Frankincense oil can be applied topically to scars when diluted in a carrier oil, and there’s some early evidence it supports skin healing, though most of that evidence comes from animal research rather than human clinical trials. The oil contains compounds that reduce inflammation and encourage new skin cell growth, which are two key factors in how scars form and fade. Here’s how to use it effectively and what to realistically expect.
Why Frankincense May Help With Scars
Frankincense contains a group of active compounds called boswellic acids that work in two ways relevant to scarring. First, they calm inflammation. Prolonged inflammation during wound healing is one of the main reasons scars become thick, raised, or discolored. Second, they help the skin transition faster from its defensive, inflammatory response into the rebuilding phase where new tissue forms.
In a 2025 study published in Pharmaceuticals, frankincense essential oil was applied daily to wounds in animal subjects. The treated group reached 98.6% wound closure by day 16, compared to 91.4% in the untreated group. By day 20, the frankincense group hit 100% closure. The researchers found that frankincense reduced a specific protein involved in cell death, which helped damaged tissue move through the healing stages more efficiently and with less oxidative stress. Less oxidative damage during healing generally means smoother, less visible scar tissue.
It’s worth being honest about the limits here: this was an animal study with small sample sizes, and no large human clinical trials have confirmed the same results for scar reduction specifically. That said, frankincense has centuries of traditional use for skin repair, and the biological mechanisms are plausible enough to make it a reasonable addition to a scar care routine, not a replacement for proven treatments.
Choosing the Right Type of Frankincense
Not all frankincense oils are the same. The resin comes from several species of Boswellia trees, and each produces oil with a slightly different chemical profile.
- Frankincense Frereana is widely considered the best choice for skin concerns, including scars, wrinkles, and dry or damaged skin. It has a sweeter, more pleasant scent than other varieties.
- Frankincense Carterii (also called Sacra) is the most common variety and works well for skin, though it’s considered slightly less targeted for scar healing than Frereana.
- Frankincense Serrata is often used for joint and muscle support and is a less ideal pick for facial or scar-related skincare.
- Blends combining multiple species (Carterii, Frereana, Papyrifera, and Sacra together) offer broad-spectrum benefits and are a solid option if you don’t want to choose just one.
When shopping, look for 100% pure essential oil with the botanical name (Boswellia frereana, Boswellia carterii, etc.) listed on the label. Avoid products labeled “fragrance oil,” which are synthetic and have no therapeutic compounds.
How to Dilute and Apply It
Frankincense essential oil is concentrated and should never be applied undiluted to skin. Mixing it with a carrier oil protects your skin from irritation while helping the active compounds absorb properly. Good carrier oil choices for scarred skin include rosehip seed oil (which has its own scar-fading properties), jojoba oil, or sweet almond oil.
For facial scars, use a 1-2% dilution: that’s roughly 1 to 2 drops of frankincense per teaspoon of carrier oil. For scars on the body, you can go up to 3-5%, or about 3 to 5 drops per teaspoon. Start at the lower end to see how your skin reacts before increasing.
To apply, wash the scarred area gently and pat it dry. Place a small amount of your diluted oil blend on your fingertip and massage it into the scar using light circular motions for about 60 seconds. This massage action itself matters: it increases blood flow to the area and helps break down the dense collagen fibers that make scars feel stiff or raised. Apply once or twice daily, ideally in the evening so the oil can absorb overnight without interference from sunscreen or makeup.
What to Expect and How Long It Takes
Scar improvement with any topical treatment is slow. Your skin’s outer layer turns over roughly every 28 days, and deeper scar tissue remodels over months, not weeks. Most people who use frankincense oil consistently report noticing subtle changes in scar texture and color after 4 to 8 weeks of daily use. Newer scars (under a year old) tend to respond faster because the tissue is still actively remodeling. Older, mature scars are more resistant to change, though they can still soften with persistent application.
Frankincense is more likely to improve flat or slightly raised scars, acne marks, and minor injury scars. For thick keloid scars or deep pitted scars (like ice-pick acne scars), the oil alone is unlikely to produce dramatic results, though it can complement other treatments by keeping the skin supple and reducing redness.
A Simple Scar Oil Recipe
This blend combines frankincense with carrier oils known to support skin repair:
- 1 tablespoon rosehip seed oil (rich in vitamin A and fatty acids that promote cell turnover)
- 1 tablespoon jojoba oil (closely mimics your skin’s natural oils)
- 4-6 drops frankincense essential oil (Frereana for best results)
Mix in a small dark glass bottle, as light degrades essential oils. Shake gently before each use. This yields roughly a 3% dilution suitable for body scars. For facial use, halve the frankincense drops.
Patch Testing and Safety
Before applying any new oil blend to a scar, do a patch test. Apply a small amount of your diluted mixture to the inside of your forearm and wait 24 hours. If you see redness, itching, or irritation, try reducing the concentration or switching carrier oils before trying again.
Frankincense essential oil is generally well tolerated on skin when properly diluted. It has a low irritation profile compared to many other essential oils like cinnamon or oregano. However, avoid applying it to open wounds or freshly stitched incisions. Wait until the wound has fully closed and any scabs have naturally fallen off before starting a scar treatment routine.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should be cautious with essential oils in general. While the safety concern in the research literature is more strongly associated with myrrh (which is often sold alongside frankincense), there isn’t enough data to confirm frankincense is safe during pregnancy. If you’re pregnant, skip it or talk to your provider first.
Getting Better Results
Frankincense works best as part of a broader scar care approach rather than as a standalone solution. Sun protection is critical: UV exposure darkens scars and slows fading, so apply sunscreen over healed scars daily. Keeping the skin hydrated also helps, since well-moisturized tissue remodels more efficiently than dry, tight skin.
Consistency matters more than quantity. A thin layer applied every day will outperform a heavy application used sporadically. If you’re treating a surgical or injury scar, starting your frankincense routine as soon as the wound is fully closed (typically 2 to 3 weeks after the injury, or once stitches are removed and the skin is intact) gives you the best window, since scar tissue is most responsive to intervention in its first 6 to 12 months.