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To make a frankincense and lavender roller, add 2 drops of frankincense and 3 drops of lavender to a 10 ml roller bottle and top it with a carrier oil like jojoba. That's about a 2.5% dilution, a gentle everyday strength for adults, and it smells warm, soft and calming. Below you'll find why these two oils work so well together, safe drop counts, four easy recipes and where to roll them on.
Why Frankincense and Lavender Work So Well Together
This is one of the first pairings I teach new blenders, because it's almost impossible to get wrong. Lavender is a light, floral middle note. Frankincense is a sweet, resinous base note that anchors it and helps the scent last longer on your skin. Together they smell soft and grounded rather than perfumey.
Frankincense (Boswellia carterii) is traditionally used for quiet reflection, slow, deep breathing, emotional overwhelm and mature skin. It's gentle, but I keep it at 2% or less. For types, safety and more recipes, see my full frankincense essential oil guide.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is traditionally used for relaxation, restful sleep and soothing dry, irritated-feeling skin. Look for true lavender rather than lavandin, which smells sharper and more camphor-like. Here's more on lavender vs lavandin and my 67 uses for lavender essential oil.
What You'll Need
- 10 ml glass roller bottles (amber or cobalt help protect the oils from light). See my roller bottle guide.
- Frankincense and lavender essential oils
- A carrier oil: jojoba for the face, fractionated coconut oil (FCO) or sweet almond for the body. Not sure which? Read FCO vs jojoba for roller recipes.
- A small funnel or pipette, and labels
How Many Drops in a 10 ml Roller?
A 10 ml roller holds about 200 drops, so every 2 drops of essential oil adds about 1%.
| Dilution | Drops per 10 ml Roller | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1% | 2 drops | Face, kids 2+, sensitive skin |
| 2 to 3% | 4 to 6 drops | Everyday adult rollers |
| 4 to 5% | 8 to 10 drops | Short-term, targeted use on a small area |
Keep frankincense at 2% or less
- Even in a 4% or 5% blend, use no more than 4 drops of frankincense per 10 ml.
- Fill the rest of the blend with lavender or another gentle oil.
- For more, see my dilution guide with chart.
How to Make a Roller Blend
- Pop out the rollerball insert (a fingernail or roller key works).
- Add the essential oil drops to the empty bottle.
- Top with your carrier oil, leaving a little room at the top.
- Press the rollerball back in, cap it, and roll the bottle between your palms to mix.
- Label it with the blend name and date.
4 Frankincense and Lavender Roller Recipes
Each recipe is for a 10 ml roller bottle topped with carrier oil.
1. Everyday Calm
Adults, 2.5%
- 2 drops Frankincense
- 3 drops Lavender
- FCO or jojoba to fill
My go-to for a busy day. Roll onto your wrists, rub them together, and take three slow breaths.
For kids 2+: use 1 drop Frankincense and 1 drop Lavender (1%).
2. Deep Sleep
Adults, 3%
- 2 drops Frankincense
- 2 drops Lavender
- 2 drops Atlas or Virginian Cedarwood
- FCO or jojoba to fill
Roll onto the back of your neck and the soles of your feet as part of your bedtime routine. More ideas in how to use lavender scent for sleep and my frankincense and cedarwood blends.
3. Evening Glow Face Roller
Adults, 1%
- 1 drop Frankincense
- 1 drop Lavender
- Jojoba to fill
Roll a little onto your fingertips and press it over clean skin at night, avoiding the eyes. Jojoba sinks in nicely and won't feel heavy.
4. Tight Shoulders
Adults only, 4%, short-term
- 4 drops Lavender
- 2 drops Frankincense
- 2 drops Sweet Marjoram
- FCO or sweet almond oil to fill
For a tense neck and shoulders after a long day at the desk. Massage into a small area, and use it for a few days at a time rather than every day.
Where to Apply Your Roller
- Wrists: roll on, rub together and breathe in.
- Back of the neck and shoulders: a lovely spot when you're holding tension.
- Over the heart: I like this one during prayer or journaling.
- Palms: roll onto one palm, rub your hands together, cup them near your nose (not touching your eyes) and take slow breaths.
- Soles of the feet: easy at bedtime, especially if strong scents keep you awake.
Make It Your Own
- Add a drop of Bergamot FCF for a brighter, uplifting blend.
- Swap lavender for Roman chamomile for a softer, apple-like scent.
- Add myrrh for a deeper, resinous roller (avoid it in pregnancy). See my frankincense and myrrh roller recipes.
- Try elemi for a fresh, lemony twist in my frankincense and elemi roller.
Safety and Storage
- Patch test a new blend on your inner arm and wait 24 hours.
- Keep rollers away from your eyes, and out of reach of children.
- Pregnant or nursing? Check with your doctor or midwife first, and keep blends at 1%.
- Keep oils away from cats, and wash your hands before handling pets.
- Store rollers cool and dark with the cap on tight. Both lavender and frankincense oxidize over time, and oxidized oils are more likely to irritate skin. I like to use up a roller within about a year.
For a single-oil version, see my lavender roll on.
More Frankincense and Roller Recipes
- Frankincense Essential Oil: Uses, Types and Safety
- Frankincense Diffuser Blends
- Most Calming Essential Oils
- Recipes for Essential Oil Roller Bottles
Prefer a ready-made blend? Browse my rollerball remedy kits, or grab a free essential oil guide.
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