Frankincense essential oil has a rich, smooth and slightly citrusy scent. The relaxing aroma made it a precious oil for centuries. It is considered sacred in many cultures. It is sourced from the resin of the Boswellia carterii tree, which is found in Somalia. There are a wide variety of claims pertaining to frankincense essential oil, but it’s important to keep in mind that none of them have been proven true by the FDA. But, we do know frankincense essential oil adds a relaxing scent and historic character to products.
This Frankincense Essential Oil Body Balm is a fantastic hydrator. The combination of avocado oil, kokum butter and cera bellina wax create a balm that’s firm at room temperature but softens with body heat. Thanks to the cera bellina wax, it has a slight gel-like texture. It’s perfect for extra dry areas of the skin, including hands, feet and knees.
If you like a softer texture, decrease the amount of kokum butter. If you don’t have cera bellina wax on hand, you could slightly increase the amount of kokum butter, or use a bit of beeswax. Just keep in mind cera bellina wax gives the balm a unique gel-like texture that cannot be replicated with other ingredients. If tweaking the ingredients, you may consider making a small test batch to ensure you like the texture. The frozen spoon trick is a great way to test the balm before pouring it!
What You’ll Need:
Four 4 oz. Bail Jars
9 oz. Avocado Oil
3 oz. Kokum Butter
2 oz. Cera Bellina Wax
0.2 oz. Frankincense Essential Oil
Optional: Dropper
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ONE: Chop any large pieces of kokum butter into smaller pieces using a sharp knife. This helps the butter melt more easily. The smaller the pieces, the faster they will melt.
TWO: Add the avocado oil, kokum butter and cera bellina wax to a heat safe container. Place in the microwave and heat using 30-60 second bursts. If pieces of the butter remain, stir the mixture for about a minute so the hot oil melts the butter. Place back in the microwave if necessary. Be careful when removing the container from the microwave, as it may be hot.
THREE: The mixture will most likely be very hot (160 ° F and above). The flashpoint of frankincense essential oil is 117 ° F. Some crafters believe the hot temperatures can “burn off” the scent. To be extra careful, you can wait until the mixture is below 117 ° F and add the frankincense essential oil. I recommend using a dropper so none of the oil is wasted.
FOUR: Stir thoroughly and pour the mixture into the bail jars. Allow it to cool and harden completely. To use, soften the balm with your fingertips and apply to the skin.
- Four 4 oz. Bail Jars
- 9 oz. Avocado Oil
- 3 oz. Kokum Butter
- 2 oz. Cera Bellina Wax
- 0.2 oz. Frankincense Essential Oil
- Optional: Dropper
- Chop any large chunks of kokum butter into small pieces using a sharp knife. This helps the butter melt faster.
- Add the avocado oil, kokum butter and cera bellina wax to a heat safe container. Place in the microwave and heat using 30-60 second bursts. If pieces of the butter remain, stir the mixture for about a minute so the hot oil melts the butter. Place back in the microwave if necessary. Be careful when removing the container from the microwave, as it may be hot.
- The mixture will most likely be very hot (160 ° F and above). The flashpoint of frankincense essential oil is 117 ° F. Some crafters believe the hot temperatures can "burn off" the scent. To be extra careful, you can wait until the mixture is below 117 ° F and add the frankincense essential oil. I recommend using a dropper so none of the oil is wasted.
- Stir completely, and pour the mixture into the bail jars. Allow it to cool and harden completely. To use, soften the balm with your fingertips and apply to the skin.
LOVE this body balm! I made a 4 oz test batch and can’t wait to make more! I replaced the kokum butter with shea butter to make the balm non-comedogenic so that I could use it on my face. It also works great as a pomade-hair wax to moisturize hair, add shine, and define curls. This is just a great balm all the way around! Wish I could give it 10 stars!
Two question, i would like to make this into single use amounts can you suggest a mold for this? Also, can this be used with an eo blend for soreness or arthritis? If so are there any specific eo’s that might change the texture? Thanks for answering all my questions.
We have smaller containers that will work for this recipe, like the Slidey Lip Tins: https://www.brambleberry.com/Slidey-Lip-Tins-P4388.aspx
These Clear Lip Butter Pots would work as well: https://www.brambleberry.com/Non-stackable-Clear-Lip-Butter-Pots-P3022.aspx
The essential oils won’t change the texture as long as you use the recommended amount on our Fragrance Calculator. Too much essential oil can make the balm softer and cause skin irritation, so don’t go over the usage rates: https://www.brambleberry.com/Pages/Fragrance-Calculator.aspx
Also, our essential oils are only intended for scent. They haven’t been tested and proven to treat or cure diseases. This post has more on that: https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/our-essential-oil-philosophy/
How much preservative do I put in the recipi?
This recipe doesn’t contain water and likely won’t get water splashed in during use, so it doesn’t need a preservative. If you want to add one to be extra careful, Phenonip or Optiphen work well. You can use them at 1% of the total weight of the recipe.
Phenonip: https://www.brambleberry.com/Phenonip-P4038.aspx
Optiphen: https://www.brambleberry.com/Optiphen-P3682.aspx
Learn more about preservatives here: http://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/lotion/talk-it-out-tuesday-preservatives/
Can i add arrowroot to it to help it absorb quicker?
Yes, that helps absorb some of the greasy feeling. You can start by adding about 1/4 teaspoon into the melted balm. Then, dip a cold spoon in so it hardens and you can check the consistency. If you want more, you can add from there.
Arrowroot powder: https://www.brambleberry.com/Arrowroot-Powder-P3706.aspx
I’d like to sub fragrance oil for the essential oil in this recipe. What amount of FO can be used? Thanks!
You can use any skin-safe fragrance oil you like in this recipe. Find out how much to add with our Fragrance Calculator: https://www.brambleberry.com/Pages/Fragrance-Calculator.aspx
Fragrance oils: https://www.brambleberry.com/Fragrance-Oils-C161.aspx
So, my attempt at this balm has 4 jars of grainy, definitely un-gel like, balm. Can this be saved?
Help?!?!?
Tempering will help prevent graininess. That involves heating the butter for about an hour and then cooling it rapidly in the fridge. You can learn about tempering here, the suggestions for cocoa and mango will work for kokum: https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/soaping-in-the-summer-heat/
For the batch now, you can try tempering the whole thing. Then, once it’s poured into the containers, make sure they cool as fast as possible – the fridge is a good option.
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
When weighing the ingredients in oz, do you weigh the kokum butter when it is still hard? Or weigh it when it is melted? When making my body butters, I use to use cups which I’m starting to think that’s why I’m not getting the right consistency. Thank you for the help!
You can weigh the kokum butter when it’s solid or liquid. It will weigh the same, but the volume will be different (melted butter takes up less space). Just place a container on a scale, zero it out, and add chunks of solid butter until it’s the weight you need. Then, melt and whip like normal. We find weight is more accurate than volume cup measurements. Learn more here: http://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/a-guide-to-weight-vs-volume/
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
luv love this recipe! I did use lavender EO since my goal was to create a balm for my shoulder that flairs up from a surgery a few years ago. Lavender seems to calm it and the balm stays on nicely for longer periods of time. I used .03 of you 40/42 Lavender EO. but could go .04. Robin OC Calif.
Glad you’re enjoying this recipe Robin! Lavender adds a really nice scent to your products.
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Hi! Would this recipe be hard enough for a massage lotion bar? Thanks!
This recipe may be a bit too soft for a massage bar. The cera bellina wax gives it a soft, gel-like texture. If you want to make it more firm, you can try adding a harder wax like beeswax: https://www.brambleberry.com/Yellow-Beeswax-P4206.aspx
I would recommend starting out with about .2 oz. of beeswax and going from there. You can use The Spoon Trick to test the consistency: https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/spoon-trick/
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Hello, I was wondering if I can add optiphen into this recipe to preserve it even though it’s all oils (just to be on the safe side). What percentage would I use? Also Can I add Arrowroot, glycerin, and stearic acid? My best guess is I would add in the arrowroot and staeric acid in with the oil, butter and wax and heat them together and put the glycerin in while putting in while putting the essential oil?
Adding the extra ingredients may be pretty tricky. Glycerin is water soluble, so it won’t mix into the balm without an emulsifier like e-wax. Also, the stearic acid may make it pretty stiff. Are you wanting a recipe with more of a lotion consistency rather than a balm?
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
hello my name is monica, balms have become popular for cleansing, could i use this balm recipe to cleanse my face, many thanks
We haven’t tried this as a cleansing balm, but you can if you like. I would recommend leaving the essential oil out – typically cleansing balms go on or near your eyes, so unscented is best. That way you avoid any potential irritation.
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
I know that the Cera Bellina wax is what gives the balm that silky smooth feeling, but is there any ingredients that could replace this with a vegan alternative?
You can use candelilla wax if you like, it is a vegetable-based wax. Cera bellina wax has a unique gel-like texture, so the candelilla will change the consistency of this balm. I would recommend making a batch with the same amount of candelilla wax to see what you think.
Candelilla wax: https://www.brambleberry.com/Candelilla-Wax-P4207.aspx
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
I love its smell and it is even very helpful for me. I am so thankful to you for sharing this blog.
You’re very welcome Maira! 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Hi. Can i use shea buttee instead of kokum. How do i have to use if i’m using beeswax instead of cera bellina?
Thank you
You can use shea butter if you like! It’s not as firm as kokum butter, so the balm will be a bit softer overall. Also, beeswax and cera bellina do feel quite different. Cera bellina has a unique gel-like feeling, while beeswax is pretty firm. I would recommend making a small test batch with the substitutions to see what you think. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Shea butter: https://www.brambleberry.com/Shea-Butter-P3220.aspx
Beeswax: https://www.brambleberry.com/Premium-White-Beeswax-P4211.aspx
This is a amazing blog for me because my skin is becoming unhealthy day by day and you guys provide perfect tips how to make our skin shiny and healthy with home remedies. Thank you thank you so much for sharing this blog.
You’re welcome Divya, thanks so much for reading!
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Can you add colloidal oatmeal to this? Or could you infuse the avocado oil with oatmeal to get some of the benefits?
You can add colloidal oatmeal if you like! It has nice soothing properties. I would recommend starting with about 1/2 teaspoon in this recipe. If you want more, you can add from there. To help it mix in without clumps, you can mix it with the essential oil before adding it to your balm. 🙂
Colloidal oatmeal: https://www.brambleberry.com/Colloidal-Oatmeal-P5565.aspx
You can also use 1 teaspoon of oat extract per pound of balm: https://www.brambleberry.com/Oat-Extract-P4934.aspx
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Thank you so much! How long will it be good for once you add oatmeal to it?
It will have the same shelf life of the balm! It will be good for about a year. Make sure to store it in a cool, dry place. 🙂
Learn more about shelf lives here: https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/shelf-life-bath-products-ingredients-rancidity-vs-mold/
And more about how to store products here: http://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/how-to-store-handmade-bath-products/
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
I love this recipe! I’ve made it a handful of times, sometimes subbing different oils and butters and really love it. One of my batches where I followed the recipe almost exactly, the exception being I added the colloidal oatmeal, it has developed hard white spots in it, almost like it has crystalized. I made sure everything was melted and dissolved before pouring. None of the other batches did this, just the one when I used the kokum butter. Any ideas or suggestions as to what this could be?
I’m wondering if the butter may have gotten grainy. Does it look like there are little white beads in the balm, and does it feel grainy/bumpy?
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Yes that is exactly what it looks and feels like. Is there a way to prevent this from happening?
Tempering will help prevent graininess. That involves heating the butter for about an hour and then cooling it rapidly in the fridge. You can learn about tempering here, the suggestions for cocoa and mango will work for kokum: https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/soaping-in-the-summer-heat/
For the batch now, you can try tempering the whole thing. Then, once it’s poured into the containers, make sure they cool as fast as possible – the fridge is a good option.
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Really liked this recipe with a substitution of Olive Oil for Avacado Oil. Not a fan of Frankincense so I may play with the scent and try to change it or use another one altogether. I liked being introduced to Kokum Butter and Cera Bellina Wax. I will be making this again! Thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome Marian! Glad you’re enjoying it. If you’re not a fan of frankincense on its own, it smells amazing blended with Vanilla Select Fragrance Oil or 10x orange essential oil. 🙂
Vanilla Select Fragrance Oil: https://www.brambleberry.com/Vanilla-Select-Fragrance-Oil-P3888.aspx
10X Orange Essential Oil: https://www.brambleberry.com/Orange-10X-Essential-Oil-P4441.aspx
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Can you use Mango butter with this recipe?
Do you want to add it to the recipe, or replace another butter with it?
my dry paws need this in my life!! I might just order some frank. e/o i’ve never smelled it before. I had a friend tell me it smells like gain lol lemony and tree like.
It’s definitely an interesting scent! To me it smells lemony and has just a hint of pepper. Definitely worth a try. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Hi, everybody. By the way, I just ordered kokum butter and plan to post the soap making/cutting two weeks from today. I’m seeking guidance about the frankincense scent here. I’ve obviously thought about gold, frankincense and myrrh for Christmas, but I know they discolor. I’ve thought about doing it anyway and wondered how frankincense and myrrh would smell together. I would do a layer soap with the gold unscented and a scented layer of myrrh and a scented layer of frankincense. Does anybody know if they would clash, or compliment each other? Thanks!
Uhoh, my mistake: I thought brambleberry sold frankincense and myrrh as two separate scents. No need to respond to this post. Sorry!!
No worries! Ours comes premixed, or you can use the frankincense essential oil on its own. 🙂
Frankincense and Myrrh Cybilla Fragrance Oil: https://www.brambleberry.com/Frankincense-And-Myrrh-Cybilla-Fragrance-Oil-P3372.aspx
Frankincense Essential Oil: https://www.brambleberry.com/Frankincense-Essential-Oil-P6707.aspx
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Thank you for sharing this. It looks like it will sink right into our skin. We need this right now. I hope to make this tomorrow. What do you think of putting it into tins?
You’re welcome Hilary! You can definitely use tins if you like. These Candle Tins work well: https://www.brambleberry.com/Candle-Tins-P3304.aspx?
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Can the Kokum butter be replaced with another type of butter?
You can use cocoa butter in place of the kokum butter! They’re both nice and firm. We didn’t try this recipe with cocoa butter, so you may want to make a small test batch to see what you think. 🙂
Cocoa butter: https://www.brambleberry.com/Organic-Cocoa-Butter-Cubes-P6365.aspx
If you don’t want as much cocoa scent, you can use deodorized: https://www.brambleberry.com/Deodorized-Cocoa-Butter-P3199.aspx
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Deodorized is the way to go for me if using it all over. The cocoa smell can be overwhelming.