FRANKINCENSE ESSENTIAL OIL
Frankincense Essential Oil
Resinous · Balsamic · Woody
Boswellia carterii
Hydrodistilled from the aromatic resin of Frankincense trees grown in Somalia, this extraordinary oil begins with a brightness, dry citrus and fresh coniferous notes floating above warm resin, subtle pepper and balsamic woods.
Frankincense begins not with a flower or leaf, but with resin. The aromatic material is gathered from the Boswellia tree before being distilled, creating an essential oil that carries a distinctly different character from burning the raw resin itself.
In perfumery, Frankincense is both beautiful and versatile. Its brightness can lift citrus and florals while its resinous depth creates a natural bridge into woods, spice and heavier base materials.
Its long association with incense, ceremony and contemplative ritual also gives Frankincense a cultural story extending far beyond modern aromatherapy.
A botanical of resin, ancient trees and aromatic ritual.
The aroma
Resinous · Balsamic · Citrus · Softly Peppery
Botanical Notes
Frankincense — Boswellia carterii
Frankincense belongs to the Burseraceae family, a botanical family particularly associated with aromatic resin-producing trees.
Rather than distilling leaves or flowers, Frankincense essential oil is hydrodistilled from the resin.
The aroma opens bright and dry, with citrus-like top notes before revealing its more characteristic resinous, coniferous and balsamic heart. A subtle pepperiness gives the oil further complexity.
This makes Frankincense interesting in botanical perfumery: it has the depth expected of a resin while retaining enough brightness to move beautifully through a composition.
Botanical Profile
Botanical name: Boswellia carterii
Plant family: Burseraceae
Origin: Somalia
Plant part: Resin
Extraction: Hydrodistillation
Aroma family: Resinous · Woody
Perfume note: Base
Perfumery role: Base note · Natural fixative
Aroma: Dry and diffusive with bright citrus notes over resinous, coniferous, softly peppery and balsamic undertones
Blends Beautifully With
Citrus: Bergamot · Lemon · Lime · Mandarin · Petitgrain
Spice: Black Pepper · Cardamom · Cinnamon Bark · Clove Bud · Coriander · Ginger
Woods: Cedarwood Atlas · Sandalwood · Vetiver
Resins & Earth: Myrrh · Labdanum · Cistus · Patchouli
Florals: Rose · Jasmine · Geranium · Neroli · Ylang Ylang
Herbs: Clary Sage · Lavender · Rosemary · Sage · Basil
Forest: Black Spruce · Fir · Pine · Cypress · Juniper Berry · Eucalyptus · Fragonia
Frankincense is especially beautiful when used as a bridge between citrus and deeper woods or resins.
Its dry brightness prevents heavy compositions from becoming overly dense, while its balsamic character gives lighter materials greater depth.
The Ritual
Add a few drops to a diffuser as part of a quiet evening, meditation or contemplative ritual.
For topical formulations, dilute appropriately in a carrier oil before applying to the skin.
In botanical perfumery, Frankincense can form part of the base while still contributing brightness higher in the composition. It works beautifully in incense, amber, woody, floral, spice and citrus structures.
Try Frankincense + Mandarin + Vetiver for something luminous, resinous and earthy.
Or Frankincense + Rose + Sandalwood for a softer, more enveloping botanical perfume.
And for Meditation, Frankincense + Clary Sage + Vetiver is particularly beautiful.
Ingredients
100% Pure Frankincense Essential Oil — Boswellia carterii
Hydrodistilled from the resin.
Origin: Somalia.
Safety
For external use only. Do not ingest or apply undiluted to the skin.
Dilute appropriately before topical application. Avoid contact with eyes and sensitive areas. Keep out of reach of children.
Store tightly closed in a cool, dark place away from heat and direct sunlight.