Table of Contents
Updated October 2026
Yes, frankincense and cedarwood blend beautifully. Sweet, resinous frankincense and warm, woody cedarwood are both base notes, so together they make a deep, grounding scent that's perfect for winding down, meditation and cozy evenings. Below is how the two oils compare, five diffuser blends, a roller recipe and the safety tips I follow.
Frankincense vs Cedarwood
| Frankincense | Cedarwood | |
|---|---|---|
| Botanical name | Boswellia carterii (and other Boswellia) | Cedrus atlantica (Atlas) or Cedrus deodara (Himalayan) |
| Source | Tree resin | Wood |
| Color | Pale yellow to clear | Golden to amber |
| Scent | Sweet, resinous, lightly citrusy | Warm, woody, balsamic |
| Note | Base | Base |
| Traditionally used for | Mature skin, calm breathing, quiet reflection | Restful sleep, grounding, scalp and hair care |
Learn more about each in my frankincense essential oil guide and cedarwood diffuser blends. Note that Virginian and Texas “cedarwood” come from junipers and smell drier and pencil-like.
Why Blend Frankincense and Cedarwood?
- Winding down: a calm, woodsy scent for evenings and bedtime routines.
- Grounding: a steady, earthy feel when you're scattered. See more essential oils for grounding.
- Meditation and prayer: frankincense has been part of spiritual practice for millennia.
- Skin and hair: frankincense for mature skin, cedarwood for scalp care.
- A fresher room: both add a clean, woodsy note. Read about the benefits of cedarwood in a diffuser.
5 Frankincense and Cedarwood Diffuser Blends
For a standard ultrasonic diffuser (about 100 ml of water). Diffuse for 30 to 60 minutes at a time.
1. Forest Mist
- 3 drops Frankincense
- 2 drops Cedarwood
- 2 drops Ylang Ylang
- 1 drop Vetiver
2. Bye Bye Stress
- 5 drops Sweet Orange
- 3 drops Frankincense
- 2 drops Cedarwood
3. Warm Woods
Not during pregnancy or breastfeeding (contains myrrh)
- 2 drops Cedarwood
- 2 drops Frankincense
- 2 drops Myrrh
- 2 drops Pine
4. Unwind
- 2 drops Cedarwood
- 2 drops Frankincense
- 1 drop Lavender
- 1 drop Melissa
5. California Coast
Adults and kids 6+ (contains rosemary)
- 2 drops Cedarwood
- 2 drops Frankincense
- 2 drops Sweet Orange
- 1 drop Rosemary
Bonus: Breathe Easy
Adults and kids 10+ (contains eucalyptus)
- 3 drops Cedarwood
- 2 drops Frankincense
- 1 drop Eucalyptus
A clearing woodsy blend for stuffy days.
Frankincense and Cedarwood Roller Recipe
Grounded Roller
Adults, 2%
- 2 drops Frankincense
- 1 drop Cedarwood
- 1 drop Lavender
- Carrier oil to fill a 10 ml roller
Roll onto wrists, the back of the neck or the soles of your feet at bedtime. For the face, use half the drops (1%).
Tips for Blending, Safety and Storage
- Dilution: 1% for the face, up to 2% for the body. Patch test first. See my dilution guide.
- Blending: both oils are base notes, so add a brighter top note like orange or bergamot to lift the blend.
- Kids: skip rosemary under 6 and eucalyptus under 10.
- Pregnancy: skip blends with myrrh during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Pets: keep oils away from cats, and diffuse only where dogs can leave the room.
- Storage: keep bottles tightly capped in a cool, dark place. Frankincense lasts 3 to 4 years, and cedarwood often longer.
More Frankincense Blends
- Frankincense Diffuser Blends
- What Blends Well With Frankincense and Myrrh?
- Frankincense Oil for Age Spots
- Frankincense, Vetiver and Helichrysum Blend
Essential Oil Guide for Beginners - Getting Started
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Beginner's Essential Oil Guide - Download/Printable Learn how to safely and effectively make essential oils a part of your everyday life. Everything you need to know about essential oils. If you have ever been around anyone who loves using essential… Read More
