If what you mean by “anointing oil” is one of the Holy Oils, no. The Holy Oils—Chrism, Oil of the Catechumens and Oil of the Sick—are blessed and reserved for sacramental use by the clergy.
I was wondering if using essential oil is allowed (frankincense) as I know it’s used in churches like incense but I’m curious if it’s ok to be used recreationally like in a bath?
I have never heard of frankincense used in a church in the form of essential oil. Burned in its resin form, yes, but not as an essential oil.
Frankincense resin has multiple applications aside from incense, such as perfumery, skin care, medication and textile antiseptic. The use of frankincense is not limited to the sacred.
Usually the use of something only becomes restricted once Christ and/or the Holy Spirit are involved. Water, oil, incense, bread, wine… all these things are completely fine to use until they are blessed or consecrated.
Well I suppose poisons and human ingredients can only be used in limited scopes, but the underlying reasons for each of those restrictions is different.
DISCLAIMER: Catholic Answers has turned over the archive to Catholic-Questions.org and no longer owns, manages, or moderates the forums. For additional apologetics resources please visit www.catholic.com.