FRANKINCENSE ESSENTIAL OIL
A treasured resin oil with a warm, fresh, woody and softly balsamic aroma.
Botanical Information
Botanical Name: Boswellia sacra (syn. Boswellia carteri)
Family: Burseraceae
Origin: Somalia, Oman and Yemen
Method of Extraction: Steam distilled from the tree resin
Note: Base
Colour: Colourless to pale yellow, sometimes with a greenish tint
Aroma: Warm, fresh, resinous, woody and balsamic
About This Essential Oil
Frankincense Essential Oil is steam distilled from the aromatic resin of Boswellia trees. Its refined resinous aroma combines fresh, woody, softly citrus and balsamic notes. Long associated with incense, perfumery and contemplative traditions, it brings depth and quiet warmth to diffuser, massage, skincare and natural-perfumery blends.
Key Benefits
• Provides a warm, resinous and balsamic aroma
• Popular in meditation and contemplative blends
• Adds depth to natural perfumery compositions
• Complements mature-skin and body-care formulations when appropriately diluted
• Blends readily with citrus, floral, woody and spice oils
• Creates a quiet, grounded aromatic atmosphere
History
Frankincense has been traded and burned as incense for thousands of years across Arabia, north-east Africa and the Mediterranean. Ancient Egyptian, Persian, Hebrew, Greek and Roman cultures used the resin in incense, cosmetics, perfumery and ceremonial preparations. It is also well known through biblical accounts as one of the gifts presented to Jesus. The English name derives from Old French franc encens, meaning high-quality or pure incense.
Main Chemical Components
Monoterpenes
Aromatic Characteristics
• Warm and resinous
• Fresh and softly citrusy
• Woody
• Balsamic
• Subtly smoky
• Smooth base note
Aromatic Uses
• Adds depth to diffuser and room-fragrance blends
• Popular in meditation, reflection and ceremonial aromas
• Provides a lasting resinous note in natural perfumery
• Suitable for carefully diluted massage and body-care formulations
• Complements mature-skin cosmetic formulations
• Softens bright citrus and floral compositions
Aromatic Profile
• Often described as quiet, warm and grounding
• Opens with fresh resinous and softly citrus notes
• Develops woody, balsamic and lightly smoky nuances
• Useful for anchoring lighter aromatic blends
• Individual responses to aromas vary
Blends Well With
Basil, Bergamot, Black Pepper, Cedarwood, Geranium, Jasmine, Lavender, Myrrh, Neroli, Orange, Patchouli, Pine, Rose, Sandalwood, Vetiver and Ylang Ylang.
Health & Safety
• For external use only; do not ingest or apply undiluted.
• Always dilute appropriately before topical application.
• Patch test before first use and discontinue if irritation occurs.
• Avoid eyes, mucous membranes and broken or irritated skin.
• Seek qualified advice before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, for children, or when managing a medical condition.
• Use intermittently in a ventilated space and keep away from children and animals.
• Oxidised oil may increase skin-sensitisation risk; keep tightly closed and use fresh oil.
• Store securely below 25°C, away from direct sunlight and heat.
