightens skin tone & enhances barrier penetration
- Actoplanic Acid ─────► Soothes tissue inflammation & supports collagen production
1. Powerful Antioxidant Protection
Every day, environmental factors such as UV radiation, pollution, and stress generate free radicals on your skin. These unstable molecules break down collagen, leading to premature sagging and fine lines. The natural terpene content in frankincense acts as a fierce antioxidant shield, neutralizing free radical damage before it accelerates skin aging.
2. Tissue Repair & Cytophylactic Action
Historically used in wound healing, frankincense possesses cytophylactic properties—meaning it stimulates cell turnover and helps heal micro-tears in the skin barrier. For those suffering from acne scars, sun damage, or dry cracking, daily application helps smooth skin texture over time.
Scientific Evidence: Clinical research underscores the therapeutic potential of botanical extracts in dermatology. According to comprehensive studies published on the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), essential oils rich in monoterpenes like frankincense demonstrate significant tissue-remodeling, anti-inflammatory, and protective skin barrier effects.
Troubleshooting Common DIY Skincare Mistakes
Even the simplest formulation can go wrong if key rules are ignored during preparation. Avoid these common pitfalls to ensure your made cosmetics remain safe and effective:
[Common Mistakes to Avoid]
Using Refined/Processed Oils ──► Destroys key vitamins and nutrientsAdding Water-Based Ingredients ──► Leads to mold/bacteria growth (No Preservative)Exposing to Direct Heat ───────► Degrades therapeutic essential oilsStoring in Clear Plastic ──────► Leaches chemicals & spoils from light exposure
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Never Use Refined Oils: Always choose organic, cold-pressed, unrefined, and virgin oils. Refined oils undergo high-heat processing and chemical bleaching that strip away essential vitamins and natural antioxidants.
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Keep Water Away From the Recipe: Because this formula does not contain chemical preservatives, adding water, aloe vera juice, or fresh teas will cause mold and bacteria to grow within days. Keep your tools 100% dry.
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Store in Glass Containers: Essential oils, especially citrus and tree resins, can break down clear plastic containers over time, causing synthetic microplastics to leach into your cream. Amber or cobalt glass jars offer the best UV protection and purity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the shelf life of this DIY Frankincense Face Cream Recipe?
Because this recipe contains zero water or water-based ingredients, it naturally stays fresh for 3 to 6 months. To maximize shelf life, store your glass jar in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and always use clean, dry hands or a cosmetic spatula when scooping out the cream.
Will coconut oil clog my pores or cause breakouts?
Unrefined virgin coconut oil has a comedogenic rating of 4, which means it can be rich for very oily or acne-prone skin types. However, when blended with extra virgin olive oil and essential oils, it absorbs beautifully into normal, dry, and mature skin. If you have acne-prone skin, simply substitute coconut oil with jojoba oil or sweet almond oil for a non-comedogenic option.
Can I use this made anti aging face moisturizer during the day?
Yes! While it makes an incredible DIY frankincense night cream due to its rich texture and calming lavender aroma, you can also use it as a morning moisturizer. Apply a very small, pea-sized amount onto slightly damp skin right after cleansing, and allow 5 minutes for full absorption before applying sunblock or makeup.
Why is virgin coconut oil better than refined coconut oil for skin?
Unrefined, cold-pressed virgin coconut oil retains its full spectrum of natural fatty acids, Vitamin E, and natural antioxidants. Refined coconut oil undergoes high-heat deodorizing and chemical processing, which strips away the natural nutrients essential for barrier repair.
How often should I apply Frankincense essential oil to my face?
Frankincense is a gentle, skin-friendly essential oil. When diluted properly in a carrier oil base (like our recipe’s 10 drops total per 3/4 cup of oil base), it is completely safe and beneficial for daily morning and night use.
Final Thoughts: Upgrade Your Skincare Routine with Natural Botanicals
Taking control of what goes onto your skin is one of the most empowering steps you can take for your long-term health and wellness. This simple DIY Frankincense Face Cream Recipe proves that you don’t need expensive commercial cosmetics packed with synthetic fillers to achieve a glowing, youthful complexion.

By combining the ancient restorative powers of frankincense and lavender essential oils with nutrient-dense virgin coconut and olive oils, you create a luxurious, high-performance moisturizer tailored to your skin’s natural needs. Whip up a batch today, keep it on your nightstand, and enjoy the transforming benefits of pure, botanical skincare!

Lora Sokolov is a Lead Cosmetic Formulation Expert and skincare strategist at My Beauty Box Review, specializing in dermo-cosmetics, active ingredient analysis, and skin barrier recovery.
