Ready to learn about all the benefits of your favorite essential oils? In this post, we’re going to take a deep dive into a comparison between orange vs. frankincense oil – which is better, and most importantly, which one is best for you?
Get ready to learn everything you need to know about these unique essential oils!
The Basics on Orange Oil and Frankincense Oil
Before we delve into a more thorough comparison of orange vs. frankincense essential oil, let’s look at some of the key attributes of each one:
| Orange Oil | Frankincense OIl | |
| Derived From | Orange peel | Resin of the Boswellia tree |
| Look and Smell | Pale or amber hue with a sweet, citrusy aroma | Musky, somewhat earthy scent, with a thick, golden-yellow appearance |
| Top Health Benefits | Anti Inflammatory, antimicrobial properties | Anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties |
| Best Used For | Cleaning, immune system support, skin care, digestive support | Boosts immune system function, reduces stress and anxiety, eases digestion |
| Cons | Can lead to skin irritation and photosensitivity, may cause dizziness in high amounts | Can cause skin irritation if used undiluted |
| Who Can Use? | Anybody besides pregnant women, if you’re planning on going outside immediately | Anybody except pregnant women and those on blood thinners |
| Best Carrier Oils | Coconut, jojoba, sweet almond | Jojoba, coconut, almond, grapeseed |
| Shelf Life | 6 months to 1 year | 1-2 years |
What is Orange Oil?
Orange oil is an essential oil that comes from the rind of oranges, usually sourced from sweet oranges. It has a sweet, bright, citrusy aroma and is a pale yellow or amber color.
Some of the main touted health benefits of orange oil include being an anti-inflammatory and having antimicrobial properties. It contains compounds like limonene that give it these effects.
Orange oil is often used for cleaning, supporting the immune system, skin care, and in aiding digestion.
What is Frankincense Oil?
Frankincense oil is an essential oil derived from the resin of the Boswellia tree. It has an earthy, musky scent and a thick, golden-yellow appearance.
Some of the main health benefits of frankincense oil include being anti-inflammatory and having regenerative properties. It can help boost the immune system, reduce stress and anxiety, and ease digestion. Frankincense is also said to be great for aromatherapy and can be diffused or inhaled directly. It’s also used topically on the skin.
Orange Oil vs. Frankincense Oil: Look and Smell
Let’s start with orange oil. As you may have guessed, it comes from orange peels, so it has a sweet, bright citrusy smell. It’s usually a pale yellow or amber color.
Now for frankincense oil. This oil has an earthy, woody aroma. The oil itself is thick and golden in color.
Top Health Benefits of Orange and Frankincense Oil
Orange oil and frankincense oil both have some great touted health benefits to pay attention to!
For orange oil, the top health benefits come from its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The limonene, linalool, and other compounds in orange oil are said to help reduce inflammation that contributes to conditions like arthritis and gut issues.
The vitamin C and antioxidants in orange oil are also said to support immune function. Some people have even suggested that orange oil may be useful when combatting anxiety and depression.
Frankincense oil, on the other hand, is most well-known for its anti-inflammatory and wound healing abilities. It may help prevent inflammation from getting out of control, making frankincense helpful for treating inflammatory conditions like asthma, osteoarthritis, IBS and more.
Frankincense may also help speed up wound healing and reduce scarring. Some of the other touted mental health benefits of frankincense oil include reducing anxiety and stress, improving mood, and promoting relaxation. The aroma itself has a grounding, centering effect on the mind and emotions (and it just smells fantastic, to be quite honest with you!)
Top Uses for Orange and Frankincense Oil
With all those potential benefits in mind, here are some of the best ways to use orange and frankincense oil:
- Skin Care: Both oils are great for taking care of your skin. Orange oil may help reduce the appearance of acne and blemishes, while frankincense oil may help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Immune System Support: If you’re looking to give your immune system a boost, both oils are great options. Orange oil may be able to help fight off infections and bacteria, while frankincense oil may support white blood cell production.
- Digestive Support: Orange oil may help ease digestive issues like gas and bloating, while frankincense oil may help soothe an upset stomach.
- Stress and Anxiety Relief: Feeling overwhelmed? Frankincense oil may help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, while orange oil may help promote calmness and relaxation.
- Cleaning: Both oils have antimicrobial properties, which makes them great additions to your natural cleaning routine. Add a few drops to your cleaning solution to help kill off germs and bacteria.
- Respiratory Support: If you’re dealing with respiratory issues like allergies or congestion, both oils can help. Orange oil may help support healthy respiratory function, while frankincense oil may help calm inflammation in the lungs.
Pros and Cons of Frankincense Oil
Frankincense oil has a lot going for it, but there are some potential downsides too.
On the plus side, frankincense is known for its alleged anti-inflammatory properties. It may help reduce arthritis pain and swelling when applied topically. Frankincense may also support the immune system and reduce stress and anxiety when inhaled. The aroma is very calming. Using frankincense oil for meditation is also quite popular. The oil is also used to ease digestion.
However, undiluted frankincense oil can definitely cause skin irritation for some people. It’s always best to dilute essential oils before applying them to the skin. Frankincense is also not recommended for people on blood thinners or anticoagulant medications, since it may increase bleeding risk. As with any essential oil, frankincense should be avoided during pregnancy unless a doctor approves it.
Pros and Cons of Orange Oil
Like frankincense oil, orange oil definitely has some great touted benefits, but there are a few things to keep in mind too.
On the pro side, orange oil contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds like limonene that may help reduce inflammation and fight infections. It’s been shown to have antimicrobial properties against certain bacteria, fungi, and viruses. It may help boost immunity as well.
Orange oil also has a refreshing, uplifting scent that may help reduce stress and anxiety. It’s great for cleaning and may be used to make homemade cleaners. When diluted and used topically, it may improve skin health, help soothe acne, and promote cell regeneration.
As for cons, while orange oil is generally safe when used appropriately, it may cause irritation or allergic reactions for some people. Citrus oils make skin more photosensitive, so you need to avoid sun exposure after using it on your skin.
It’s also important to dilute it properly before applying it topically. Used undiluted, orange oil may irritate sensitive skin. When inhaled in very high concentrations, it has been known to cause dizziness or lightheadedness in some individuals. While fine for most adults, orange oil should be avoided in pregnant women – like frankincense oil, there just aren’t enough studies out there about its safety yet in this group of people.
Are Orange Oil and Frankincense Oil Substitutes for Each Other?
No, orange oil and frankincense oil are not exact substitutes for each other. While they share some similar properties and benefits, they have distinct differences that make them suited to different uses.
Orange oil, as already noted, comes from orange peels and has a bright, citrusy aroma. It’s best known for its energizing and immunity-boosting effects. Frankincense comes from tree resin and has a woodier, earthier scent. It’s most valued for its anti-inflammatory and anxiety-reducing properties.
While both can help reduce inflammation when diluted and applied topically, frankincense is particularly potent for this purpose. Orange oil, on the other hand, is better for providing an energizing aroma and uplifting mood.
Frankincense is also great for meditation and improving focus due to its calming properties, while orange oil is better for cleaning and adding a fresh scent to rooms. In cooking and aromatherapy, they generally can’t be swapped 1:1 either due to their very different scents.
Best Carrier Oils for Orange and Frankincense Oil
When it comes to choosing the best carrier oils for orange and frankincense essential oils, you’ll want to consider a few key factors.
For orange essential oil, light carrier oils like coconut, jojoba, or sweet almond oil are ideal. The light textures complement the bright, uplifting aroma of orange oil perfectly. Coconut oil has hydrating properties to nourish skin, while jojoba closely mimics our natural skin oils. Sweet almond is ultra-gentle for even sensitive skin types. Avoid heavier oils like olive or avocado, as these can overpower the juicy orange scent.
For frankincense oil, look for carrier oils that have skin-enhancing benefits to complement frankincense’s regenerative properties. Nutrient-rich jojoba and coconut oils are great choices. Jojoba contains vitamins and minerals to improve skin health, while coconut oil has moisturizing fatty acids.
Almond oil is also excellent – it’s rich in vitamin E to heal and soften skin. Avoid lighter oils like grapeseed, as the woody frankincense requires a heartier base.
How to Choose and Use Orange Oil and Frankincense Oil Safely
First things first, make sure you’re getting the right oils. Orange oil should be derived from orange peel, while frankincense oil should be derived from the resin of the Boswellia tree. Look for products with natural and pure ingredients.
Next, dilution is key. Both orange oil and frankincense oil are potent and can cause skin irritation if used undiluted. Always mix with a carrier oil such as coconut, jojoba, sweet almond, or grapeseed oil before applying topically. A general rule of thumb is to use one drop of essential oil per teaspoon of carrier oil.
Before using these oils, it’s a good idea to do a patch test before using either oil. Apply a small amount of your diluted oil to a small area of your skin, wait 24 hours, and check for any signs of irritation or allergic reaction.
It’s also important to note that orange oil can cause photosensitivity, so avoid direct sunlight or tanning beds for at least 12 hours after use. High amounts of both oils may cause dizziness, so use in moderation.
Orange vs. Frankincense Oil Shelf Life and Storage
When it comes to shelf life and proper storage, orange oil and frankincense oil have some similarities but also some key differences.
Orange oil has a shorter shelf life of about six months to a year. This is because it contains delicate compounds and antioxidants that can start to degrade over time.
To get the most longevity out of your orange oil, be sure to store it in a cool, dark place in a tightly sealed bottle or container. Avoid exposing it to heat, light or oxygen whenever possible. Keep it in the fridge or use a tinted or opaque bottle.
Frankincense oil, on the other hand, has a longer shelf life of one to two years when properly stored. Its chemical composition makes it more stable than citrus oils, like orange.
Still, it’s important to keep frankincense oil in a closed container away from light and heat. An amber or blue colored bottle is ideal to limit light exposure. Some sources also recommend refrigeration to prolong its shelf life, but this isn’t entirely necessary. The most important factors are keeping it tightly sealed and in a cool, dark space.
No matter which essential oil you choose, limiting air exposure is key for longevity. Oils kept in open containers or that get pumped in and out frequently tend to deteriorate faster.
Orange vs. Frankincense Oil: The Ultimate Verdict
So, which one is better? It really depends on what you’re looking for. If you want something with a sweet, citrusy smell and excellent cleaning and immune system benefits, orange oil is the way to go. However, if you’re more interested in reducing stress and anxiety while boosting your immune system function, frankincense oil is the clear winner.
No matter which one you choose, be sure to use it safely and responsibly. And who knows, maybe you’ll end up loving both of them equally!
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