Frankincense Essential Oil
Botanical Information
- Common Name
- Frankincense
- Botanical Name
- Boswellia carterii
- Pronunciation
- boz-WELL-ee-uh car-TAIR-ee-eye
- Plant Family
- Burseraceae (Frankincense Family)
- Genus
- Boswellia
- Species
- carterii
Meet the Tree
Frankincense comes from small, hardy Boswellia trees that are able to survive in hot, dry and rocky environments.
Instead of distilling flowers or leaves, Frankincense essential oil begins with the tree's aromatic resin.
From Tree to Resin
Small cuts are traditionally made in the bark of the tree. A sticky sap-like resin slowly emerges and hardens when exposed to air, forming pale golden or amber-coloured pieces sometimes called resin tears.
These hardened pieces of resin can be burned as incense or steam distilled to produce Frankincense essential oil.
There Is More Than One Frankincense
"Frankincense" is a general name used for aromatic resin from several species of Boswellia. Depending on the supplier, you may encounter:
- Boswellia carterii
- Boswellia sacra
- Boswellia frereana
- Boswellia serrata
- Boswellia papyrifera
Their aromas and chemistry can differ, which is why the botanical name on the bottle matters.
Plant Part Used
Frankincense essential oil is steam or hydro-distilled from the hardened oleo-gum-resin produced by the tree.
Aroma Profile
- Aroma Note
- Base
- Blending Factor
- 5
Aroma Description
Frankincense is often described as:
- Resinous
- Woody
- Warm
- Balsamic
- Earthy
- Slightly sweet
- Fresh
- Subtly citrus-like
Frankincense has a fascinating aroma because it can smell deep and resinous while still having a surprisingly fresh quality. Depending on the species and batch, you may notice woody, pine-like, lemony, balsamic or slightly spicy notes.
Chemistry Spotlight
Frankincense is a great example of why botanical species matter. Different Boswellia species can produce essential oils with noticeably different chemical profiles.
Common Constituents Associated with Boswellia carterii
A monoterpene with a fresh, pine-like aroma. It is commonly found in Frankincense oils and contributes to their fresh, resinous character.
A familiar monoterpene also abundant in many citrus oils. It can contribute a subtle bright, fresh quality.
A monoterpene that contributes fresh, woody and slightly spicy characteristics to some Frankincense oils.
A monoterpene with fresh, woody, spicy and green aromatic characteristics.
A sesquiterpene found in many aromatic plants that contributes warm, woody and spicy depth.
This means research performed on a Frankincense resin extract cannot automatically be used to make the same claims about Frankincense essential oil.
Always look at the actual substance studied: resin, extract and essential oil are related products, but they are not chemically identical.
Historical & Traditional Uses
Frankincense has been valued for thousands of years and was once one of the most important aromatic trade materials in the ancient world.
The dried resin was transported along trade routes connecting the Arabian Peninsula, northeastern Africa, India and Mediterranean civilizations.
Frankincense resin has historically been burned as incense and used in perfumes, cosmetics and traditional herbal preparations across several cultures.
Its value came partly from the remarkable fragrance released when the resin was burned and from the difficulty of harvesting and transporting it from the dry regions where Boswellia trees naturally grow.
Modern Frankincense essential oil carries the aroma of this ancient botanical material into contemporary perfumery, skincare, massage and aromatherapy.
Therapeutic Uses, Blending & Safety
Therapeutic Actions
Frankincense is especially popular in skincare, massage, relaxation and natural perfumery because it combines a pleasant resinous aroma with good versatility in blends.
Traditional Aromatherapy Actions
- Calming
- Relaxing
- Skin support
- Deodorizing
- Respiratory-style aroma
- Grounding aroma
- Massage support
Skin Care
Frankincense is widely used in facial oils, serums, creams and mature-skin formulations. Its gentle resinous aroma also combines beautifully with many common skincare oils.
It is better to describe Frankincense as supporting the appearance and condition of healthy skin rather than promising that it will remove wrinkles, scars or other skin conditions.
Relaxation
Frankincense's warm, resinous aroma makes it popular in diffuser, inhaler, bath and massage blends intended to create a calm, relaxing atmosphere.
Respiratory-Style Blends
Frankincense pairs naturally with Eucalyptus, Rosemary, conifers and citrus oils in fresh aromatic blends.
Natural Perfumery
Frankincense is especially useful in perfume because its resinous base-note character can help anchor lighter aromas and add depth and complexity.
Everyday Uses
Frankincense is one of the most versatile oils in a blending collection because it pairs successfully with so many different aroma families.
Facial & Body Oils
- Add at an appropriate dilution to facial or body oils.
- Pair with Lavender, Geranium or Cedarwood.
Diffuser
- Blend with citrus for a bright resinous aroma.
- Combine with woods and florals for deeper blends.
Massage
- Dilute appropriately in a carrier oil.
- Pair with Lavender or Black Spruce for a relaxing blend.
Natural Perfume
- Use as a warm resinous base note.
- Combine with citrus, florals, woods or spices.
Blending Guide
Frankincense is one of those oils that seems to get along with almost everyone. It can soften sharper oils, deepen lighter aromas and help bring the different parts of a blend together.
Citrus Oils
Bright, warm and sophisticated.
Safety & Contraindications
Topical Use
Frankincense is generally considered a relatively gentle essential oil when used appropriately, but all essential oils are concentrated substances and should be treated with respect.
- Dilute appropriately before topical use.
- A 1–2% dilution is practical for many everyday adult body products.
- Use lower concentrations for sensitive skin, facial products or larger application areas.
- Patch test a new topical formulation.
Oxidation
Frankincense contains monoterpenes such as α-pinene. As essential oils age and oxidize, their skin-sensitizing potential may increase.
Keep the bottle tightly closed and store it away from excessive heat, light and air. If an older oil smells noticeably different, thickens or has been poorly stored for a long period, it may be better suited to non-skin applications or discarded.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Conservative, appropriately diluted use is sensible during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Individual circumstances differ, so therapeutic use can be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional.
Children
Use age-appropriate dilution when formulating for children. Smaller bodies do not simply need a scaled-down adult recipe; concentration and method of use both matter.
Pets
When diffusing around animals, use small amounts, provide good ventilation and allow pets to leave the room. Never force an animal to remain near a diffuser.
Ingestion
Do not assume that the historical use of Frankincense resin means concentrated Frankincense essential oil is automatically appropriate for internal use. Resin and essential oil are different preparations.
General Safety
- Dilute appropriately before topical use.
- Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Store tightly sealed away from heat and direct sunlight.
- Discontinue topical use if irritation occurs.
- Do not ingest essential oils unless specifically guided by an appropriately trained healthcare professional.
Did You Know?
- Frankincense essential oil is distilled from hardened tree resin, not from flowers or leaves.
- Several different Boswellia species produce materials sold as Frankincense.
- Frankincense, Myrrh and Elemi all belong to the Burseraceae family.
- The hardened pieces of Frankincense resin are often called "tears."
- Frankincense resin extracts and Frankincense essential oil are chemically different preparations.
Fun Facts
Quick Reference Sheet
- Common Name
- Frankincense
- Botanical Name
- Boswellia carterii
- Plant Family
- Burseraceae
- Plant Part Used
- Oleo-gum-resin
- Extraction Method
- Steam / hydro-distillation
- Growing Region
- Northeastern Africa / Arabian region
- Aroma Note
- Base
- Blending Factor
- 5
- Aroma
- Resinous, woody, balsamic, warm, slightly fresh
- Hot Oil
- No
- Photosensitive
- No
- Beginner Friendly
- Yes
- α-Pinene
- Limonene
- α-Thujene
- Sabinene
- β-Caryophyllene
- Calming
- Relaxing
- Skin support
- Deodorizing
- Respiratory-style aroma
- Massage support
- Lavender
- Lemon
- Bergamot
- Orange
- Cedarwood
- Black Spruce
- Vetiver
- Geranium
- Clary Sage
- Rosemary
This information is provided for educational purposes as part of the Blending Lab curriculum. Essential oils are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with questions about a medical condition, and always follow appropriate dilution and safety guidelines before use.
