There’s something humbling about standing before a frankincense tree. Weathered by centuries of sun and wind, its bark scarred and rough, yet still giving life through the precious resin it releases. This resin—once more valuable than gold—has traveled the world for thousands of years. Burned in temples, offered to gods, traded across deserts, and used in beauty rituals long before the word “skincare” even existed.
Today, distilled into a golden essential oil, frankincense continues its journey—not only as a fragrance of meditation and prayer, but also as one of the most versatile and nurturing ingredients for skin and spirit.
Frankincense oil is born from the gum resin of Boswellia trees, tapped carefully by hand in places like Somalia, Oman, and India. When the bark is cut, the tree naturally produces resin to protect and heal itself—nature’s own bandage. That resin is then steam-distilled into an essential oil, carrying the very essence of resilience and renewal.
Different species of Boswellia each bring a slightly unique character:
•Boswellia carterii (which I use in my blends) is warm, grounding, and softly citrusy.
•Boswellia serrata, native to India, is sharper and more herbaceous.
•Boswellia sacra, from Oman, has long been reserved for sacred rituals.
Each carries the unmistakable resinous depth that frankincense is loved for: calming, grounding, yet uplifting all at once.
The Science in the Scent
Behind its timeless aroma is a fascinating chemistry. Frankincense essential oil is rich in monoterpenes like α-pinene, myrcene, sabinene, and limonene. These plant compounds contribute to its ability to:
•Calm irritation and support skin healing
•Offer antimicrobial protection
•Ease inflammation and pain
•Relax the mind and reduce stress
It’s important to note that while frankincense resin contains boswellic acids—studied for anti-inflammatory and even anti-cancer potential—these do not come through in the essential oil. The oil’s magic lies in its aroma and skin-soothing terpenes, not in the acids.
Using Frankincense Safely
Because essential oils are so concentrated, dilution is key. I recommend blending frankincense with a nourishing carrier oil such as jojoba, almond, or avocado oil. A 1–2% dilution is usually perfect for daily skincare—gentle yet effective. Store the oil in a cool, dark place to keep its integrity.
Why I Love It for the Skin
Frankincense oil has become a beloved part of my formulations for both body butter and face oil, and here’s why:
•Restores balance – It helps calm redness and supports an even skin tone.
•Supports renewal – Gentle yet powerful, it encourages healthy-looking, radiant skin.
•Refines texture – Its mild astringency makes pores appear smoother and skin more refined.
•Soothes the senses – While nourishing the skin, its aroma quiets the mind, making skincare feel like meditation.
It’s more than just an ingredient. It transforms a daily ritual into a grounding moment of self-connection.
To me, frankincense is a reminder of the ancient bond between humans and nature. A single drop carries the memory of deserts, trade routes, rituals, and the quiet resilience of trees healing their own wounds.
When I blend it into Söil’s Bloom & Grow Softening Body Butter or Blossom Beyond Face Oil, I don’t just think of skin benefits—I think of that deeper connection. Of how this sacred resin has traveled through time to meet us here, reminding us to slow down, to breathe, and to let nature guide our healing.
Frankincense is not only skincare—it is soul care.